When Layla’s inheritance comes through, her future mother-in-law sees dollar signs and hands her a demand list of gifts she “owes” the family. But Layla has a lesson of her own to teach. As betrayal unfolds and love crumbles, she delivers a final gift they’ll never forget. I thought my relationship with Jake was perfect. Until his mother showed me who she really was. Jake and I had been together for three years, and when he proposed, I was over the moon. We had a beautiful little life together. We had a cozy apartment, a love that felt unbreakable, a cat named Cami, and dreams of a future where we’d build something even greater.

Then, my grandmother passed away. It was heartbreaking. My grandmother was everything I wanted to be when I was older. She had practically raised me, and the loss cut deep. But she had always told me she wanted to make sure I was taken care of. “Layla, my child,” she told me. “Out of all my grandchildren, you’re the one that will always be special to me. From the time you were born, I knew that you would be the mini-me. I will always take care of you, my girl. Even after I die.” And she did. She left me $500,000.

I wasn’t expecting it. Of course, not. I wasn’t even ready for it. Honestly, I didn’t know what to do with that kind of money. But when my future mother-in-law, Denise, found out? Suddenly, she had plenty of ideas. And none of them involved me. It happened a week after Jake told his family about my inheritance. We were at Sunday dinner at his parents’ house when Denise pulled me aside, her usual sweet but calculated smile on her face. “I have something for you, sweetheart. I know that it’s been difficult, mourning the loss of your grandmother. But it’s time to move on now. The sun keeps shining, Layla,” she cooed, handing me an envelope.

I smiled, expecting maybe a heartfelt letter or some kind of family heirloom. Something sentimental, really. Instead? It was a list. Not just any list. A demand list. Gifts I was expected to buy as Jake’s fiancée. Before I could be “fully accepted” into their family. I skimmed the page, my stomach twisting as my eyes landed on each insane request. A $10,000 Cartier bracelet: as a symbol of my apparent love and appreciation for my mother-in-law. A brand-new car for Jake’s younger sister: because “family supports each other, and you know, Elena needs a car.”

A $20,000 gift (loan) to Jake’s parents so that they could renovate their kitchen before our wedding. A Rolex for my father-in-law. A fully paid family vacation for ten people. First-class flights included. A monthly “family contribution” of $2,000 to prove that I was “committed to the well-being of the family.” I felt my face burning. I let out a small, forced laugh as Denise cut into the pecan pie for dinner. Elena was scooping out ice cream. Jake was topping up the wine. My father-in-law was rummaging for a toothpick. “You’re joking… right? This is just one big prank?”

Denise tilted her head, her smile never faltering. “Oh, honey. This is just what’s expected of you. You’re about to marry into this family, and we take care of each other. You’re lucky to have this opportunity.” Lucky? My grandmother had died. And this woman was acting like I had just hit the lottery? What the hell was happening? And then she said something that sealed her fate. “If you really love my son, you’ll do this.” I didn’t argue.

I didn’t storm out. Instead, I forced the sweetest smile I could muster. “Oh, Denise,” I gushed. “I totally get it. You’re right. Family takes care of family. I’d love to do this. For you… for everyone. Maybe I’ll even throw in a pair of gold cufflinks for Jake.” Her eyes gleamed with undisguised greed. “I knew you’d understand, sweetheart,” she said. “Here’s a slice of pie, Layla. Enjoy!” I accepted the pie, and we all sat in silence. Denise spoke about models of cars that she thought Elena would like. She told me that she would send me links to the bracelet she wanted.