If you talked about the struggle between me and my mother-in-law, it started when I married into this family. It was either the east wind overpowering the west wind, or the west wind overpowering the east wind.
Just like what happened a few months ago.
Since becoming pregnant, I've been suffering from severe morning sickness and swelling in my hands and feet.
So, I came up with the idea of hiring a maternity nanny.
Before getting pregnant, I was a manager at a design company, and although I gave up that job at my husband's insistence, I had saved quite a bit of money over the years.
I quickly finalized a nanny through an app, and she arrived the next day.
But when my mother-in-law saw the nanny, she nearly exploded.
"Nina, I'm not saying you, but how could you tolerate everything for months and then suddenly decide you can't handle it in the last few months?" She blocked the nanny from entering.
"And really, how much money will you waste hiring a nanny?"
Seeing the nanny outside looking confused, I took a deep breath. "Mom, I'm getting heavier and my hands and feet are swelling. Thomas is busy with work and can't come home, so having a nanny will help me a lot."
My mother-in-law, using her strength, pushed the nanny out and slammed the door shut.
"I think you young ones have grown too used to comfort. When I had my baby, I was back on my feet right away—you're just too delicate!"
She continued, "This nanny business is not negotiable unless you step over my dead body."
Afterward, I apologized to the nanny and gave her a red envelope so the agency wouldn't blacklist me.
The more I thought about it, the angrier and more aggrieved I felt.
Why shouldn't I spend my own money to hire a nanny?
So, I directly rented a place outside, keeping the key to myself, and stayed there to rest during my pregnancy.
Those days with the nanny were incredibly comfortable.
Every meal was prepared for me, and she would massage my swollen feet and hands, not to mention the emotional support she provided.
Meanwhile, my mother-in-law, Melanie, was out playing mahjong every day, expecting me to take care of her when she returned home.
This only strengthened my resolve to take care of myself.
During this time, I called my husband to discuss it, but he was probably too busy, as he hung up shortly after I started.
Feeling lonely, I looked at my phone, which was still buzzing, and stroked my growing belly.