A Calculated Move
One evening, while Paul was at work, Lily approached Harriet with a tentative smile. “Harriet, I’ve been thinking. Maybe it’s time for Paul and me to start looking for a place of our own. You’ve been so generous to let us stay, but I think this is the next step for our marriage.” The words, though considerate, carried an ache for Harriet. Still, she nodded with quiet understanding. “I only want the best for you both, Lily. If this feels right, you have my full support,” she replied sincerely, even as a weight settled in her chest at the thought of losing the daily presence of her son. Their time together had made life feel so much brighter.
A Calculated Move
Setting the Stage
Lily felt a rush of triumph as her plan began to take shape. She urged Paul to start searching for apartments, highlighting the importance of independence and privacy—fully aware that Harriet would intervene. Torn between his love for Lily and his loyalty to his mother, Paul reluctantly agreed to begin looking. As they toured potential homes, Lily’s thoughts raced ahead to the next phase of her scheme. Convincing Paul to move out of his mother’s house was only the first step. She needed to ensure that Harriet wouldn’t remain a constant presence in their lives, and she was determined to do whatever it took to secure the future she envisioned.
Setting The Stage