First Impression –

— Mom, this is Natalia — said Quique, slightly blushing, as he arrived home late at night with a young woman by his side.

— Good evening — replied Lola, casting a disapproving look at the unexpected guest. — What a perfect time for introductions… It’s five minutes to midnight!

— I told Quique it was too late — the girl quickly defended herself — but does he listen? He’s more stubborn than a mule!

“What a talent,” thought Lola. “She excuses herself and blames him. I don’t like this girl.”

— Come in — she said coldly, and without another word, retreated to her bedroom.

What else could she do? Kick her only son out in the middle of the night? Over a girl she didn’t even know? If they wanted to live together, let them. Mothers are there to protect… and sometimes to open their children’s eyes. And Lola planned to do just that — quickly. She would make Quique get rid of that girl with no regrets. In fact, she’d be glad to see her gone.

Lola stayed awake all night, scheming how to drive Natalia out of the apartment.

She wasn’t against marriage. At thirty, Quique was more than ready to start a family.

But not with this one.

First of all, she was clearly younger — which could only mean an immature head full of dreams.

What kind of wife, mother, or homemaker could she possibly be?

Secondly, her manners were questionable. Showing up at someone’s house late at night, without so much as an apology — and even blaming her precious son for it!

And on top of that — she spent the night!

Was this the first time she did something like that? Or was it a habit?

And third… Lola just didn’t like her.

And sooner or later, Quique would feel the same.

So why waste time?

In the end, she didn’t even have to put her plan into motion.

Natalia gave her all the reasons herself.

The first red flag came the next morning.

Natalia went into the shower and didn’t come out for nearly an hour.

Meanwhile, Quique paced the apartment like a restless ghost, growing more irritated by the minute.

— What’s wrong, sweetheart? — Lola asked with exaggerated sweetness. — She’s just getting ready… she wants to look nice for you.

— But I have to go to work!

— Then knock on the door and explain to her she’s not alone here — his mother suggested.

— That’s awkward… I’ll talk to her later. Mom, aren’t you going to be late?

— Me? No, I’m ready. Look, I made French toast. Sit down and eat something.

— But I haven’t even washed my face!

— You’ll do that later. Don’t waste time — eat a proper breakfast. You’ve got a long day ahead.

Quique sat down.

Just then, Natalia stepped out of the bathroom, towel wrapped around her head.

She looked like a fashion model.

— Finally! — said Quique, rushing to the fogged-up mirror.

He washed quickly, shaved in record time, scarfed down the smallest slice of toast, and yelled on his way out:

— See you tonight! I hope you two get along!

— Quique! — Natalia called after him — We were going to pick up my things today!

— We’ll do it later. Don’t get bored! — he shouted from the hallway.

Lola got up, closed the door behind him, turned to Natalia, and said:

— Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?

— No — the girl replied with a smile. — Should I be?

— Because of you, Quique is going to be late for work!

— He won’t. I’m sure he’ll take a taxi. Don’t worry, everything will be fine.

— In any case, remember: you’re not alone here. If you want to spend an hour in the shower in the morning, get up earlier. Good thing I don’t work today.

— It won’t happen again — said Natalia calmly. — I’m sorry.

Lola was baffled. She had expected a fight. But this…?

— Fine — she grumbled, heading to the bathroom.

The first thing she saw was a brand-new tube of toothpaste open, even though there was a half-used one right next to it.

— Natalia, why did you open a new tube of toothpaste?

— I prefer this one…

— I hope you brought your own… and your shampoo!

— Of course, Lola…

— And your towels too!

— I’ll bring them…

No matter how hard Lola tried to pick a fight, Natalia gave her no reason. She nodded, promised to remember the rules, and didn’t argue.

Eventually, Lola gave up on small talk and went straight to the point.

— What are you doing here?

— Quique and I love each other…

— Of course you love a guy like him! What I don’t understand is what he sees in you.

— I’ve never asked him…

— Who are your parents?

— My mom works at a factory. She’s a seamstress.

— And your father?

— I’ve never met him.

— I see. Raised without a father. And how do you expect to be a good wife to my son?

— I’ll do my best…

— Doesn’t matter what you do, girl. This won’t work. My son doesn’t love you. He just thinks he does! I know him better than anyone! He’ll never marry you. Why should he? You settle for anything.

— He loves me — Natalia said, her voice trembling — I’m sure of it.

— You’re wrong. Do you think you’re the first?

— I don’t think so… but it doesn’t matter…

— Doesn’t matter?! He’ll be bored of you in a week! You’re not on his level. Intelligence! Do you even know what that is?

— Yes. But I don’t think it’s relevant here.

— Why not?

— I have a college degree.

— So what? Listen, girl, you’d better go home today. This isn’t your place. I’ve been trying to make that clear for hours.

— Alright, I’ll leave. But what will you tell Quique? He won’t like it.

— That’s none of your business! Leave and don’t come back. You’re not wanted here.

As she spoke, even Lola was surprised at herself. She had never said such things to anyone. The words flowed like poison from her mouth.

And Natalia?

The girl looked at her… and understood everything.

Her future mother-in-law was jealous.
Less than a day together and she already hated her.
And this was only the beginning…

Suddenly, the front door burst open — Quique was back earlier than expected.

— So soon? — asked Lola, annoyed. She had expected Natalia to be gone by now.

— They let me go early! — Quique said cheerfully — I told them I had a family matter to handle. Did you hear that, Natalia? Family!

— Family matter? — Lola muttered suspiciously.

— We’re going to file our marriage papers and then pick up her things! Natalia, get ready!

— Marriage papers? Already? — Lola glanced nervously at Natalia — I thought you were just planning to live together…

Because even if she refused to admit it aloud, Lola knew that girl had won.
And she hadn’t even raised her voice.