Dealing with troubles

Raphael sighed as he nursed his drink at the bar, feeling the familiar weight of his troubles bearing down on him. He had thought that marrying Sophia would bring him happiness, but his mother's constant interference and disapproval had created a rift between them. He loved Sophia dearly, but his loyalty to his mother made it difficult for him to stand up to her.

He thought about his mother's suggestion to take a second wife, but the idea was abhorrent to him. He didn't want to betray Sophia's trust or hurt her further. Yet, he couldn't deny the ache in his heart for a child of his own. He felt like he was stuck in a never-ending cycle of guilt and sorrow.

As he left the bar and made his way home, Raphael felt a sense of dread wash over him. He knew his mother would be waiting for him, ready to pounce on him with her criticisms and demands. He wondered how much longer he could keep this up, living in a state of tension and conflict.

When he arrived home, Sophia greeted him with a mixture of sadness and understanding in her eyes. "Raphael, we need to talk," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Raphael hesitated, knowing that this conversation would only lead to more pain and heartache. But he also knew that he couldn't avoid it forever. With a heavy heart, he nodded, and they sat down together, ready to face the troubles that had been plaguing their marriage for so long.

Sophia took a deep breath and began to speak, her words pouring out like a river that had been dammed for too long. "Raphael, I know you're torn between your love for me and your loyalty to your mother. But I can't keep living like this, with your mother constantly criticizing me and trying to drive a wedge between us. I feel like I'm walking on eggshells all the time, never knowing when she'll strike next."

Raphael listened, his heart heavy with sorrow and regret. He knew Sophia was right, but he didn't know how to fix it. He felt trapped, caught between his love for his wife and his obligation to his mother.

"Sophia, I...I don't know what to do," he admitted, feeling a lump form in his throat. "I love you, but I can't seem to stand up to my mother. She's always been so strong, so dominant...I feel like I'm a failure as a husband and a son."

Sophia's expression softened, and she reached out to take his hand. "Raphael, you're not a failure. You're caught in a difficult situation, that's all. But we need to find a way to address this, together. We can't keep living like this, with your mother's shadow hanging over us all the time."

Raphael nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope for the first time in months. Maybe, just maybe, they could find a way to overcome this and build a stronger marriage, one that wasn't threatened by his mother's constant interference. But as he looked into Sophia's eyes, he knew it wouldn't be easy. His mother would not give up without a fight."I know, Sophia. I know we need to do something. But what can we do? My mother is...she's a force of nature. She won't listen to reason, and she won't back down."

Sophia sighed, her eyes filled with a deep understanding. "I know, Raphael. But we can't keep letting her control our lives. We need to set boundaries, and we need to stand firm. For our sake, and for the sake of our marriage."

Raphael nodded, feeling a sense of determination rising up within him. "You're right, Sophia. I'll talk to her, and I'll make it clear that we won't be pushed around anymore. We'll find a way to deal with this, together."

Sophia smiled, her eyes shining with hope. "That's all I can ask for, Raphael. Let's face this together, and let's build a life that's free from your mother's interference."

As they hugged, Raphael felt a sense of resolve wash over him. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was ready to stand up to his mother and fight for his marriage. Little did he know, his mother was watching from the shadows, her eyes blazing with anger and determination. The battle for control was far from over.

Mrs. Martins' eyes narrowed as she watched her son and his wife embrace. She couldn't believe they were conspiring against her, trying to undermine her authority and her plans for the family. She had given them everything, and this was how they repaid her? By plotting behind her back?

She felt a surge of anger and humiliation, and she knew she had to act fast. She couldn't let them think they could outsmart her and get away with it. She began to formulate a plan, a plan to show them who was really in charge.

The next day, Mrs. Martins called a family meeting, her eyes cold and calculating. "Raphael, Sophia, I know what you've been discussing," she said, her voice dripping with venom. "And let me tell you, I won't stand for it. You'll listen to me and do as I say, or you'll face the consequences."

Raphael and Sophia exchanged a nervous glance, knowing they were in for a fight. But they were determined to stand up to her, to take control of their own lives and their own destiny.

And so, the battle began. A battle of wills, a battle of power, a battle for control. Only time would tell who would emerge victorious.

It's been a week after the couples agreed not to be controlled anymore, but Raphael is getting broken inside by all this drama, that evening, he drank alone to stupor, he managed to call his driver who took him home, it was 11 pm, and Raphael heard no noise, assumed that everyone was asleep, not wanting to wake anyone, he entered his study.