23 stories
The Henna Night
The night before his wedding, the groom is summoned by the bride's mother and aunt. They have traditions to teach him—and tests to administer.
Dowry Negotiations
His mother-in-law holds the dowry over his head. She'll forgive the debt—for a price only he can pay. Some debts require creative repayment.
Family Matters
His wife is at a conference. Her mother and sister have been waiting for a chance to show him what the family really has to offer.
In-Laws
He married the daughter. But every holiday visit, it's the mother he can't stop thinking about. This Christmas, she stops pretending not to notice.
Both Sides
His aunt. His mother-in-law. His sister-in-law. Three women from two families, each thinking she's the only one — until they discover the truth and choose to share.
Like Mother, Like Daughter
His wife has always lived in her mother's shadow. When her mother starts showing up for 'visits' that last hours, his wife doesn't stop it—she competes. Side by side. Let him choose.
Chai na Maandazi
His Kenyan mother-in-law disapproves of him—until she discovers why her daughter married a man half her size. Some appetites are inherited.
Usiku wa Arusi
His bride is young and terrified. On the wedding night, the girl's thick mother comes to the bridal chamber instead. 'Let me prepare you both,' she says. The preparation becomes the main event.
Meeting the Mother
He's dating her daughter. But when he meets his girlfriend's mother for the first time—thick, divorced, and starving for attention—he realizes he might be with the wrong woman.
Every Sunday
It started at his wedding reception. Five years later, it hasn't stopped. Every Sunday, he visits for 'family dinner.' His wife helps in the kitchen. He helps her mother in the bedroom upstairs.
While She's Gone
His wife's away for two weeks. Her mother insists on staying to help. When she catches him in a compromising position, she doesn't look away—she takes over.
Mother's Blessing
His wife has always done what her mother says. When her mother decides she wants him too, his wife doesn't argue—she participates. Now their marriage includes a third person.
The Bridal Suite
He's the groom. Cold feet, wandering the hotel. He runs into his future mother-in-law and the maid of honor, both tipsy, both confessing things they shouldn't.
Mama Harusi
He's marrying into a wealthy Swahili family. His bride's mother doesn't approve of him. During the wedding week, she corners him to discuss expectations. Her expectations are not what he imagined.
Thanksgiving Secret
Every Thanksgiving at his wife's family home. Every year, a different woman corners him. This year, they've coordinated.
The Honeymoon Suite
His new bride passes out drunk on their wedding night. Her mother knocks on the honeymoon suite door. 'She always was a lightweight. I'm not.'
Debt Collection
She paid for the wedding. The house. His wife's lifestyle. Now she's collecting on the debt—not in money, but in him. Weekly visits to her estate. Mandatory.
Wedding Weekend
His wife is the bride's sister. The night before the wedding, too much champagne, too many years of tension. The mother-in-law and sister-in-law corner him in the coat room.
The Promotion
His wife's mother is the CEO of his company. She's always been flirtatious at family dinners. When he's up for VP, she calls him to her office after hours. The promotion is his—if he earns it.
Rehearsal Dinner
His fiancee's mother has always been flirtatious, but he assumed it was harmless. During the week leading up to the wedding, stolen glances become stolen moments. By the rehearsal dinner, he's questioning everything.
Business Trip
When his wife can't make it to her mother's gallery opening in another city, he goes alone to represent the family. One too many glasses of champagne in her hotel suite, and years of subtle tension explode.
The Witness
Old tradition requires a witness to the wedding night. His mother-in-law volunteers. But watching isn't enough—she needs to verify everything personally.
Maid of Honor
The night before he marries her daughter. One last chance before they're family.