My MIL Left the House Every Thursday & Returned Smelling Terribly — I Went Pale When I Discovered Why

This is a compelling and well-layered story! The contrast between Olive’s quiet life as a designer and the hidden chaos her mother-in-law introduces makes for an intriguing narrative arc. Olive’s patience wears thin as her suspicions grow, and her decision to investigate unveils a secret life that feels almost cinematic, with the reveal in a hidden casino adding a dark twist to Cordelia’s character.

Olive’s journey—from suspicion to decisive action with the police and eventually a conditional forgiveness—provides a realistic portrayal of the emotional toll such situations can have on family dynamics. The ending, where Olive and Xander offer Cordelia one last chance, strikes a hopeful yet cautious tone, suggesting a fragile possibility for redemption.

If you’d like to add anything more, such as further development of the family’s perspective or even expanding Olive’s inner thoughts, it could bring even more depth to the story!