*Did we really build this house for nothing?*
So, we built this grand house for nothing? snapped the mother-in-law. Then pay me back half the cost!
We need to have a serious talk, said the short-haired woman, sitting across from Emily. Before you marry my son, there are things you must know.
The slender blonde stared at her soon-to-be mother-in-lawa woman shed only met twice beforewith uneasy curiosity.
Simply put, if you want to join our family, you must understand that the most important people in Henrys life are his parents! declared Beatrice proudly. We dont need a daughter-in-law wholl control our son.
Do I seem controlling? Emily interrupted.
Listen properly, will you? Show some patience, Beatrice replied sharply.
Emily dropped her gaze, cheeks flushing. She didnt want to upset Henrys mother. They hadnt been together long, and she dreaded coming across as difficult.
Right, then, Beatrice continued, our family has a plan: once Henry marries, well all move into the house thats nearly finished. Well live togetherone big, happy family!
Lovely! Emily forced a smile.
Beatrice raised an eyebrow, taken aback. She hadnt expected such quick agreement.
Im thrilled youre on board! I think well get along splendidly, she winked.
From then on, Beatrice sang Emilys praises to Henry, calling her clever, kind, and thoughtful. Sensing an advantage, Emily redoubled her effortsgifting Beatrice trinkets just because, playing the dutiful future bride.
A year later, fearing the wedding might never happen, Beatrice nudged Henry. When will you propose? shed ask almost daily. She might slip away, and youll regret it.
Eventually, Henry took the hint. He proposed, Emily accepted, and his parents covered the wedding costs, which only reassured her shed chosen well.
For three months, the newlyweds lived in a rented flatuntil Beatrice announced, beaming, The house is ready! Pack your things, were moving in!
Why? Were fine here, Emily frowned, dreading life under the same roof as her in-laws.
What do you mean, *why*? Beatrice gasped. We agreedonce the house was built, wed *all* live there!
You move in, then. Whos stopping you? Emilys tone turned icy, her politeness vanishing.
Beatrice was so stunned she fell silent for several seconds.
You *promised*, she finally whispered.
Promises change. I wont live with you, Emily stated. Well stay separate. Actually, since *youre* leaving, Henry and I will take *your* flat.
*Excuse me*? The cheek! Beatrice shrieked. You greedy little! She hung up mid-insult.
Emily listened to the dial tone, baffled, before setting the phone down. Moments later, Henrys phone rang in the kitchen. She eavesdroppedBeatrice was ranting about her.
Half an hour later, when Henry finally returned, his face was stormy.
Whats this about? he demanded.
Emily crossed her arms. *Whats* what about?
Mum called. Shes demanding money.
Money? For *what*?
The house. What did you promise her before the wedding? Henrys jaw tightened. Living together?
Nothing, Emily played innocent.
You approved the house plan, didnt you?
So? I changed my mind. She looked away.
I *told* her it was a waste! That house sat half-built for *three years*. She only finished it because of *you*!
Finishedso what? Whats the problem?
Henrys phone rang again. Coolly, he handed it to her. *You* talk to her.
The moment Beatrice heard Emilys voice, she attacked.
Pay me back for that house!
*Pay you*? Are you mad?
We built it for *nothing* because of you! Beatrice seethed. Hand over half the cost!
*Half*? Dream on.
Four hundred thousand pounds! You owe me four hundred thousand pounds! Or else
Or *what*? I never signed anything!
Then youll never see us again!
*Perfect*. Emily hung up, grinning.
Beatrice shifted her demands to Henry, who started sending her five thousand pounds monthly.
At this rate, youll repay me in *eight years*! she snapped. Move into the house, or double the payments.
With no extra funds, Henry agreed. But Emily refused. Six months later, the marriage crumbledalong with every promise made.
