“Did we really build a huge house for no good reason?”
“Are you saying we built a massive house for nothing?”
snapped the mother-in-law. “Then hand back half its value!”
“I need to have a serious word with you,” said the woman with short hair, sitting across from Emily. “Before you started dating my son, there are a few things you ought to know.”
The petite blonde blinked in surprise at her future in-law, whom shed only met three times in her life.
“So, if you want to be part of our family, understand thisOlivers parents come first!” declared Margaret proudly. “We dont need a daughter-in-law who thinks shell boss him about.”
“Am I bossing him?” Emily cut in.
“Hold your horses, let me finish!” Margaret retorted sharply.
Emily dropped her gaze instantly, flushing bright red. She didnt want to upset Olivers mother. Theyd only just started dating, and she wasnt about to rock the boat.
“Yes,” Margaret continued, “our family has a plan: the moment Oliver marries, were all moving into the nearly finished house. One big, happy family under one roof!”
“Brilliant!” Emily forced a smile.
Margaret raised an eyebrow, taken aback by her quick agreement. She hadnt expected such compliance.
“Im so glad youre on board! Well be the best of friends,” Margaret said with a sly wink.
Immediately, she began singing Emilys praises to Oliverwhat a kind, clever, caring girl she was.
Seeing this, Emily doubled down on her efforts to please. She showered Margaret with little gifts, thoughtful and otherwise, to prove her devotion.
A year later, fearing Oliver might never propose, Margaret began nudging him toward the big question.
“When are you going to pop the question?” she pestered almost daily. “Shell lose patience and leave you, mark my words!”
After some calculationsand conceding that his mother had a pointOliver proposed. Emily accepted with glee.
The wedding was paid for by his parents, further convincing Emily shed picked the perfect match.
The newlyweds spent the first three months in a rented flat before Margaret triumphantly announced the house was move-in ready.
“Pack your bags, loveswere moving in together!” she chirped.
“Why? Were fine here!” Emily scowled, having no intention of living with her in-laws.
“Why? We agreedonce the house was done, wed all live there!” Margaret spluttered.
“Move in if you like, but count us out!” Emily sniffed, her attitude shifting dramatically.
Margaret was so stunned she gaped in silence for several seconds.
“Waityou promised,” she stammered.
“That was then. Ive changed my mind. Were living separately!” Emily snapped. “Actually, since youve moved out, Oliver and I will take your flat.”
“Excuse me? Cheeky mare!” Margaret hissed before hanging up in outrage.
Emily waited out the dial tone, then set the phone down just as Olivers rang in the kitchen. She eavesdroppedMargaret was already ranting to him.
Half an hour later, when he finally ended the call, Emily wandered in. His grim expression said it all.
“Whats going on?” he demanded.
“Whats wrong?” she retorted, arms crossed.
“Mum called. Shes demanding money.”
“What? What money? For what?” Emily feigned shock.
“For the house. Did you promise her something before we married? About living there together?”
“Dont be silly,” Emily played dumb.
“You agreed to her plan, didnt you?” Oliver pressed.
“So what if I did? Ive changed my mind.” She looked away.
“I never agreed because I thought she was being ridiculous! That house sat unfinished for three years, but after our wedding, she rushed to complete itfor you!” he gritted out.
“Well, good for her. Whats the big deal?” Emily shrugged.
Oliver said nothinghis phone rang again. But he outsmarted her, handing it over with a cold, “Your turn.”
The second Margaret heard Emilys voice, she pounced.
“Pay up for the house!” she barked.
“What money? Have you lost the plot?” Emily shot back.
“So we built that house for nothing? Then hand over half its value!”
“Half of what? Dream on!” Emily sneered.
“Two hundred thousand quid! You owe me two hundred grand!” Margaret shrieked. “Or else”
“Or else what? I never signed anything!” Emily crowed.
“Then consider yourselves cut off!” Margaret threatened.
“Oh no, however will we cope?” Emily snorted, hanging up.
Margaret then demanded Oliver pay her £5,000 a month.
“At this rate, youll be paying me for decades!” she fumed. “Either move in or increase the payments.”
With no way to pay more, Oliver reluctantly agreed.
But Emily refused to budge. Six months later, they divorced.
