You seem to have forgotten this flat is minebought before we married! I said sharply as my husband confidently gave orders about my home.
Emily set her tea on the windowsill, gazing pensively outside. Shed saved for this flat for ten years, working two jobs, putting aside every pound while denying herself everything. And now
Emmy, I thought we could rearrange the furniture, her mother-in-laws voice carried from the living room. That sofa is all wrong where it is.
Emily sighed. Margaret had dropped by unannounced again, letting herself in with a key shed had copiedjust in case.
Its fine as it is, Emily said, stepping into the room. I like it this way.
How can you? Margaret threw up her hands. Its terrible feng shui! I saw a programme about it last night
Margaret, I dont want it moved.
James! Margaret called out as her son entered. Tell your wife elders should be respected in a family.
James hesitated, glancing between them.
Mum, maybe not now?
When, then? Your father and I arent getting any younger. Soon well need looking after, and youve got all this space
Emily clenched her jaw. There it wasthe fear shed had since they married. Margaret was laying the groundwork to move in.
Youve got a lovely three-bed in Chelsea, Emily reminded her.
Lovely? Margaret scoffed. Third floor with no lift! At our age, thats impossible. But hereground floor, shops nearby
Mum, well talk later, James cut in.
Whats to discuss? Family sticks together. Your sister took us in straightaway
Charlottes husband bought their place, Emily snapped. I earned this flat myselfbefore the marriage.
Oh, here we go! Margaret waved her off. Mine, yours In a family, everythings shared!
Emilys right, James said unexpectedly firmly. Its her flat.
James, how can you say that? Margaret clutched her chest dramatically. Ive given everything for you
Not now, Mum, James guided her toward the door. Ill walk you out.
When they were gone, Emily sank into the armchair. Three years of marriage, and the same arguments. First hints, then comments on decor, now outright demands
Sorry about Mum, James sat beside her. You know she means well.
Does she? Emily gave a bitter smile. Or does she just want to control us?
Dont be like that
James, she lets herself in, rearranges my things, criticises everythingand now she wants to move in!
They are getting older, James sighed. Maybe we should consider it? Theyre my parents
Emily shot up.
Are you serious? You want them living here?
Not immediately, but eventually
James, this flat is the one thing I worked forten years of saving. Its my space, my
Our space, James corrected gently. Were a family.
Emily stared, stunned. A thought flashed: *So youve claimed it too?*
Speaking of the flat, James continued casually, I spoke to an estate agent.
What agent? Emily tensed.
Mum recommended someone. Very professional. He said if we sell this place
Sell *my* flat?! Emily whirled around.
*Our* flat, James corrected. If we sell ours and my parents, we could get a house in Surrey. Space for everyone, fresher air
Emily gaped. Had he and his mother planned this behind her back?
James, do you hear yourself? Her voice shook. What house? What sale?
It makes sense, James said soothingly. Why stay in London when we could
The doorbell rang. A man in a suit stood there.
Good evening. Im from the estate agency. I had an appointment with Mr. Whitmore
Perfect timing, Emily flung the door open.
James paled.
Em, wait
No, *you* wait. Emily turned to the agent. Did you know this flat is solely in my name? Bought before marriage?
The agent glanced at James.
Your husband said
He says a lot. Emily pulled out the deeds. Look. Ownership papers. Marriage date. See the difference?
Ah. Then the sale cant proceed without your consent.
Exactly. And Im not giving it.
We had an agreement! Margaret cut in.
*You* had one. Behind my back.
The agent left, promising to refund Jamess deposit. Emily packed his suitcase.
You cant do this! Margaret wailed. Were family!
We *were*, Emily zipped the bag. Until you tried to run my life.
James grabbed her wrist.
Emily, lets talk!
About what? The sale? Or the loan you took against *my* flat?
I was trying to
For who? Your mother? Yourself? Not for me.
Her phone buzzeda bank alert. A loan application, using her flat as collateral. Her vision swam.
What is this? She shoved the screen at James.
He looked away.
The house deposit I thought wed agree
Agree? Emily laughed coldly. Did you forge my signature?
The deadline was tight, Margaret interjected. You always complicate things
*Im* complicating things? Emilys voice rose. You commit fraud, and *Im* the problem?
Darling
Dont darling me. Get out. Both of you.
Emily
Now. And tomorrow Im reporting this to the bankand the police.
You wouldnt! Margaret gasped. Hes your husband!
Not anymore. Emily dropped her ring on the table.
James stepped closer.
Pleaselets work this out.
Theres nothing to work out. Leave the keys and go.
Youll regret this! Margaret shrieked.
Emily walked downstairs, feeling lighter than she had in years. Her phone buzzedJames calling. She declined and blocked him.
Her best friend, Sarah, hugged her tight.
Tell me everything.
Emily didhow Margaret had slowly invaded, how James always sided with her, how shed tried to keep peace at her own expense.
And now this loan, Emily exhaled. How could he?
Will you go to the police?
Yes. And the bank. Theyll know I didnt consent.
Her phone kept buzzingMargarets threats, Jamess pleas. Emily deleted them all.
What now? Sarah poured more wine.
Now I live for *me*not for people who see me as a spare room.
For the first time in years, she felt free. Renovations, a holiday, yoga classesthe future was hers.
The next morning, a text from Margaret: *Youll never be forgiven!* James followed: *Ill fix this. Just come home.*
Emily smirked. There was no home to return tonot one where she was respected.
The bank took her statement seriously. The police opened a fraud case. James begged her to drop it, but she refused.
I almost caved, she told Sarah. When he said family
And now?
Now I knowfamily doesnt mean sacrificing yourself.
That evening, Emily changed the locks, tossed Margarets gifts, and rearranged the furniture. Her spaceher rules.
The next day, court papers arrivedJames was suing for a share. Emily laughed. Hed have to explain the forged signature first.
Another text from Margaret: *Come to your senses! This isnt how family treats each other!* Emily deleted it. In her new life, there was no room for people who didnt respect boundaries.
