So, we built this huge house for nothing? snapped the mother-in-law. Pay me back half the cost, then!
I need to talk to you seriously, said the short-haired woman, sitting across from Emily. Before you marry my son, there are things you need to know.
The slim, fair-haired girl gave her future mother-in-law a puzzled looktheyd only met three times before.
Basically, if you want to join our family, you need to understand: Jeremys parents come first! declared Margaret proudly. We dont need a daughter-in-law wholl boss him around.
Am I bossing him? Emily cut in.
Let me finish, please! Show some patience, Margaret replied sharply.
Emily looked down, embarrassed. She didnt want to upset Jeremys mum. They hadnt been together long, and she didnt want to seem difficult.
So, Margaret continued, heres the family plan: as soon as Jeremys married, were all moving into the new house. One big happy family!
Brilliant! Emily forced a smile.
Margaret raised an eyebrow, surprised by the quick agreement. Im chuffed youre on board! I think well get along just fine, she said with a wink.
From then on, Margaret praised Emily to Jeremy, calling her clever, kind, and thoughtful. Wanting extra brownie points, Emily went out of her way to impress herlittle gifts here and there, just to show she cared.
A year later, worried they might never tie the knot, Margaret pushed Jeremy to propose. When are you going to ask her? shed nag almost daily. She might walk away, and youll regret it!
After some thought, Jeremy popped the question, and Emily happily said yes. His parents even covered the wedding costs, which only convinced Emily shed picked well.
For the first three months, the newlyweds lived in a rented flat. Then Margaret announced excitedly, The house is ready! Pack your thingswere moving in!
Why? Were fine here! Emily frowned, dreading the idea of living with her in-laws.
Why? We agreed wed all move in once it was finished! Margaret said, baffled.
Move in if you wantwhos stopping you?! Emily snapped, her tone suddenly icy.
Margaret went silent for a moment, stunned. You promised, she reminded her calmly.
Doesnt matter what I said then. I dont want to live with you anymore! Emily declared. Well stay separate. Actually, since youre leaving, Jeremy and I will take your flat.
What? Dont get ahead of yourself! Margaret spat. Cheeky cow! She hung up in a rage.
Emily stared at the phone, stunned. Seconds later, Jeremys rang in the kitchen. She listened as Margaret ranted about her.
Half an hour later, when Jeremy finally got off the call, Emily walked in. His face was stormy. Whats going on? he demanded.
What do you mean? Emily folded her arms.
Mum called. She wants money.
Money? For what? Emily was shocked.
The house. What exactly did you promise her before we married? Jeremy glared. That wed all live there?
Nothing, Emily played dumb.
You backed her plan, didnt you?
So? I did back then, but I dont now, she retorted, avoiding his stare.
I never supported itthought she was wasting her time! That house sat unfinished for three years until she rushed to complete it after our wedding. Because of you! Jeremy snapped.
So its finishedwhats the big deal? Emily shrugged.
Before he could answer, Margaret called again. Cleverly, Jeremy handed the phone to Emily. Here, you talk to her.
The second Margaret heard Emilys voice, she went on the attack. Pay me back for that house!
Pay you? Are you mad? Emily shot back.
We built that house for nothing because of you! Margaret fumed. Give me half the cost!
Half? Dream on! Emily scoffed.
Four hundred thousand pounds! You owe me four hundred grand! Margaret shouted. Or else
Or else what? I never signed anything! Emily smirked.
Then well cut you off completely! Margaret threatened.
Fine by me! Emily hung up with a grin.
Margaret started demanding money from Jeremy instead, forcing him to fork over two grand a month.
At this rate, itll take you ten years to pay me back! she complained. Either move into the house or pay more.
With no extra cash to spare, Jeremy agreed. Emily hated the ideaand six months later, they split for good.
