**Diary Entry**
*Did we really build that house for nothing?*
So, we built this massive house for nothing? my mother-in-law snapped. Then pay me back half the cost!
I need to have a serious talk with you, the short-haired woman said, sitting across from Emily. Before you marry my son, there are things you should know.
Emily, a slender blonde, stared at her future mother-in-lawwhom shed only met three timeswith a questioning look.
Basically, if you want to join our family, you must understand that the most important people to James are his parents! declared Beatrice proudly. We dont need a daughter-in-law who thinks she can control my son.
Am I controlling? Emily interrupted.
Listen to the end, please! Show some patience, Beatrice replied sharply.
Emily lowered her eyes at once, embarrassed. She didnt want to upset Jamess mother. They hadnt been together long, and Emily didnt want to come across as difficult.
Right, Beatrice continued, our family has a plan: as soon as James marries, well move into the house thats nearly finished. Well all live together as one big, happy family!
Brilliant! Emily forced a smile.
Beatrice raised an eyebrow, taken aback by the quick agreement. She hadnt expected her future daughter-in-law to accept so easily.
Im so glad youre on board! I think well get along wonderfully, Beatrice said with a wink.
From then on, she praised Emily to James, calling her clever, kind, and thoughtful. Hoping to win more favor, Emily began showering Beatrice with little giftsjust because.
A year later, fearing James and Emily might never marry, Beatrice started pushing him to propose.
When are you going to ask her? she nagged almost daily. She might walk away, and youll regret it.
Finally convinced, James proposed, and Emily accepted happily. His family covered the wedding costs, which made Emily certain shed chosen well.
For the first three months, the newlyweds lived in a rented flat. Then Beatrice announced excitedly, The house is ready! Start packingwell do the same!
Why? Were fine here, Emily frowned, dreading the idea of living with her in-laws.
What do you mean, why? Beatrice gasped. We agreed wed all move in once the house was built!
Move in if you wantwhos stopping you? Emily retorted, her tone suddenly icy.
Beatrice was so stunned she fell silent for a moment.
Waityou promised, she said quietly.
Whatever I said back then doesnt matter now. I dont want to live with you! Emily stood firm. Well live separately. Actually, since youre leaving, James and I will take your flat.
What? Dont get ahead of yourself! Beatrice barked. You selfish little She hung up in fury.
Emily stared at the phone, baffled, before setting it down. Moments later, Jamess phone rang in the kitchen. She listened and realised Beatrice was complaining about her.
Half an hour later, when James finally ended the call, Emily walked in. His stormy expression said it all.
Whats going on? he demanded.
What do you mean? She crossed her arms.
Mum called. She wants money.
What? What money? Emily was floored.
For the house. What exactly did you promise her before we married? James glared. To live there together?
Nothing, Emily feigned innocence.
You approved the house plan, didnt you?
So what? I did thenI dont now, she muttered, avoiding his eyes.
I never supported it because I knew she was wasting her time! It sat half-built for three years. She only finished it because of you! James snapped.
Well, its done nowwhats the issue? Emily shrugged.
Before he could answer, his mother called again. Cleverly, he handed the phone to Emily. Here, *you* talk to her.
The second Beatrice heard Emilys voice, she attacked.
Pay me back for that house!
Pay you? Are you mad? Emily scoffed.
Did we build it for nothing? Beatrice hissed. Give me half the cost!
What half? Ridiculous!
Two hundred thousand pounds! You owe me two hundred thousand! Beatrice shrieked. Or else
Or what? I never signed anything!
Then well cut all ties with you!
Fine by me. Emily hung up, smirking.
Beatrice hounded James instead, forcing him to pay her two thousand pounds every month.
At this rate, itll take you ten years! she fumed. Either move into that house or pay more.
With no extra money to spare, James agreed. Emily, however, refused. Six months later, they divorced.
