**Diary Entry 12th June**
*Did we really build that enormous house for nothing?*
So, we wasted our time building this massive house? my mother-in-law snapped. Then pay back half its value!
We need to have a serious talk, the woman with cropped hair said, sitting across from Emily. Before you got involved with my son, there are a few things you should know.
Emily, a delicate blonde, blinked in surprise at her future in-lawa woman shed only met three times in her life.
If you want to join this family, the woman declared, chin raised, you must understandJames parents come first. We dont need a daughter-in-law who thinks she can control him.
Am I controlling him? Emily interrupted.
Wait your turn and hear me out, the woman retorted sharply.
Emily flushed and dropped her gaze. She didnt want to upset James mother. Theyd only just started dating, and she wasnt ready to rock the boat.
Our family has plans, the woman continued. Once James marries, were all moving into the house weve nearly finished building. One big happy family!
Brilliant, Emily forced a smile.
The womans eyebrows shot up. She hadnt expected such quick agreement.
Im so glad youre on board! she beamed, flashing a sly grin. Well be the best of friends.
Then she began praising Emily to James, calling her kind, clever, and thoughtful.
Eager to please, Emily started showering her with giftssmall tokens, with or without occasionto prove her devotion.
A year later, fearing the wedding might never happen, James mother began pressing him to propose.
When are you going to ask her? she pestered daily. Shell leave if you wait too long, and youll regret it!
Finally swayed, James proposed, and Emily accepted joyfully. His parents paid for the wedding, convincing her shed chosen the perfect man.
For the first three months, the newlyweds lived in a rented flat. Then James mother announced the house was ready.
Pack your thingswere moving in together! she chirped.
Why? Were fine here, Emily frowned, unwilling to live under her mother-in-laws roof.
What do you mean, *why*? We agreed on this!
Whos stopping you from moving? Emily scoffed, her tone icy. But we wont be joining you. Actually, since youre leaving, well take *your* flat.
James mother stood frozen in shock.
You *promised*, she finally hissed.
Things change. I dont want to live with you, Emily said flatly. Well stay separate.
Dont be ridiculous! the woman snapped before hanging up.
Emily stared at the silent phone, then heard James answer another callhis mother, no doubt.
Half an hour later, he stormed into the kitchen, face dark.
Whats going on? he demanded.
Nothing, Emily crossed her arms.
Mum says you owe her money.
For *what*?
The house. You agreed to live there, didnt you?
So what if I did? Ive changed my mind.
James clenched his jaw. I never agreed to this nonsense. That house sat unfinished for *three years*she only completed it after our wedding. *For you*.
Emily shrugged. Not my problem.
When his phone rang again, he shoved it at her. *You* talk to her.
His mothers voice crackled with fury. Pay us back for that house!
What house? Youre delusional.
We built it for nothing because of you! Then return half its value!
Half of *what*?
Five million! You owe us five million pounds! his mother shrieked. Or else
Or else *what*? I never signed anything! Emily sneered.
Then consider yourselves cut off!
Good riddance, Emily laughed, hanging up.
James mother demanded monthly paymentsfifty thousand poundswhich he couldnt afford.
At this rate, youll be paying for ten years! she snapped. Either move in or increase the amount.
With no other choice, James agreed.
But Emily refused. Six months later, they divorced.
