“You’ll never forgive me for this!” his sister shouted as Ignatius made up his mind to walk away from the family, refusing to be manipulated for the sake of his niece.
During Sunday lunch at his mothers, Ignatius couldnt help but notice the way his mother and sister kept exchanging glances and giggling nervouslysomething entirely out of character for them.
*Theyre definitely up to something again,* he thought irritably. *Probably another scheme. Theyre too trustingany con artist could pull the wool over their eyes. And the worst part? They never admit their mistakes until its too late. Mums elderly, fair enough, but Natalieshe should know better. Shes no fool!*
His gaze shifted between his mother, his sister, and his niece, who sat quietly, lost in her own world.
To break the awkward silence, Ignatius turned to her.
“So, Juliet, hows university treating you? Enjoying it?”
“Yes, Uncle, its brilliant. Everythings perfect. Its just” She hesitated, looking up at him timidly.
“Whats wrong?” he asked, puzzled. “I went to the same university, and it opened doors for me. A prestigious degree, a good job right out of the gatethey snapped me up. I built my career on that foundation.”
“Yes, Juliet,” his mother chimed in. “Your uncle got in on merit, no favours, graduated with honourshe did it all himself. You should take a leaf out of his book. Never caused me a moments worry, always looked after your mum, too!”
Natalie flashed him a sweet smile. “Ignatius has always been my rock. He stood by me through everything. Helped raise Juliet after my divorce from Victor. Stepped in as a father figure after Dad passed. A real protector.”
*Somethings off,* Ignatius thought. *They want something. Normally, Natalie blames me for her divorce, claims I never got on with Victor. How could I? The man was a drunk, never held down a job. I got him placements, but hed quit in a week, whining about the pay or calling himself a misunderstood artist. And now suddenly Im the perfect brother? Please.*
After tea, they moved to the sitting room, but the tension in the air told Ignatius the real conversation was yet to come.
“Listen, Ignatius,” his mother finally began, “theres something we need to talk about”
“You see, brother,” Natalie cut in sweetly, “Juliets grown now. She doesnt want to live with me anymore.”
“Thats fair,” Ignatius chuckled. “Shes an adultprobably has a boyfriend, eh, Juliet?”
The girl blushed and looked away.
“Its natural at her age,” he continued. “Young people need independence. Maybe youre still babying her, doing everything for her. If she doesnt want to stay with you, she can apply for student housing.”
“Student housing?” His mother scoffed. “Have you forgotten what its like?”
“Its perfectly finestrictly monitored. Shed learn to fend for herself. About time!”
“No, Ignatius, you misunderstand,” Natalie said smoothly. “Juliets nineteen. Shes got a lovely boyfriendOliver, very refined, intelligent. But we must think ahead. Student housing is temporarywhat then?”
“Then she gets a job, rents a place. Later, she can get a mortgage. Or she could apply for the Graduate Rural Schemehousing and a relocation grant.”
“I dont want to live in the countryside, Uncle,” Juliet pouted. “Id rather move to London. But housing theres so expensive.”
“We just want to give her a leg up,” his mother pressed. “Weve saved a bit, and we think you should take out a mortgage under the First-Time Buyer Scheme. Your old schoolmate, Simon Pierce, works in propertyhe told us all about it. Said hed gladly bring you on board. So, Ignatius, do this for your niece.”
“Mum, Ive told youno shady deals. I dont qualify for that scheme.”
“But Simon said there are workarounds.”
“I dont care what Simon said. Its fraud. I wont risk my reputation so Juliet can skip the queue. I earned my home honestlyno shortcuts. Shell graduate, work, and save. Ill contribute then, but not like this.”
“Uncle, Id get a job to help pay the mortgage,” Juliet insisted.
Natalie shot her a warning look, but the girl pressed on.
“Mum and Gran said theyd cover half. Youd just need to sign. The interest rates are practically nothing!”
“So youve already decided how *my* money should be spent?” Ignatius snapped. “Why not just say, Buy Juliet a flat? She wants independence but expects someone else to foot the bill. Real independence means paying your own way!”
“Why are you being so difficult?” Natalies voice trembled. “Look at hershes crying! Were not asking for cash. She trusted you, and youre treating her like a stranger!”
Juliet sobbed openly. “This scheme might never come again! Mums sorted everything with Simonyoud just need to sign!”
“This conversation is over,” Ignatius said sharply. “I wont be part of a scam. And since I know Simon, Ill be ringing him to warn his superiors. Tell medid you pay him already, or was it just promises?”
Natalie paled. “I paid nothing! Dont you dare threaten himhe was trying to help!”
His mother, silent until now, stared in disbelief. “Ignatius, I dont recognise you. Family helps family. Who else will look after them?”
“Oh, hes happy to help until real moneys involved,” Natalie sneered. “He even begrudges Mum her allowance!”
The accusation stunned him. “Youre saying I dont provide enough?”
“The minute its serious, you run. Julietll spend her life paying off a mortgage while you hoard your precious savings!”
Ignatius stood and walked to the door. “Im leaving. Well talk when youve calmed down.”
“Youll *never* be forgiven for this!” Natalie shrieked. “One favourjust one!”
Juliets weeping echoed from the kitchen.
His mothers voice was cold. “I expected better. Youve torn this family apart today.”
As he descended the stairs, the slam of the front door struck him like a knife to the hearta final, brutal severance.
