So, we really built this huge house for no good reason? snapped Margaret, the mother-in-law. Fine, then give me back half its value!
I need to have a serious chat with you, said Joanna, the short-haired woman, sitting down opposite Emily. Before you started dating my son, there are a few things you should know.
Emily, the petite blonde, stared in surprise at her soon-to-be relativesomeone shed only met three times in her life.
If you want to be part of this family, youd better understand one thing, Joanna said smugly. The most important people in Williams life are his parents! We dont need a daughter-in-law wholl boss him around.
Boss him around? Emily cut in.
Let me finish, please! Have some patience, Joanna snapped back.
Emily instantly dropped her gaze, cheeks burning. She didnt want to upset Williams mother. They hadnt been dating long, and she wasnt about to rock the boat.
Anyway, Joanna continued, our family has a plan. Once William gets married, well all move into the house weve nearly finished building. One big happy family!
Brilliant, Emily forced a smile.
Joanna raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by how quickly Emily agreed. She hadnt expected that.
Im so glad youre on board! I think well be great friends, Joanna said, flashing a knowing wink.
Then, right away, she started praising Emily to William, calling her sweet, clever, and thoughtful.
Seeing this, Emily doubled down on winning her overgifting her little presents, with or without occasion, just to stay in her good books.
A year later, worried William and Emily might never marry, Joanna began nudging him to propose.
When are you going to ask her? shed pester almost daily. If you wait too long, shell walk away, and youll regret it
After some thought, William agreedand proposed. Emily, thrilled, said yes.
Since his parents paid for the wedding, Emily felt even more certain shed landed the perfect man.
For the first three months, the newlyweds lived in a rented flatuntil Joanna announced the house was finally ready.
Right, pack your thingswere moving in together! she chirped.
Why? Were fine here! Emily frowned. She wasnt about to live with her mother-in-law.
What do you mean, *why*? Joanna gasped. We agreedonce the house was done, wed all move in!
Move in if you want! Whos stopping you? Emily scoffed, her tone suddenly icy.
Joanna was so stunned, she just stood there, silent for a few seconds.
Waityou *promised*, she finally said, keeping her voice calm.
What I said back then doesnt matter now. Ive changed my mind, Emily said sharply. Well live separately. Actually, since *youve* moved, well take your flat.
*Excuse me?* Joanna spat. You little cheat! Furious, she hung up.
Emily listened to the dial tone for a moment, then set her phone down, bewildered.
Just then, she heard Williams phone ring from the kitchen. She eavesdroppedJoanna was complaining to him.
Half an hour later, when he finally hung up, Emily walked in. His face said it allhe was livid.
Care to explain? he demanded.
Explain what? She folded her arms.
Mum just called. She wants money.
*What?* For what?! Emily was stunned.
For the house. Did you promise her something before we got married? That wed all live there?
No, Emily played dumb.
You agreed to her plan, didnt you?
So what if I did? I changed my mind. She looked away.
*I* never agreed because I thought she was being ridiculous! That house sat unfinished for three yearsuntil after our wedding. Turns out, she finished it *for you*!
Well, she finished it. Big deal. Emily shrugged.
William didnt answerhis phone rang again. But this time, he handed it to her.
*You* talk to her.
The moment Joanna heard Emilys voice, she exploded.
Pay me back for that house!
What money? Are you mad? Emily sneered.
Because of you, we wasted all that money! So hand over half its value!
Half? Dream on!
Fifty thousand quid! You owe me fifty thousand! Or else
Or else *what*? I never signed anything! Emily gloated.
Fine. Then consider us *done* with you!
Oh no, however will I cope? Emily laughed and hung up.
Joanna started demanding money from Williamfive grand a month.
At this rate, youll take a *decade* to pay me back! she fumed. Either move into the house, or up the payments.
With no way to afford more, William agreed.
But Emily wouldnt have it. Six months later, they split for good.
