Seems youve forgotten this flat is minebought before we married, I said coolly as I overheard my husband confidently dictating changes to my home.
Eleanor set her tea on the windowsill and stared blankly at the London skyline. Shed saved for this place for ten years, working two jobs, denying herself every luxury, squirrelling away every pound. And now
Ellie, I thought wed rearrange the furniture, came her mother-in-laws voice from the lounge. That sofa is all wrong where it is.
Eleanor sighed. Margaret had let herself in again without so much as a textkey in hand, the spare shed insisted on having cut just in case.
No need to move anything, Eleanor said, stepping into the room. I like it as it is.
How can you? Margaret threw up her hands. The energys all off! I watched a programme on interior harmony just last night
Mum, really, Id rather not.
James! Margaret raised her voice as her son entered. Tell your wife elders ought to be listened to in a family.
James hesitated, glancing between them.
Maybe not now, Mum?
When, then? Your father and I arent getting any younger. Soon well need looking after. And youve all this space here
Eleanor clenched her jaw. There it wasthe fear shed carried since the wedding. Margaret was laying the groundwork to move in.
Youve a lovely three-bed in Surrey, Eleanor reminded her.
Lovely? Margaret scoffed. Third floor, no lift! At our age, stairs are murder. And youre ground floor, shops round the corner
Mum, well discuss it later, James cut in.
Whats to discuss? Families stick together. Your sister took us in straight away
Claras husband bought their house, Eleanor snapped. This flats mine. Earned before we married.
Oh, here we go! Margaret flung her hands up. Mine, yoursin a family, everythings shared!
Eleanors right, James said, unexpectedly firm. Its her flat.
Son, how can you say that? Margaret clutched her chest theatrically. After all Ive sacrificed
Not now, Mum, James guided her toward the door. Ill walk you out.
When theyd gone, Eleanor slumped into an armchair. Three years married, and these conversations never stopped. First hints, then unsolicited decor advice, now outright demands.
Sorry about her, James said, sitting beside her. You know she means well.
Does she? Eleanor gave a hollow laugh. Or does she just want to control us?
Dont be dramatic
She lets herself in, rearranges my things, critiques everything from the curtains to my roast. Now she wants to live here!
They are getting on, James sighed. Shouldnt we at least consider it? Theyre my parents.
Eleanor shot to her feet.
Consider it? Youre seriously entertaining this?
Not immediately, but eventually
This flats the one thing Ive ever had thats truly mine. Ten years of saving, James. My space, my
Our space, he corrected gently. Were family now.
Eleanor went silent, stunned. A thought struck her: *You too? You think my flats yours already?*
Speaking of, James carried on breezily, I spoke to an estate agent.
What agent? Her stomach dropped.
Mums friend. Sharp bloke. Says if we sell this flat
*Sell* it? Eleanor whirled on him.
*Ours*, he stressed. If we sell both flats, we could buy a cottage in the Cotswolds. Room for everyone, fresh air
Eleanor stared, disbelieving. Had he and his mother planned this behind her back?
James, are you hearing yourself? What cottage? What sale?
Love, it makes sense, he said, using that placating tone he reserved for his mother. Why cling to a city flat when we could
The doorbell rang. A man in a suit stood there.
Evening. From Chesterton Estateshere for James Whitmore?
Perfect timing, Eleanor said, swinging the door wide.
James paled.
Ellie, wait
No, *you* wait. She turned to the agent. Youre aware this flats solely in my name? Bought before marriage?
The agent glanced at James, uneasy.
Your husband said
My husband says a lot. Eleanor yanked a folder from the cabinet. Heredeeds and marriage certificate. Notice the dates?
Right, the agent frowned. Then no sale without your consent.
Exactly. And I *dont* consent.
We had an agreement! Margaret hissed.
*You* did. Not me.
The agent left, promising to refund Jamess deposit. Eleanor began packing his things.
You cant do this! Margaret wailed. Were *family*!
We *were*, Eleanor zipped the suitcase. Till you decided my life was yours to run.
James grabbed her wrist.
Talk to me!
About what? The loan you took against *my* flat?
I wanted whats best
For who? She wrenched free. Your mum? You? Not me.
Her phone buzzeda bank alert. A loan application, her flat as collateral. Her vision swam.
What *is* this? She shoved the screen in his face.
James looked away.
Down payment for the cottage I thought youd come round
You *forged* my signature?
Time was tight! Margaret interjected. You always make things difficult
*Im* difficult? Eleanors voice shook. You commit fraud, and *Im* the problem?
Darling
Dont. She stepped back. Get out. Both of you.
Ellie
Now. And tomorrow Im calling the bank. And the police.
You wouldnt! Margaret gasped. Hes your *husband*!
Not anymore. Eleanor slid off her ring.
James lunged. Pleaselets work this out
Nothing to work out. Leave the keys.
Youll regret this! Margaret shrieked as the door shut.
Eleanor walked to the Tube, lighter somehow. Her phone buzzedJames. She blocked the number.
Her best mate, Sophie, poured wine as Eleanor unspooled the whole mess: Margarets slow takeover, Jamess spinelessness, the loan.
Police, then? Sophie asked.
And the bank. That signatures a fraud.
Texts flooded inMargarets threats, Jamess pleas. Eleanor deleted them.
What now? Sophie refilled her glass.
Now I live. For me.
Morning brought a venomous text from Margaret: Youll never be forgiven! James followed with: Ill fix thisjust come home.
Eleanor smirked. *Home*? Back to being ignored, steamrolled? Not a chance.
The bank took her statement. The police opened a case. James begged her to drop it. She refused.
I nearly caved, she told Sophie. When he said family
And now?
Now I knowfamily respects boundaries. Doesnt steal from you.
That evening, Eleanor changed the locks, binned Margarets ghastly vase, and rearranged the furniture. Hers again. Entirely.
The next day, court papers arrivedJames was suing for his share. Eleanor laughed. Let him try. The deeds were ironclad. But hed have to explain that forged signature
Her phone buzzedMargaret again: See sense! Family comes first! Eleanor deleted it. In her new life, there was no room for people who didnt respect hers.
