Seems like youve forgotten this flat is minebought before we even got married! I said coolly, hearing my husband confidently giving orders about *my* home.
Emily set her tea on the windowsill and stared out at the rainy London street. Shed scrimped for this place for ten years, working two jobs. Every pound saved meant skipping nights out, holidays, even decent shoes. And now
Em, love, I thought we could shift the sofa, her mother-in-law called from the living room. Its all wrong where it is.
Emily sighed. Margaret had let herself in*again*with the spare key shed had cut without asking. Just for emergencies, shed said.
Its fine where it is, Emily said, stepping in. I like it this way.
How can you? Margaret threw her hands up. The energys all off! I watched a programme on interior harmony last night
Margaret, Id rather not move anything.
James! Margaret raised her voice as her son walked in. Tell your wife elders know best. Its about respect.
James hesitated, glancing between them.
Mum, maybe not now?
When, then? Your dad and I arent spring chickens. Soon well need looking after. And this place has room to spare
Emily clenched her jaw. There it wasthe thing shed dreaded since the wedding. Margaret was laying the groundwork to move in.
Youve got a lovely three-bed in Croydon, Emily reminded her.
Lovely? Ha! Margaret scoffed. Third floor with no lift! At our age, its a nightmare. Yours is ground-floor, near the shops
Mum, well talk later, James tried.
Whats to discuss? Family sticks together. Your sister took *her* in-laws in straightaway
Sophies husband *bought* their house, Emily snapped. *I* earned this flat. On my own. Before the marriage.
Oh, listen to you! Margaret huffed. Mine, yoursin a family, *everythings* shared!
Emilys right, James said, shockingly firm. Its her flat.
After all Ive done for you? Margaret clutched her chest like a bad soap opera. I raised you, and this is my thanks?
James steered her toward the door. Not now, Mum.
When they left, Emily slumped into the armchair. Three years of marriage, and the hints never stopped. First it was advice on decor, then digs about her cooking, now outright demands.
James returned, rubbing his temples. Sorry about Mum. She means well.
Does she? Emily laughed dryly. Or does she just want to run our lives?
Dont be dramatic
She *lets herself in*. Rearranges our things. Criticises *everything*. And now she wants to *live here*?
James sighed. They *are* getting older. Shouldnt we at least consider it? Theyre my parents
Emily shot up. *Consider it?* Youre seriously entertaining this?
Not immediately, but eventually
James, this flats the one thing Ive ever had thats *mine*. Ten years of savingdo you get that? Its my *home*
*Our* home, he corrected softly. Were married.
Emily went still. A cold realisation hit her: *You think its yours too, dont you?*
Actually, James added casually, since were on the subject I spoke to an estate agent.
Emily froze. What agent?
Mums mate. Bloke named Higgins. Says if we sell this place and my parents
*Sell my flat?* Emily whirled on him.
*Ours*, he stressed. We could get a proper house in Kent. Room for everyone, fresh air
Emily gaped. Had he and Margaret *planned this* behind her back?
James, are you *hearing* yourself? Her voice shook. What house? What *sale*?
It makes sense, Em, he said, using that placating tone he reserved for his mum. Why stay in a cramped flat when
The doorbell rang. A man in a sharp suit stood there.
Evening. Nigel Higgins, from Chesterton Estates. Appointment with Mr. Hartley?
Emily yanked the door wider. *Perfect* timing.
James paled. Em, wait
No, *you* wait. She turned to Nigel. You *do* know this flats solely in my name? Bought *pre-marriage*?
Nigel blinked at James. But your husband said
My husband says *lots* of things. Emily grabbed the deeds from the drawer. See for yourself. Ownership date. Marriage date. Spot the difference?
Nigel cleared his throat. Right. Well, no sale without your signature.
Exactly. And Im *not* signing.
We had an *agreement*! Margaret shrilled.
*You* did. Not me.
Nigel left, promising to refund Jamess deposit. Emily piled Jamess things into a suitcase.
You cant do this! Margaret wailed. Were *family*!
We *were*, Emily zipped the bag. Till you decided my life was yours to run.
James grabbed her wrist. Em, *talk* to me!
About *what*? The loan you took against *my flat*?
His face fell. How did you?
Her phone buzzed. A bank alert: *Your property has been pledged for a £200,000 loan. Confirm with original documents.*
Her vision swam.
*What is this?* She shoved the screen in his face.
James looked away. It was the deposit for the house I thought youd come round
Forged my *signature*?
Time was tight! Margaret cut in. Youre so *difficult*
*Im difficult?* Emilys laugh was razor-sharp. Get out. *Both* of you.
Emily
*Now.* And tomorrow, Im calling the bank. And the police.
Margaret gasped. You *witch*! Hes your *husband*!
*Ex*-husband. Emily tossed her ring on the table.
James begged as she herded them out. Margaret screeched about lawsuits. Emily just shut the door.
For the first time in years, she breathed easy.
Her best mate, Sarah, hugged her tight. Spill.
Emily talked for hoursabout Margarets slow invasion, Jamess spinelessness, how shed shrunk herself to keep peace.
And the *loan*, she seethed. The *audacity*.
Police? Sarah asked.
First thing.
Her phone blew upMargarets threats, Jamess pleas. Emily deleted them all.
What now? Sarah refilled their wine.
Now I *live*. For *me*.
Morning brought texts: *Youll regret this!* from Margaret. *Ill fix it, just come home,* from James.
Emily smirked. *Home* was hers again.
The bank froze the loan. Police opened a fraud case. James begged her to drop it.
You nearly caved, didnt you? Sarah said.
Till I realisedfamily doesnt steal from you.
That night, Emily changed the locks, binned Margarets tat, and rearranged *her* furniture.
Next day, a court summons arrivedJames was suing for his share. Emily laughed. Her paperwork was ironclad. But *his* forgery? Thatd be fun to explain.
Another text from Margaret: *Youll die alone!*
Emily hit delete. In her new life, there was no room for people who didnt respect boundaries.
