Did we really build that enormous house for no good reason?
So we wasted our time and money on a pointless mansion? snapped the mother-in-law. Then give me back half its value.
I need to have a serious word with you, said the woman with short hair, sitting across from Emily. Before you got involved with my son, there are things you ought to know.
Emily, a delicate blonde, stared wide-eyed at her future in-law, whom shed only met three times in her life.
So, if you want to join this family, understand one thing, Antonina Vladimirovna declared proudly. The most important people to Marcus are his parents! We dont need a daughter-in-law bossing him about.
Am I bossing him? Emily cut in.
Hold on, let me finish! Have some patience, the woman snapped back.
Emily quickly lowered her gaze, cheeks burning. She didnt want to upset Michaels mother. Theyd only just started seeing each other, and Emily wasnt ready to push her luck.
Yes, Antonina continued, our family has a plan: once Marcus marries, were all moving into the house thats nearly finished. One big happy family!
Lovely! Emily forced a smile.
The woman raised an eyebrow, surprised at how quickly her future daughter-in-law agreed.
Im so glad youre on board! I think well be great friends, Antonina said with a sly wink.
Then, right away, she began praising Emily to her sonwhat a kind, clever, considerate girl she was.
Eager to please, Emily started showering her with little gifts, both for occasions and without reason.
A year later, fearing Marcus and Emily might never marry, Antonina began pressuring him.
When will you propose? she nagged almost daily. Shell lose patience and leave, and youll regret it
After some thought, Marcus agreed. He proposed, and Emily accepted joyfully.
His parents paid for the wedding, convincing Emily shed chosen well.
The newlyweds spent three months in a rented flat before Antonina announced the house was ready.
Pack your things, were moving in! she chirped.
Why? Were fine here! Emily scowled, unwilling to live with her in-laws.
Whats this why? We agreed! the mother-in-law gasped.
Move in if you like! Emily sneered, her tone icy. But we wont. Actually, since youre leaving, Marcus and I will take your flat.
What? Cheeky little! Antonina sputtered. Deceitful witch! she hissed, slamming the phone down.
Emily listened to the dial tone in disbelief.
Moments later, Marcuss phone rang in the kitchen. She eavesdroppedhis mother was complaining.
When he finally hung up, she walked in. His face was stormy.
Whats going on? he demanded.
Whats wrong? Emily folded her arms.
Mum called. She wants money.
What money? For what?! Emily blinked.
For the house. Did you promise her something before we married? Marcus frowned. About living there together?
No, Emily played dumb.
You agreed to her plan, didnt you?
And what if I did? I changed my mind! she looked away.
I only let her finish the house because of you! It sat untouched for years, but after the wedding, she rushed to complete it. For you!
So what? Big deal! Emily threw up her hands.
Marcus stayed silent as his phone buzzed again. Cleverly, he handed it to her.
You talk to her.
Antonina launched into a tirade the second she heard Emilys voice.
Pay me back for that house!
What money? Are you mad? Emily snapped.
We built it for nothing, thanks to you! the mother-in-law fumed. Give me half its value!
What half?!
Five million! You owe me five million pounds! Antonina shrieked. Or else
Or what? I signed nothing! Emily gloated.
Then consider us estranged!
Good heavens! Emily laughed and hung up.
Antonina began demanding money from Marcusfive thousand pounds a month.
At this rate, youll repay me in a century! she raged. Either move in or increase the payments.
Unable to pay more, Marcus agreed. But Emily refused.
Six months later, they divorced.
