Samanthas parents gave us a wedding present that was so grand, it bordered on the unreala flat of our own. On our wedding day, they made a grand show of handing over the keys, telling us we were now homeowners. But, as the flat was in a brand-new block, theyd bought it as a shell, not yet finished inside. My mother-in-law, always determined things were fair, insisted that if theyd provided the flat, my parents should help pay for the renovations. My parents had already given us a generous sum, but agreed to lend a hand with the work as well.
Straight after the wedding, we set about making the place liveable. Dad, being an old hand at building, sorted out the materials, and I laboured alongside him, with Samantha occasionally rolling up her sleeves and mucking in too.
Even my father-in-law would pitch in from time to time. To save every penny, we chose not to rent the flat out or move in ourselves until it was finished, so we stayed at Samanthas parents home.
It was on an ordinary afternoon when the illusion shattered. I was rummaging for some paperwork when my eyes landed on a bundle of documents relating to the flat. Something jumped out at me, and my hands started to tremblethe owner listed was not Samantha or me, but my mother-in-law.
That evening, when Dad and I were supposed to head out for more bathroom fittings, I asked if we could do it tomorrow. I told him what Id found, that I needed to unravel what it all meant.
That night, with everyone gathered in the lounge, I didnt bother disguising my agitation. Why is Mum listed as the owner of our flat? Why not Samantha? I asked, voice taut.
My mother-in-law barely looked up from her knitting. Oh, dont be so naive. Obviously, its to avoid hurting Samanthas feelings.
Meaning what, exactly?
If you ever divorce her, youd want half the flat for yourself, she replied, as if the whole thing were common sense.
Your flat? Is it fair that Dad and I are breaking our backs and spending just as much as the value of half the place, fixing it up? And why do you assume were heading for divorce? We only just got married!
Samantha piped up, barely above a whisper. Mum, I asked you to put it in my name.
So you knew about this deception? I shot back, unable to keep the hurt from my voice.
You dont get it… I did, but I told Mum she should sign it over to me.
Oh, Samantha, what a splendid start to married lifebuilt on secrets!
Now a few days have dragged by; Im back living with my parents. Samantha keeps reaching out, but I need time to think. I never imagined her family could be so underhanded, though maybe all parents are like this at heart.
What am I supposed to do now?
