Sarahs parents gave us an incredibly generous wedding gifta flat! They handed us the keys in front of everyone and told us it was ours, but since it was in a new development, theyd bought it as a shell. My mother-in-law insisted that since theyd provided the property, my parents ought to help with the renovations. My parents had already gifted us a substantial sum of money before, but they agreed to chip in with the renovation work as well.
After the wedding, we were eager to get started right away. My dad, being a builder, took controlhe organised all the purchases, and I was his right-hand man on the job. Occasionally, Sarah would join in to lend a hand too.
Every now and again, my father-in-law even pitched in. We decided against renting the place out before the renovations were finished, hoping to save money by staying with Sarahs family in the meantime.
One day, I was searching for some paperwork and came across the flats documents. Something didnt add up. My eyes locked onto a detail that caught me completely off guardand made my stomach churn with anger. It turned out the actual owner of the flat was my mother-in-law!
That evening, my dad and I were supposed to go buy some bathroom fittings, but I asked to postpone till the next day. I explained what Id foundI needed to talk things through and figure out what it all meant.
Why is Mum the owner of our flat? Why not Sarah? I asked bluntly that night when everyone was home.
Oh, youre being so naïve! Of course, darling, its to protect our Sarahs interests! my mother-in-law retorted with her usual airs.
So what, exactly?
If you divorced her, you might try to claim half of OUR flat!
Your flat, is it? How is it fair then that my dad and I are pouring time and thousands of poundsprobably what half the flats worthinto this place? And why do you assume wed get divorced? Weve only just been married!
Mum, Ive already asked you to put the flat in my name, Sarah muttered quietly.
So you knew about this little scheme? I said, my voice cold.
No, thats not it I knew, but I told Mum it had to be under my name!
Oh, Sarah, what a perfect way to start our married lifewrapped up in lies!
Its been days now since I moved back into my parents house. I honestly have no idea what to do next. Sarah keeps reaching out, wanting to talk, but I need time to think. I never expected her family to do something so underhanded, but maybe all parents are like that when it comes to property
What am I supposed to do now?
