My wife Emmas parents gave us a truly extravagant wedding gifta flat! They presented us with the keys and told us we were the owners, but since it was in a new development, theyd bought it as an unfinished shell. My mother-in-law then mentioned that since they had provided the flat, it was only right for my parents to help with the renovations. My parents had already given us a generous sum of money previously, but they agreed to assist with the renovation as well.
Right after the wedding, we decided to get started on the work straight away. My dad, being a builder, handled all the purchases, and I joined him as an extra pair of hands. Occasionally, Emma would pitch in to help as well.
Sometimes, my father-in-law got involved too. We made the decision not to rent a place while the work was going on, so we could save a bit and moved in with Emma’s parents for the time being.
One afternoon, while searching for some paperwork, my eyes landed on the documents for our flat. Something about them gave me pause, and to my astonishmentand growing irritationEmmas mother was listed as the owner.
That evening, my dad and I were supposed to go out to buy some bathroom fittings, but I asked him to hold off until tomorrow. I told him what I’d discovered and that I needed time to figure out exactly what this meant.
Why is your mother the owner of our flat, Emma? Why not you? I confronted her later that night when we were all at home.
Oh, dont be so naïve! my mother-in-law replied breezily. Of course its in my name its better that way for Emma, isnt it?
Is it? So you think Ill divorce her one day and try to claim half of your flat?
Exactly. Youd take half! This is the only way to protect our family. Besides, you and your dad are doing most of the renovation work, and thatll cost as much as half the property itself! Why do you assume youll be together forever? Youve only just got married, she added, as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
Mum, I asked you to put the flat in my name, Emma muttered quietly.
So, you knew about this charade? I demanded.
No, it’s not like that I told Mum it should be mine!
Oh, Emma. What a way to start our married life with a lie at its core.
Its been a few days since I left and returned to my parents home. I honestly dont know what to do now. Emma keeps trying to talk, but I need to think things over. I never expected such underhandedness from her family, though maybe this is just what all parents do
What am I supposed to do in this situation?
