*Did we really build a big house for no reason?*
So we wasted our time building this massive house? snapped the mother-in-law. Then hand back half its worth!
I need to have a serious talk with you, the short-haired woman sat across from Emily. Before you started seeing my son, there are things you should know.
The slender blonde blinked at her future in-law, whom shed only met twice before in her life.
If you want to be part of this family, understand one thing, declared Margaret Harrington proudly. The most important people in Thomass life are his parents! We dont need a daughter-in-law who thinks she can control him.
Am I controlling him? Emily interrupted.
Let me finish! Show some patience, the woman shot back sharply.
Emily lowered her gaze, flushing crimson. She didnt want to upset Thomass mother. They hadnt been dating long, and she wasnt ready to push her luck.
Yes, Margaret continued, our family has a plan. Once Thomas marries, well all move into the nearly finished house. Well live together as one happy family!
Brilliant! Emily forced a smile.
Margaret raised an eyebrow, surprised at how quickly the girl agreed.
Im so glad youre on board! I think well be great friends, she winked slyly.
Then she wasted no time praising Emily to her son, calling her kind, clever, and thoughtful.
Seeing this, Emily redoubled her efforts to impress. She showered Margaret with giftssome meaningful, some pointlessalways making sure her attention was noticed.
A year later, fearing the engagement might fall through, Margaret began pressuring Thomas to propose.
When will you ask her? she nagged almost daily. Shell leave if you wait too long, and youll regret it!
After some thought, Thomas agreed and proposed. Ecstatic, Emily said yes.
His parents paid for the wedding, convincing her once more shed chosen the perfect man.
The newlyweds spent their first three months in a rented flat before Margaret announced the house was ready.
Pack your things! Were moving in together! she chirped.
Why? Were fine here, Emily frowned, unwilling to live with her in-laws.
What do you mean why? We agreed on this! Margaret looked stunned.
Move in if you like! Emily scoffed, her tone suddenly icy. But we wont be joining you. In fact, since youve vacated your flat, Thomas and I will take it.
Excuse me?! Margaret gasped. You promised!
Things change. I dont want to live with you, Emily said flatly.
Margaret was so shocked she fell silent for a moment.
This is betrayal! she finally hissed before hanging up.
Emily listened to the dial tone, then set the phone down. Moments later, Thomass phone rang from the kitchen. She eavesdroppedMargaret was complaining to him.
Half an hour later, Thomas emerged, face dark.
Whats going on? he demanded.
What do you mean? Emily crossed her arms.
Mum called. She wants money.
Money? For what?! Emily feigned ignorance.
For the house. Did you promise her wed live there together?
So what if I did? Ive changed my mind, she looked away.
I never agreed to her plan because it was absurd! That house sat unfinished for *three years* until she rushed to complete it after our wedding. *For you!*
Big deal. Its done now, Emily shrugged.
Thomas said nothinghis phone rang again. But this time, he handed it to her.
*You* talk to her.
The moment Margaret heard Emilys voice, she exploded.
Pay us back for that house!
What money? Have you lost the plot? Emily sneered.
So we built it for nothing?! Then return half its value!
Half of *what*? Emily gritted her teeth.
Five hundred thousand! You owe us half a million! Margaret shrieked. Or else
Or else *what*? I never signed anything! Emily laughed.
Then well cut you off completely!
Oh no! Emily smirked and hung up.
Margaret demanded Thomas pay her fifty thousand pounds monthly.
At this rate, youll take a decade! she fumed. Either move in or increase the payments.
But Thomas couldnt afford more, so he agreed.
Emily, however, refused. Six months later, they divorced.
