Margaret Peterson lunged for the envelope, making everyone flinch as spoons clattered against plates. Her glossy red nails almost tore the paper, but the solicitor firmly laid a hand on hers.
Im sorry, madam, he said coolly. This does not belong to you.
The parlour fell silent. Only the ticking of the mantel clock and the shouts of children playing outside could be heard. Oliver hunched in his chair as if trying to vanish, while his new wife watched with tense curiosity, unaware of the situations gravity.
I stayed perfectly still. Ten years ago, I would have trembled, begging not to be humiliated. Now, I knewthey had no power over me anymore.
The solicitor ripped open the envelope and pulled out several sheets. The first bore my late father-in-law, William Thompsons, signature. The solicitors voice was sharp.
The will was drafted three months before his passing. The sole beneficiary Emily Victoria Thompson.
The room erupted in murmurs. Aunts exchanged glances, uncles cleared their throats, and a child giggled, oblivious.
This is impossible! Margaret burst out. A lie! He would never do this!
Everything is clearly stated, the solicitor continued. I leave all my estate, including the house and land, to my sons former wife, who did not leave our family by choice but was driven out. He even included an explanation.
Oliver groaned. His new wife recoiled from him as if he were a stranger.
I took a deep breath. Id known about the will beforehand, but hearing it read aloud was entirely different.
So this was my mother-in-law hissed. He always pitied you! And now youll take our home?
I stood. My voice was calm but hard as steel.
Im not taking anything. You took ten years from me when you cast me out. But your husband saw the truth. And he decided differently.
How dare you! she shrieked. Youre nobody!
Now, Im the legal owner of this house, I replied firmly.
Another heavy silence settled over the room. Every eye was fixed on me.
But, I continued after a pause, I wont throw you out. I have my own home now, my own business. All I want is justice.
Oliver looked up, stunned. You mean we can stay?
You can, I nodded. But the house is legally mine. That means you no longer have the power to humiliate me.
Margaret seemed broken. Her voice dropped to a whisper. Youll ruin us.
I met her gaze squarely. No. I want you to know how it feels to depend on someone elses mercy.
The solicitor closed the file and stood. The documents are in order. As of today, the legal owner is Emily Victoria Thompson.
I gave a short nod and stepped onto the porch. The air was crisp, the sun dipping behind the old pear tree. I walked lightly toward the gate, almost floating.
Rex, the dog, had been gone for years, but I could almost hear his soft whine, just as hed once followed me. Only now, he wasnt trailing a cast-off wifehe was following a victor.
I smiled and walked on. Because no one could call me nobody anymore. I was myself. And that was enough to reclaim my dignityand my life.
