“Did we really build our house for nothing?”
“So, we built this big house for no reason?” snapped the mother-in-law. “Then pay me back half the cost!”
“I need to have a serious chat with you,” said the short-haired woman, sitting across from Emily. “Before you marry my son, there are a few things you should know.”
The young, slim blonde gave her future mother-in-law a puzzled lookshed only met her three times.
“Basically, if you want to join our family, you need to understand that the most important people to James are his parents!” declared Antonia proudly. “We dont need a daughter-in-law wholl boss my son around.”
“Do I boss him around?” Emily interrupted.
“Hear me out, please! Show some patience,” the woman replied sharply.
Emily lowered her eyes, embarrassed. She didnt want to upset Jamess mum. They hadnt been together long, and she didnt want to come across as difficult.
“Right,” Antonia continued, “our family has a plan: as soon as James gets married, well move into the house thats nearly finished. Well all live together as one big happy family!”
“Brilliant!” Emily forced a smile.
Antonia raised an eyebrow, surprised by how quickly her future daughter-in-law agreed.
“Im so glad youre on board! I think well get along just fine,” she winked.
From then on, Antonia sang Emilys praises to her son, calling her wonderful, clever, and thoughtful. Wanting to keep the peace, Emily went out of her way to please herbuying little gifts here and there, always thoughtful.
A year later, worried the wedding wouldnt happen, Antonia pushed James to propose.
“When are you going to ask her?” she nagged almost daily. “She might walk away, and youll regret it”
After some thought, James proposed, and Emily happily said yes. His parents covered the wedding costs, which convinced Emily shed picked well.
The newlyweds lived in a rented flat for three months before Antonia excitedly announced the house was ready.
“Pack your bagswell do the same!” she told her son and daughter-in-law.
“Why? Were fine here!” Emily frowned, dreading living with her in-laws.
“What do you mean, why?” Antonia was stunned. “We agreed wed move in once the house was done!”
“Move in thenwhos stopping you?” Emily shot back, her tone icy.
Antonia was so shocked she went silent for a moment.
“Hang on, you promised,” she said calmly.
“Whatever I said back then doesnt matter now. I wont live with you!” Emily stood firm. “Well live separately. Actually, since youre leaving, James and I will take your flat.”
“What? Dont get ahead of yourself!” Antonia snapped. “Cheeky mare!” she added before hanging up.
Emily stared at her phone, stunned. Seconds later, Jamess phone rang in the kitchen. She listened and realised Antonia was complaining about her.
Half an hour later, when James finally got off the phone, Emily walked in. His face was thunderous.
“Whats going on?” he demanded.
“Whats wrong?” Emily crossed her arms.
“Mum called. Shes demanding money.”
“What? What money?” Emily was shocked.
“For the house. What did you promise her before we got married?” James frowned. “To live there together?”
“Nothing,” Emily played dumb.
“You agreed to her house plan, didnt you?”
“So what? I agreed then, not now,” she looked away.
“I never supported it because I thought she was wasting her time! The house sat unfinished for three years, but after we married, she finished itbecause of you!” James growled.
“So its finished. Big deal,” Emily shrugged. “Whats the problem?”
Before he could answer, Antonia called again. James handed the phone to Emily.
“Here, talk to her.”
The second Antonia heard Emilys voice, she attacked.
“Pay me back for the house!”
“What repayment? Youre mad!” Emily scoffed.
“Did we build that house for nothing?” Antonia seethed. “Give me half the cost!”
“Half? Dream on!” Emily muttered.
“Five hundred grand! You owe me five hundred grand!” Antonia shouted. “Or else”
“Or what? I never signed anything!” Emily smirked.
“Then well cut you off!” Antonia threatened.
“Fine by me!” Emily hung up, smiling.
Antonia started demanding money from James, who ended up paying her five grand a month.
“At this rate, youll only pay me back in ten years!” she fumed. “Either move into the house or pay more.”
With no extra money, James agreed. But Emily hated the idea, and six months later, they split for good.
