Claires parents gave us an incredibly generous wedding presenta flat! They officially handed us the keys and told us we were the owners, but because it was a brand-new building, theyd bought it as a shell. My mother-in-law suggested that since theyd provided the flat, my parents ought to contribute to the renovation. My parents had already given us a substantial amount of money, but they agreed to help out with the renovations as well.
Right after the wedding, we decided to start the renovation project straightaway. Since my dad works in construction, he handled all the purchases, and I lent a hand wherever I could, sometimes with Claire pitching in as well.
Every so often, my father-in-law would help out too. We chose not to rent a place until the renovations were complete to save some money, so we moved in with Claires parents for the time being.
One day, while searching for some documents, my eyes landed on the paperwork for our flat. Something in the papers caught my attention and left me rather furiousthe flats registered owner was my mother-in-law!
That evening, my dad and I had planned to buy supplies for the bathroom, but I asked if we could postpone until the next day. I told him what Id discovered and explained I needed to talk things over.
Why is your mum listed as the owner of our flat? Why isnt it Claire? I asked directly, when everyone was home.
Oh, dont be naïve! Of course its for Claires sake, my mother-in-law replied.
What do you mean?
Well, you might end up divorcing her and try to claim half of whats ours!
Ours? Is it fair that my dad and I are pouring time and money into renovating a place thats not even ours? The cost is going to be nearly half the value of that flat! And why are you so certain well end up divorced? Weve only just got married!
Mum, I asked you to put the flat in my name, Claire mumbled.
So you knew about this little deceit?
No, you dont get it I did know, but I told mum she had to put it in my name!
Well, Claire, what a fantastic start to our marriage! With a lie!
Its been a few days since I moved back in with my parents. Now I just dont know what to do. Claire keeps trying to talk to me, but I need time to think. I never expected such treachery from her family, though perhaps this is how all parents act…
What should I do in this situation?
