Hey love, listen up, Ive got to vent about whats happened its a right mess. I was just pulling my grocery bags into the hallway when two neighbours started having a row over a parking spot. One of them, Mrs. Thompson, was shouting, Emma, youve parked in my space again! I asked you not to! and the other, Mrs. Patel, snapped back, What space? This is a shared street, I park wherever I like! I tried to slip past, but they blocked the whole entrance, arms flailing, voices up. I whispered, Excuse me, could I get through? They grudgingly moved aside, still throwing angry looks at each other. I squeezed past, shoved the front door open with my shoulder, my arms full of bags, fingers going numb from the weight. I should have grabbed a trolley, but I always forget until Im at the door.
I walked up the stairs to my fourth floor lift was out again, as usual and stood in front of my flat. I shuffled the bags into one hand, dug my keys out of my coat pocket, and opened the door. Inside the hallway sat my blue travel suitcase, the one I always take on holidays, closed and with the handle up as if someone was about to whisk it away.
Mark? I called as I stepped inside. Are you home?
Yeah, in the kitchen! he shouted back.
I dropped the bags, peeled off my coat, and made my way to the kitchen. Mark was sitting at the table with a coffee, scrolling on his phone, barely looking up. Hey, he muttered.
Hey, love. Whys the suitcase out in the hallway? I asked.
He finally looked up, a bit surprised. Right, um remember my Aunt Doris from Sheffield? I frowned Aunt Doris, my dads sister, an elderly lady Id only seen a few times at family gatherings.
Yeah, vaguely, I said.
So, shes flown in to London for a month. Shes got an operation and then rehab, and I invited her to stay with us. I sank onto a chair, eyes wide.
You invited her to live here? For a month? I asked.
Exactly. Shes family, whats the big deal?
Our flat is a onebedroom, so I asked, Wheres she going to sleep?
Mark finished his coffee, set the cup down, and said, Thats the problem. Theres no spare room. I thought maybe you could crash at a friends place for a bit. What about Lindas? Shes got a twobed flat, plenty of space. Doris could stay with us for a month, then head back, and you could move back in.
I stared at him, stunned. What?
Just stay with Linda for a while. Shes alone, the flat is bigger. After a month Doris leaves, you come back. He tried to sound casual, but it felt like he was trying to push me out of my own home.
Mark, you want me to leave my flat? I said, voice shaking.
He sighed, Its only temporary, love. Just a month.
A month is ages. Why cant Aunt Doris rent a place or stay in a hotel?
She doesnt have the money for a hotel. Come on, its family, he pleaded.
Im not being selfish, I just dont get why I have to give up my own space for a relative I barely know.
He snapped, grabbed the keys off the table, and said, Ive already sorted it. Doris arrives tonight. Ive packed your suitcase, got a taxi booked, and called Linda. Shell take you in.
You called Linda without asking me? I snapped.
Yes, why waste time? No need for a drama. Just get ready.
He walked out of the kitchen. My heart was pounding. I headed to the hallway, and he was already pulling on his coat.
Mark, wait. We need to talk about this.
Nothing to discuss. Its decided. Heres your suitcase and some cash for a cab. He thrust a few pounds into my hand.
I stared at the money, the suitcase, and him. Was this really happening? Was he actually kicking me out of my own flat?
No, Im not going, I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
You will. Its just a month, then youre back. He looked annoyed.
What if I dont want to?
He rubbed his face, sighing, Are you being childish? Aunt Doris is old and ill. She needs help. And youre being a bit petulant.
Im not being petulant. Im protecting my right to live in my own home.
He muttered about rights and family, and I felt tears welling up. I turned away, trying not to show how much his words hurt.
Fine, Ill go, I finally said, grabbing my suitcase. He escorted me to the door, Ill call you when Doris leaves.
Outside, the hallway door slammed shut behind me. My eyes were wet, and I fumbled for my phone, dialing Linda.
Hey, Linda, its Claire. Mark says Im staying with you. Is that okay?
Of course, love! No problem at all. Doors open, theres space for you. She sounded cheerful.
I booked a quick black cab, told the driver the address, and as we drove, I stared out the window, tears blurring everything.
When I got to Lindas flat, she greeted me with a big hug. Whats happened? Mark told me youd be here, but you look upset!
He basically kicked me out so his aunt could stay, I explained, voice shaking.
Wow, thats harsh. Are you sure its just about the aunt? she asked, pulling me onto the sofa.
It feels like theres something else. Hes been distant lately, always on his phone, barely talking. I thought maybe there was someone else. I whispered.
She frowned, Maybe. Or maybe hes just under pressure. Either way, you deserve better.
She made me a cup of tea, and we sat in silence for a while. Later, Mark called, asking why I hadnt come back yet. I told him I was staying with Linda. He brushed it off, saying I should just move in with his aunt and thats that.
The next morning I tried calling him to pick up a few things, but he said his aunt was resting and he didnt want to disturb her. I asked if I could at least swing by when he was at work. He said, Just wait until hes out. Hell be at the office all day.
I decided to check the flat myself. While Mark was at work, I took my keys, climbed the stairs, and slipped in. The flat was quiet. I peeked into the bedroom the bed was made, a nightstand held some medication. In the kitchen, there was a note left on the table:
Mark, Ive gone to the hospital for a checkup. Should be back by evening. Dont worry. Aunt Doris
So Doris really was staying there. I felt a bit relieved, thinking maybe there wasnt any hidden agenda.
Just then the landline rang. The caller ID flashed Mum. It was Marks mother, my motherinlaw, Gwendolyn.
Hello, Claire? she said. Mark told me you left. Where are you?
Im just picking up a few things, I replied.
Is Aunt Doris settling in okay?
Yes, shes at the hospital for a scan. Mark said she has an operation tomorrow.
Tomorrow? He said shed only be here a week, not a month. Her voice tightened.
My heart raced. A week? A month? What was he hiding?
I opened the wardrobe, everything was where I left it. I opened a drawer, still the same. Then I noticed a notebook on the bedside table. Flipping it open, the first page bore Marks handwriting:
Plan
Below was a list:
1. Convince Claire to leave.
2. Meet with the estate agent.
3. Show the flat to potential buyers.
4. Finalise paperwork.
5. Collect the money.
6. Move in with Sophie.
My breath caught. He was planning to sell the flat and move in with someone else. Sophie? Who was she?
I snapped a photo of the page, slipped the notebook back, and rushed out, my head spinning. I called Linda, You were right. Hes got someone else.
She was furious, Hes a scumbag! He wants to sell the flat your flat!
Its in his name, I said, We bought it together, but the legal title is his. I was on maternity leave, not officially working, so everything was in his name.
What do we do? she asked.
I sank onto her couch, hugging my knees. I dont know. Hes already sold the idea. I cant even get my stuff back.
The next day I visited Gwendolyn. She looked pale. Claire, did Mark tell you hes selling?
Yes, I said. He wants to move in with Sophie.
She sighed, He said hed downsize, get a smaller place, use the rest for a car. He said you didnt need a big flat.
But we have a onebedroom! I protested.
She meant a studio, she clarified. He says its cheaper, the rest of the money goes towards a new car.
I showed her the notebook photo. She read it, her face hardening. Marks not the man I thought he was.
She promised to talk to him, but I told her Id handle it myself.
I called Mark, demanding a meeting. He kept saying he was busy. Finally, I managed to see him at a café near Lindas flat. He looked nervous, nursing a coffee.
I laid out the notebook photo. He stared at it, his face turning ashen. Where did you get that? he asked.
It doesnt matter, I said. Explain yourself.
He swallowed, then finally said, Claire, theres something I need to tell you. Ive been seeing someone her name is Sophie. Weve been together for six months. I love her.
The words hit me like a slap. Six months? I asked, breathless.
Yes. Im sorry. I didnt want to hurt you, but it happened.
He went on, Im planning to sell the flat. Its legally mine, so I can. Ill give you some money, you can find somewhere else, maybe stay with your parents.
I stood up, my voice shaking, You know what, Mark? Do what you want. Sell the flat, move in with Sophie. But youve lost me forever.
I walked out, not looking back. Linda met me outside, gave me a tight hug, wiping my tears. You did the right thing, love. You dont need a man who treats you like trash.
Where will I go? I whispered.
Stay here for now. Well figure something out. She promised to help.
I ended up staying with Linda for a month while Mark sold the flat and moved in with Sophie. I filed for divorce, but the court ruled the flat belonged to Mark, so I got very little compensation. I found a job, saved up, and eventually moved into a tiny studio in a council block. Not fancy, but it was mine.
Life slowly got back on track. I went to yoga, caught up with friends, and the pain eased, leaving only a gentle ache.
One day Gwendolyn called. Claire, how are you? Mark and Sophie broke up. He ran out of money, she left him. Hes now renting a room and keeps asking about you. He said hes sorry, maybe we could reconcile?
I sighed, No, thank you. Im happy with my new life.
She understood, and we said goodbye. I looked out the window at the grey city, people hurrying by. Its not easy a tiny flat, modest salary, occasional loneliness but its honest, mine, and free of the deceit that once shattered my world.
Thanks for listening, love. It means a lot to share this with you. Take care.
