The Unexpected Visitor
Emily and James sat at the head of the table, glowing with happiness. Their wedding was in full swing—guests danced, and toasts flowed freely. After the celebration, the newlyweds set off on a short honeymoon, a gift from Emily’s parents. They already had a home waiting: a cosy flat left to them by Emily’s grandmother. Small but their own, in a good neighbourhood, freshly renovated—perfect for the two of them. Returning from their trip, they lugged their suitcases up to their door. James slid the key into the lock but froze—the door was bolted from the inside. Someone was inside! He shot Emily a bewildered look, pressed the doorbell, and when the door swung open, both stood stunned.
On the threshold stood Edward Whitmore, James’s father. “Dad?” James blurted. “What are you doing here?” Emily, still recovering from the shock, noticed Edward looked exhausted, his eyes dull. “Margaret and I had a row,” he sighed. “Could I stay the night?” Emily hesitated but nodded. “Of course, Edward, come in.” The flat smelled of spaghetti Bolognese—Edward had rummaged through the freezer and cooked dinner. “Knew you’d be back today,” he added sheepishly.
Emily and James had married after a year of dating. The wedding had been lively, and Emily already knew her husband’s family well: Edward, his father; Margaret, his stepmother, who’d entered the picture when James was seven; his aunts, Mary and Dorothy; and his two half-sisters, Victoria and Valerie. Both sisters, heavily pregnant, had grumbled at the wedding, envious of the guests’ merriment while they sipped juice quietly. Emily had tried to be polite, but the tension was palpable—Margaret and her daughters always kept their distance, as if James were a stranger.
Over dinner, Edward explained what had happened. Victoria, Margaret’s eldest, had gone into early labour. The baby was healthy, but her husband had cheated, and she’d left him, moving back in with Margaret. Margaret had demanded Edward pay for a pram and cot, accusing him of neglecting his grandchild. “I’m not her grandad,” Edward said bitterly. “Then she kicked me out. Took my card while I was asleep.” Emily listened, resentment simmering inside. Margaret had always been controlling, but this was too much.
James frowned. “Dad, did you freeze the card?” Edward shook his head. “Didn’t think to… She’s done it before.” Emily exchanged a glance with her husband. They knew Margaret rented out her own flat but lived in Edward’s house—part of which belonged to James, an inheritance from his late mother. “She wants your share too,” Edward continued. “Asked you to sign it over.” Emily gasped. “How? That’s yours, James!”
The next day, Margaret called James. “You’re a grown man,” she began. “You’ve moved in with your wife—sort yourselves out. Let your father have your share.” James replied coolly, “That’s Mum’s inheritance. I’m keeping it.” Margaret turned to threats. “If you won’t help Victoria or hand over your share, I’ll divorce Edward!” James only smirked. “Best thing you could do.”
He confronted his father later. “Dad, are you happy with her?” Edward hesitated but admitted, “She uses me. I’m tired.” James proposed a plan: transfer the house fully into his name. “If Margaret stays, she stays for you. If she leaves—her choice.” Edward agreed, and the paperwork was done the next day. Emily stood by James, though anxious. “What if she kicks off?” James shrugged. “Let her try.”
When Margaret found out, she stormed into the flat where Edward was still staying. “How could you?” she shrieked. “They’ve conned you!” Edward remained calm. “You wanted the house. Now it’s James’s. You’ve got your own. If you don’t want me, go.” Realising she’d lost control, Margaret packed her bags and left, snapping, “You’ll regret this!” But no one did. The divorce was swift—there was nothing to split.
The house stayed with James, and Edward lived on with his son and daughter-in-law. Emily insisted, “This is your home, Edward. We’re family.” Later, when they had children, they took out a mortgage and moved to a bigger place, leaving the old flat to Edward. Margaret tried to return, but Edward stood firm. “I’m free at last,” he said one evening over dinner, and Emily smiled. Their family grew stronger, while Margaret was left with what she’d chosen—empty ambition.
