The Unexpected Houseguest
Emily and Daniel sat at the head of the table, glowing with happiness. Their wedding reception was in full swing: guests danced, and toasts flowed endlessly. After the festivities, the newlyweds set off on a short honeymoon—a gift from Emily’s parents. They already had a home: a cosy flat left to them by Emily’s grandmother. Small but theirs, in a nice neighbourhood, freshly renovated—just right for the two of them. Returning from their trip, they hauled their suitcases up to their front door. Daniel inserted the key into the lock but suddenly froze—the door was bolted from the inside. Someone was in their flat! He shot Emily a puzzled look, rang the bell, and when the door swung open, both stood stunned.
On the threshold stood James Wilson, Daniel’s father. “Dad?” Daniel blurted. “What are you doing here?” Emily, still recovering from the shock, noticed James looked weary, his eyes dull. “Had a row with Margaret,” he sighed. “Mind if I stay the night?” Flustered, Emily nodded. “Of course, James, come in.” The flat smelled of spaghetti bolognese—James had rummaged through the freezer and cooked dinner. “Knew you’d be back today,” he added sheepishly.
Emily and Daniel had married after a year of dating. The wedding had been lively, and Emily already knew Daniel’s family well: James, his father; Margaret, his stepmother, who’d entered the picture when Daniel was seven; his two aunts, Jane and Diane; and his two half-sisters, Victoria and Valerie. The sisters, both pregnant, had grumbled at the wedding, envious of the guests’ merriment while they sipped juice quietly. Emily had been polite but felt the tension—Margaret and her daughters always kept their distance, as if Daniel were a stranger.
Over dinner, James explained what had happened. Victoria, the eldest, had given birth prematurely. The baby was healthy, but her husband had cheated, and she’d moved back in with Margaret. Margaret had demanded money from James for a pram and cot, accusing him of owing it to his grandchild. “I’m no grandfather,” James said bitterly. “Then she threw me out. Took my card while I was asleep.” Emily listened, indignation simmering. Margaret had always been domineering, but this was too much.
Daniel frowned. “Dad, did you freeze the card?” James shook his head. “Didn’t think… She’s done it before.” Emily exchanged a glance with her husband. They knew Margaret rented out her own flat but lived in James’s house, which was partly Daniel’s—inherited from his late mother. “She wants your share too,” James continued. “Asked you to sign it over.” Emily gasped. “How? That’s yours, Daniel!”
The next day, Margaret called Daniel. “You’re a grown man,” she began. “You’ve got your own place now. Leave your share to your father—you don’t need it.” Daniel replied coolly, “It’s Mum’s inheritance. I’m keeping it.” Margaret’s tone turned threatening. “If you won’t help Victoria or give up your share, I’ll divorce James!” Daniel only smirked. “Best news I’ve heard all day.”
He confronted his father directly. “Dad, are you happy with her?” James hesitated, then admitted, “She’s using me. I’m tired.” Daniel proposed a plan: transfer full ownership of the house to him. “If Margaret stays, she stays for you. If she leaves—that’s her choice.” James agreed, and the paperwork was done the next day. Emily supported him, though anxious. “What if she causes a scene?” Daniel shrugged. “Let her try.”
When Margaret found out, she stormed into the flat where James was still staying. “How could you? They’ve tricked you!” James replied calmly, “You wanted the house. Now it’s Daniel’s. You’ve got yours. If you don’t want me, leave.” Realising she’d lost control, Margaret packed her things and left, snarling, “You’ll regret this!” But no one did. The divorce was swift—there was nothing to split.
The house remained Daniel’s, and James stayed with his son and daughter-in-law. Emily insisted, “This is your home, James. We’re family.” Later, when they had children, they took out a mortgage and moved to a new place, leaving the old one to James. Margaret tried to return, but James 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.
In the end, they learned that family isn’t just about blood but about who stands by you when greed shows its true colours.
