“Emily, for goodness’ sake, you already own four flats—why do you need another one? Where are Mum and I supposed to go, out on the street?” I shouted at my sister when I found out she wanted to take our family home. This is the story of how my sister’s greed nearly left Mum and me homeless and how I fought to protect our right to stay.
**The Family Flat and Its Story**
Our family had always lived in a spacious three-bedroom flat in the heart of London. Mum and Dad got this place back in the ’80s, and it became our family nest. My sister and I grew up here, raised by Mum alone after Dad passed away. The flat is old but full of character—tall ceilings, large windows, and memories in every corner. Mum and I still live here, though it’s long overdue for a renovation.
Emily, my older sister, moved out years ago. She married well—her husband’s a successful businessman—and over the years, they’ve built quite a fortune. She already owns four properties: two she rents out, one she bought for her son, and the fourth where she lives with her husband. I never resented her wealth—I was glad she had a good life. But then she announced she wanted to take our family flat for herself.
**“It’s My Inheritance”**
It started during one of her visits. Casual conversation turned serious when she brought up the flat. “Mum, this place is too much for you—the stairs are steep, the lift’s ancient. Let’s sell it, and I’ll find something smaller for you and Sarah,” she said. I was stunned. “Sell it? And where would we live?” Emily shrugged. “It’s my inheritance. I’m entitled to my share.” She claimed the flat belonged to all three of us—Mum, her, and me—and she wanted her piece.
I couldn’t believe it. First, Mum was still alive—what inheritance? Second, Emily knew full well we had nowhere else to go, and her idea of “something smaller” sounded like a cramped bedsit. “Emily, you’ve got four flats—why do you need this one? Are you really going to throw Mum and me out?” She insisted it was a “smart investment,” but I saw the truth—she just wanted it all for herself.
**The Argument and Mum’s Heartbreak**
Mum overheard us and was devastated. She’d always been fair to us both, but even she couldn’t stay quiet. “Emily, have you no shame? This flat is our home—I’ve lived here my whole life.” But Emily wouldn’t budge. “I don’t want to fight, but it’s my right. If we don’t sell, I’ll take legal action to force a division.”
I never imagined my sister would go this far. We weren’t close, but I never thought she’d be this ruthless. I begged her to reconsider—reminded her that Mum’s pension and my teacher’s salary couldn’t cover another place. But Emily just brushed me off. “You’ll figure something out.”
**What Now?**
I’m lost. Taking her to court would be expensive, drawn-out, and too much for Mum to bear. But I won’t just hand over the home we’ve lived in all our lives. I offered to buy Emily out, but she named a price I couldn’t afford in a decade. Mum’s in tears, saying she’d rather die than leave.
Should I try reasoning with Emily again? Or prepare for a legal battle? If anyone’s been through this—how did you handle it? How do I save our home without tearing the family apart? I need advice—desperately.
