“Youll never forgive me for this!” his sister shouted as Ignatius made up his mind to walk away from the family, refusing to be manipulated for his nieces sake.
During Sunday lunch at his mothers, Ignatius noticed the way his mother and sister kept exchanging glances and sharing hesitant, nervous laughtersomething entirely out of character for them.
*Theyre definitely up to something again,* he thought bitterly. *Probably scheming some ridiculous plan. Theyre so gullibleany con artist could pull the wool over their eyes. And worst of all, theyll never admit their mistakes until its too late. Mums elderly, fine, but Natalie? Shes not stupid, so why does she keep falling for nonsense?*
His gaze shifted from his mother to his sister, then to his niece, who sat quietly, lost in her own thoughts, oblivious to the tension in the room.
To break the uneasy silence, Ignatius turned to her.
“So, Emily, hows university? Enjoying it?”
“Youll never forgive me for this!” his sister shouted as Ignatius made up his mind to walk away from the family, refusing to be manipulated for his nieces sake.
“Yes, Uncle, really good. Everythings great. Except” She hesitated, glancing at him nervously.
“Whats wrong?” Ignatius frowned. “I went to the same uni, and it worked out well for me. Prestige degree, landed a job straight awaythey practically fought over me. Built my career from scratch, all thanks to that education.”
“Yes, Emily,” his mother chimed in. “Your uncle got in on merit, no favours, worked hard, graduated with honoursmade something of himself. You should take after him. Never caused me any trouble, always helped your mum when she needed it.”
Natalie smiled sweetly at him. “Ignatius has always been my rock. Stood by me through everything. Helped raise Emily after the divorce from David. Took over as the man of the house after Dad passed. A proper gentleman.”
*Somethings definitely off,* Ignatius thought. *They want something from methats why theyre laying it on so thick. Normally, Natalie blames me for her divorce, saying I never got on with David. How could I? The man was more interested in the pub than work. I got him jobs, but he never lasted more than a week. Always moaning about pay, claiming I was sabotaging him. And now suddenly Im the perfect brother? Right.*
After tea, they moved to the living room, but the tense silence told Ignatius the real conversation was still coming.
“Listen, Ignatius,” his mother finally began, “theres something we need to discuss…”
“Look, love,” Natalie cut in sweetly, “Emilys grown now. She doesnt want to live with me anymore.”
“Hardly surprising,” Ignatius snorted. “Shes an adultprobably has a boyfriend by now. Right, Em?”
Emily flushed and looked down.
“Perfectly normal at her age,” Ignatius continued. “Young people need independence. Youve probably been smothering her, doing everything for her. If she doesnt want to stay with you, she can apply for student housing.”
“Student housing?” His mother, Margaret, scoffed. “Have you *seen* what goes on there?”
“Its perfectly fine,” Ignatius said firmly. “She needs to learn to stand on her own two feet.”
“No, youve misunderstood,” Natalie said soothingly. “Emilys nineteen. Shes got a lovely boyfriendOliver, very well-mannered, intelligent. We think its serious. But we need to think about her future. Student housing is temporarywhat then?”
“Then she gets a job, rents a place, maybe gets a mortgage like everyone else. Or she could apply for the Graduate to Rural Work schemethey offer relocation grants and housing.”
“No, Uncle, I dont want to move to the countryside,” Emily pouted. “Id rather go to London. But flats there are ridiculously expensive.”
“We just want to give her a head start,” Margaret pressed. “Lets not beat around the bush. Weve saved up a bit for Emilys future, but *you* could take out a mortgage under the first-time buyer scheme. Your old schoolmate, Simon Carter, works in financehe told us all about it. Said hed sort the paperwork. Were ever so grateful to him. Come on, Ignatius, do this for your niece.”
“Mum, Ive told you a hundred timesI wont get involved in dodgy schemes. I dont qualify for any first-time buyer scheme.”
“But Simon said theres a way”
“I dont care what Simon said. Its fraud. I wont risk my reputation just so Emily can skip the queue. I worked for everything I haveno shortcuts, no favours. Shell graduate, get a job, and you can save up properly. Ill contribute then. Why the rush?”
“Uncle, I want to be independent. Id get a part-time job to help with payments,” Emily insisted.
Natalie shot her a warning look, but Emily pressed on.
“You think youd have to pay it all yourself, but Mum and Gran said theyd cover half. Youd just help a little. The interest rates are tiny!”
“So youve already decided *Im* paying for this?” Ignatius snapped. “Splitting *my* money without asking? You dont just want the schemeyou want me to fund it too. Why not just say, Ignatius, buy Emily a flat? Shes an adult who wants independence but expects someone else to pay for it.”
“Why are you being so difficult?” Natalies voice trembled. “Look at hershes crying! Were not asking for cash. She trusted you, and youre acting like a stranger. Youve been like a father to herhow can you turn your back now?”
Emily sobbed loudly. “Uncle, this scheme might never come again! Mum and Simon have sorted everything. Youd just sign a few paperswork under him for five years. Well handle the rest!”
“This conversation is over,” Ignatius said sharply. “I wont be part of any fraud. And since I know Simon well, Ill be calling him to warn his bosses about his little scams. Tell mehave you already paid him, or was it just promises?”
Natalie paled. “I paid nothing! Dont you dare threaten himhe was trying to help!”
Margaret finally spoke up, stunned. “Ignatius, I dont even recognise you! Youre her uncleher family. Who else will help them if not you?”
“See, Mum? The moment moneys involved, he bolts. He wouldnt spare a penny if it meant risking his precious conscience. He barely helps you as it is!”
The accusation left Ignatius speechless.
“Youre saying I *dont* help?” he managed.
“Oh, please. Big talk until real moneys on the table. Emily would be paying a mortgage her whole lifethirty years! And heres a golden chance, but *no*you wont lift a finger!”
Ignatius stood and walked to the door.
“Im leaving. Well talk when youve calmed down.”
“Youll *never* forgive me for this!” Natalie screamed after him. “One time we ask for help, and this is how you react!”
Emilys sobs echoed from the kitchen.
Margarets voice was cold. “I expected better from you, Ignatius. Youve broken this family today. How could you hurt us like this?”
Ignatius turned, heart heavy. “Mum, cant you see? I wont compromise my integritynot even for family.”
“Integrity is fine, but family comes first. Youve torn us apart.”
The slam of the front door as he left struck him like a knife to the chestsharp, final, as if hed severed himself from them for good.