**Overhearing My Husbands Sister Plotting to Take My Flat I Gave Her an Unexpected Surprise**
I shoved the dirty plates into the dishwasher and switched on the quick wash. Friday dinner had gone well: Oliver wolfed down my beef and ale pie like it was his last meal. Even Charlotte, who usually turned her nose up at anything that nobody cookedas she referred to me behind my backhad two helpings.
Im off for a shower, Oliver called from the hall. Got football with the lads tomorrowneed an early night.
Go on, I waved, scrubbing the counters.
Charlotte lounged in the sitting room, glued to her phone. Shed turned up the night beforeno warning, as usual, with a pile of shopping bags and that permanent scowl. Just popping in for the weekend, shed said. Like always.
Fancy a cuppa? I asked, leaning into the doorway.
No, she snapped, not looking up.
I shrugged and returned to the kitchen. After three years of marriage, Id learned to ignore my sister-in-laws jabs. Oliver always said, Charlies prickly, but she means well. Dont take it personally.
The shower hissed down the hall. I flicked the kettle on and reached for my favourite mug. Then I caught Charlottes voice from the sitting room:
Mum, hi Yeah, Im at theirs No, she made that slop again Listen, I spoke to the solicitor.
I froze, mug in hand. Charlotte dropped her voice, but in the quiet flat, every word carried.
Yes, through the courts Since Nan left the flat to Oliver, not both of them That idiot hasnt a clue she can be removed from the deed Oliverll sign anything if you phrase it right
The mug slipped from my fingers and shattered on the tiles.
What was that? Charlottes voice sharpened.
Dropped a mug, I managed, ice flooding my veins.
The flat The three-bedroom in Kensington wed lived in for three years. A gift from his nan. For the newlyweds, shed said. And now this viper wanted me tossed out?
Typical, Charlotte appeared in the doorway. Butterfingers, as usual.
Sorry, my mind wandered, I bent to gather the pieces, glad she couldnt see my face.
Use the dustpan, for Gods sake.
I fetched it, hands trembling.
Why the shakes? Charlotte narrowed her eyes. Its just a mug.
Startled me, thats all, I lied.
Right. Our delicate little daisy, she scoffed, retreating.
One thought pulsed in my skull: *They want me out. Of my own home. Thats why shes really here.*
Oliver emerged, whistling.
Broke a mug? No worries, weve got stacks, he grinned.
Yeah, I forced a smile.
He kissed my head and wandered off to bed.
I didnt sleep a wink. Oliver snored beside me while I stared at the ceiling. Tell him? He adored Charlotte, always made excuses. Complain to his mum? She was clearly in on it! Shed never warmed to me, though she hid it well.
*I have to handle this myself*, I decided by dawn. But how?
At sunrise, I crept to the kitchen. My hands shook so badly I missed the cup twice with the sugar.
Get a grip, I whispered. *Think.*
My eyes landed on a solicitors card stuck to the fridgeJames Whitmore had helped our neighbour with a property dispute. I grabbed my phone.
Morning! James Whitmore? Its Emily Carter, from flat 12B. I spoke low, watching the door. I need urgent advice. Today at one? Brilliant.
Oliver shuffled in, pillow-crease on his cheek.
Up early, he murmured, kissing me. Everything alright?
Fine. Just meeting an old friend todayLucy. Ages since Ive seen her.
Which Lucy?
From uni, I blurted.
Right. Im taking Charlie to the cinema. Her idea.
*Of course it was*, I thought.
The solicitors office smelled of leather and coffee. James, a balding man in wire-frames, listened intently.
The flat was a gift from your husbands grandmother Are you on the deeds?
Yes, straight after the wedding.
And whose names on the title?
Pardon?
The Land Registry. Freehold? Leasehold?
I blinked. Oliver handled all that.
James sighed. First, confirm ownership. If its just him, youre vulnerable. If its both, his sister cant touch you.
How?
Request a title register online or at the council. Do it today.
I returned with a plan. In the hall, I tripped over Charlottes heels.
Back already? she smirked from the kitchen. We wondered where youd got to.
Just catching up with Lucy, I kept my voice steady.
We saw that dreadful action film, she rolled her eyes. Olivers taste hasnt improved.
I nodded, slipping past. In the bedroom, I shut the door and pulled up the Land Registry site. Paid the fee. Now to wait.
That night, with Oliver asleep and Charlotte in the spare room, I checked my email. The title had arrived. My fingers shook as I opened it.
**Proprietor: Oliver James Henderson.**
I gasped. Charlotte was rightlegally, the flat was his alone. I was just a tenant. Fear curdled into rage. *Not happening.*
At dawn, I rang James again.
Listen, he cut in. Have you been registered there over three years?
Nearly three.
Good. Youve got occupiers rights. Plus, marital assetsfurniture, appliancesare joint. And if youve proof of contributing to renovations
We redid the kitchen! Ive got receipts.
Then youve a strong case. Gather everything. And *dont sign* anything they give you.
Thank you.
Emily you should tell your husband.
I sighed. Not sure hell believe me over them.
The next two days, I moved like a ghostsmiling, cooking, pretending. Meanwhile, I compiled evidence: receipts, bank transfers, our prenup stating shared assets.
On Monday, Charlotte announced she was staying.
Took holiday last-minute, she told Oliver sweetly. You dont mind, do you?
Stay as long as you like! he laughed.
I gritted my teeth.
That evening, I overheard her again:
Mum, its sorted Yes, Ill stay Shes clueless The paperworks nearly ready Oliver wont refuse
My blood boiled. *Think again, love.*
Next day, I took leave. By evening, I had a folder of documents and a plan.
Darling, shall we invite your parents this weekend? I asked over supper. Its been ages.
Charlottes head jerked up.
Brilliant idea! Oliver beamed. Charlie, Mumll be chuffed youre here too.
Lovely, Charlotte muttered.
Saturday, I cooked like my life depended on it. *Last supper*, I thought bitterly, chopping herbs.
By six, the table groaned with food. Olivers parents arrivedRichard and Margaret. As ever, Margaret eyed me like a faulty appliance.
You look well, Emily, she said thinly.
Thanks, I smiled. Dig in.
Once seated, Oliver raised his glass: To family!
To family, I echoed.
Charlotte smirked at me. *Not for long.*
Actually, I said loudly, theres something we need to discuss.
All eyes turned.
Oliver, I overheard Charlotte and your mum plotting.
Silence. Charlotte paled.
What? Oliver frowned.
Theyre planning to convince you to transfer the flat into your name only. Remove me from the deeds. Kick me out.
Rubbish! Margaret spluttered. Oliver, shes hysterical!
Emily, whats this about?
I heard every word, I said coolly. Charlotte said, That idiot doesnt know she can be removed, and that youd sign anything if asked right.
Charlotte shot up: You were spying?!
Overheard while cleaning. But the point isyou want me out of my home.
*Your* home? Margaret cut in. Its Olivers! His grandmother left it to him!
Emily, this is mad, Oliver took my hand.
I slid the folder across. Proof.
He flipped throughreceipts, bank statements, solicitors notes.
Charlotte went chalk-white.
You saw a *
