**Diary Entry 20th June**
*”Clear out the flatI’m getting married, and well be living here,”* announced my husbands daughter from his first marriage.
Earlier that morning, Helen had been at work when her colleague, Sophie, leaned over her desk. *”Helen, you forgot to sign your leave request. HR need it by lunch.”*
Helen smiled, pushing her glasses up. *”Thanks, Sophie. Ill pop down now.”*
She set aside her spreadsheet and headed to HR, already daydreaming about her holiday. She fancied a week by the sea, but Robert, her husband, insisted they save money and stay at their cottage in the Cotswolds instead. Eight years of marriage had taught her to pick her battles.
Back at her desk, she noticed three missed calls from Robert. Oddhe never phoned during work hours. She rang back.
*”Helen, can you come home early?”* His voice was tense.
*”Whats happened?”*
*”Emilys here. Says its urgent.”*
EmilyRoberts daughter from his first marriage. Twenty-seven, living in Manchester, only ever turned up when she needed something.
*”Ill try to be back by six.”*
Her three-bedroom flat in Wimbledon had been her parents. When she married Robert, she hadnt thought twice about a prenup. Love and trust meant more.
Keys in the door, she heard voices in the living roomEmily chattering, Robert murmuring agreement. She kicked off her heels and walked in.
Emily lounged on the sofa in a sleek dress, a well-dressed man beside her. A champagne bottle sat open on the coffee table.
*”Ah, Helen, finally!”* Emilys gaze swept over her, dismissive. *”Meet Daniel, my fiancé.”*
*”Pleasure,”* Helen said stiffly, shaking his hand.
*”Sit,”* Robert gestured to the armchair. *”Emilys got something to discuss.”*
Helen sat, tension coiling in her stomach. Something was off.
*”Clear out the flatIm getting married, and well be living here,”* Emily said bluntly.
Helen blinked. *”Excuse me?”*
*”You heard. This place is perfect for us. Were marrying next month and need somewhere to live.”*
*”Emily, this is Helens flat,”* Robert muttered.
*”Dad, youve been on the deeds eight years. Legally, youre entitled to half. And as your only child, I inherit your share.”*
Helens hands went cold. *”Robert, what is this?”*
He wouldnt meet her eyes. *”Helen, love, shes got a point. Maybe we should”*
*”Should what?”* Helen stood. *”This is my flat. My parents bought it. I grew up here!”*
*”But Dad has rights,”* Emily said, pulling papers from her bag. *”I spoke to a solicitor. Eight years of cohabitation, joint billsa court could rule its half his.”*
*”Are you serious?”* Helen turned to Robert. *”Say something!”*
*”Helen, lets talk calmly. Emilys young, she needs stability. We could downsize”*
She couldnt believe it. The man shed trusted for eight years was calmly discussing kicking her out.
*”Robert, did you even consider siding with me? Or was your daughter always the priority?”*
He stared into his tea. *”Shes my only child.”*
*”Right. Ill file for divorce.”*
*”Helen, wait”*
*”No. I saw a solicitor. This flat is mineyouve no claim. Youve got a month to move out.”*
Later, her friend Louise handed her wine. *”I told you to get a prenup.”*
*”Not now, Lou.”*
*”Whatll you do?”*
*”Stand my ground.”*
Emily returned days later, rifling through drawers. *”Dad gave me keys. Just planning the decor.”*
Helen dialled 999. *”Police? Theres an intruder in my flat.”*
Emily paled. *”Youre joking!”*
*”Try me.”*
She fled.
Robert moved out that evening, shoulders slumped. *”Ill stay with a mate.”*
*”Fine.”*
*”Youre really divorcing me?”*
*”Yes. You chose her. Thats that.”*
A week later, Daniels mother, Margaret, rang. *”Emilys not pregnant. She lied to trap my son.”*
*”No surprise.”*
*”Theyve split. Daniels gone to Paris. Emilys already found another target.”*
The divorce was swift. Robert didnt contest it.
At work, a new developer, Thomas, asked her for coffee. Quiet, kind, with a dry wit. One evening, strolling through Regents Park, they bumped into Robert and Emily.
*”Helen,”* Robert nodded awkwardly.
*”Hello. This is Thomas.”*
Emily yanked her fathers arm. *”Lets go.”*
Thomas squeezed Helens hand. *”Glad you divorced him.”*
*”Why?”*
*”Or wed never have met.”*
That night, Helen deleted old photos. Eight yearssome good memories, but when tested, Robert failed. She hadnt.
Her phone buzzed. Thomas: *”Today was lovely. See you tomorrow?”*
She smiled. *”Absolutely.”*
Life moved on.
