**Diary Entry 28th June**
*”When can we move into your new house?” the in-laws asked outright. “Pardon?” Emily tensed. “Well, since youve finished everything, we assumed youd invite us soon.”*
*”Oliver, do you realise how absurd this is?” Emily could barely contain herself, especially since her husband pretended not to understand why she was so upset.*
*Maybe theyd planned this all alonglet her pour years of her life and every penny of her savings into this build, only to leave her with nothing?*
Unlike their peers, who scrambled for overpriced flats, Oliver and Emily had decided, even while dating, to build their own home. It was cheaper, faster, and far more practicalwhy settle for thirty square metres when they could have a hundred and thirty for the same money?
*”Plenty of room for children and pets,” Emily had said cheerfully.*
Luckily, the plot was already theirs. Emilys aunt, hearing of their plans, transferred the deed as a wedding gift. *”I never gave you a proper presentconsider this it. Better it goes to you than sits unused another twenty years.”*
Still, it wasnt easy. To save money, they took on much of the work themselveslate nights, weekends, even in bad weather. Emily even dipped into her inheritance from her grandmothers flat sale.
But when the house was finally liveable, every drop of sweat felt worth it.
Of course, it wasnt *finished*there were still details to tacklebut they could *live* there. Nights were spent in their new home; friends came round. The only shadow? Olivers parents hadnt lifted a finger to help, despite repeated pleas.
*”Theyre retiredwhat could possibly keep them so busy?” Emily muttered.*
*”They wouldnt lie,” Oliver shrugged, though doubt gnawed at her.*
That afternoon, the doorbell rang. Expecting the TV delivery, Emily was stunned to find Olivers parents, Margaret and George, beaming on the doorstep.
*”Oh! Iwasnt expecting you.”*
*”Arent you going to invite us in?” George winked.*
Flustered, she led them through the airy open-plan space. *”Its lovely!” Margaret gushed. “So much better than a cramped flat. Plenty of room for everyone!”*
*”Right” Emily nodded warily.*
*”So, when do we move in?” George asked bluntly.*
*”Iwhat?”*
*”Well, now its done, we thought youd have us stay,” Margaret said. “Were renting out our placea nice little income boost.”*
*”Did you discuss this with Oliver?” Emilys voice was thin with disbelief.*
*”Not yet, but he wont mind,” George said confidently.*
The audacity! Not a single favour during the build, and now they expected to *profit* from it?
When Oliver arrived, Emily hissed the news. His reaction was swift.
*”Absolutely not. You couldnt spare time to even deliver the fridge, but now you want to freeload *and* profit? No. We love you, but this isnt happening.”*
Silent, Margaret and George left in a huff.
*”Thank you,” Emily whispered, clinging to him. “I was terrified youd side with them.”*
*”Why would I? I saw how hurt you were every time they refused to help. Profiting off rent isnt a reason to invade our home.”*
Dinner was a quiet victory.
**Lesson:** Blood doesnt entitle anyone to your labouror your doorstep. Set the boundary early, or pay for it forever.
