“Emily, youve got it all ready, and now youre trying to push the law,” her motherinlaw snapped, squinting. Listen, I dont want to argue with you. Youve put yourself in this mess. Live peacefully in your flat; no ones going to throw you out. And stop bullying my son. I could split you both up if I had to. Where would you go with a child then? Lets try to get along, dearwhat do you say, Emily?
***
Emily sat at her desk in the Manchester office, eyes glued to the screen. A bouquet of fresh red roses suddenly appeared on the tabletop. She looked up to see James Harper, the new analyst in their team, grinning shyly.
This is for you, Emily, James muttered, his cheeks flushing.
Thanks, but you didnt have to, Emily replied, keeping her tone neutral.
James had started showering her with small gesturesbringing coffee, dropping compliments. Emily brushed them off, pretending not to notice. He wasnt her type; she found him nerdy and unremarkable.
During a lunch break, their colleague Rachel approached.
Emily, why are you turning away James? Hes decent enough, Rachel said.
Its not my scene. Hes too calm for me, Emily replied.
Reliable, though. You dont find that kind of steady man these days. And he even has his own flat, which not many of his age can brag about, Rachel added.
A flat, you say? Emily mused, thinking aloud. A place of her own, a steady incomethats what mattered when she thought about a future partner.
That evening, Emily stayed late to finish a crucial report. As she packed her bag, James appeared.
Emily, may I walk you to the car? he asked.
Thanks, James, but Im taking a cab, she said.
Just to the cab stand then, he persisted.
On the way, James talked about his hobbies, his work, his plans. Then, out of the blue, he asked Emily out on a date. She hesitated, then agreed, thinking it would be a chance to see him more clearly, especially after Rachels remarks about his flat.
Their first date was at a cozy café. James turned out to be an engaging conversationalist.
Where do you live? Emily asked, trying not to sound too eager.
In my own flat, James said proudly. My parents helped me buy it when I finished university.
That’s wonderful, Emily replied earnestly.
After a few more outings, Emily began to notice qualities in James shed missed beforethoughtfulness, reliability, a listening ear, honesty. Her friends and family liked him instantly.
One night she asked, James, what do you dream about?
I dream of a family, kids, a home thats our ownwarm and welcoming, he said.
A house sounds lovely, but we need a flat first, Emily pointed out.
We already have the flat, so we can start thinking about a house, James smiled.
A year later they married in a modest yet heartfelt ceremony. They moved into Jamess flat together. Emily felt like shed wonmarried a good man and had a roof over their heads.
Two years on, their son Oliver was born. Emily was overjoyed; James proved to be a caring, devoted father. Their life seemed perfect.
One evening, as they tucked Oliver into bed, Emily brought up a thought shed held for years.
James, I think its time we think about having a second child, she said, nonchalantly.
Another? James looked surprised. Why, Olivers still a baby.
Id love a daughter, Emily confessed. Weve got the money, the flat why not sell this place and buy something bigger?
Moneys not the issue, James agreed. But the flat
What about the flat? Emily asked, puzzled.
Its not entirely mine, James said quietly, his eyes dropping. Its registered in my fathers name.
Emilys heart stopped. What do you mean its not mine? You said your parents helped you buy it.
They helped, yes, but the title is in my dads name. They wanted to make sure I wouldnt lose it if anything went wrong.
Emily sank onto the bed, the weight of the revelation crushing her. Youve been lying to me all this time? Why?
I didnt lieI left out details, James whispered. My parents asked me not to tell you they feared Id marry you just for the flat. I thought you loved me for who I am.
What now? Emilys voice trembled, tears barely held back. What do we do, James?
We love each other, we have Oliver. My parents wont take the flat away. Well keep living as we are, James tried to reassure.
What if they decide they need it? Or give it to my sister? Emilys anger flared. How can you be so calm?
Theyll never do that, James said defensively. I swear.
Then prove it, Emily demanded. Tell me the truth.
The night ended in a heated argument. Emily refused to let James into the bedroom; he slept on the sofa.
***
Three days passed in a silent cold war. James went to work, Emily cooked and ironed his shirts, but never spoke. James tried repeatedly to break the ice, but Emily ignored him, even shoving Oliver away whenever James tried to hug the boy. She clung to the child, retreating to another room, hoping James would bring news that his father finally transferred the flat into his name. Then they could sell the twobedroom flat, buy a threebedroom house, maybe even a semidetached in the suburbs.
James, however, returned with no good news. Emily didnt want to confront Margaret HarperJamess motherdirectly, but Margaret arrived at the house while James was out, timing her visit perfectly.
Whats happening here? Margaret asked, her tone sharp. Your son seems distant. Talk to me, Emily, whats wrong?
Nothing, Mrs. Harper, Emily replied, forcing calm. All is well. I dont know why James is so gloomy.
Youre lying, Margaret retorted. Tell me, why are you so eager to claim a flat that isnt yours? You live here peacefully; were not going to evict you, your husband, or our grandson. Whats got you trying to sway my son?
Emily clenched her fists, forcing a steady voice. Mrs. Harper, Im not trying to take your flat. James and I have a misunderstanding. He keeps saying the flat belongs to him, but its actually your husbands property. Im worried about our future. If something happens, we cant do anything with this flat. I want a second child, and a twobedroom flat is too cramped. Weve saved some money, but not enough for a threebedroom house. If we sold this flat, we could afford a bigger place. I dont want to have to beg you for permission to sell. Were a family; we should decide where we live.
Margaret smiled thinly. Thats why I protected my son. Do you think Im naïve? I see right through you, dear. Youre trying to lure my modest programmer son with your looks and promises of love? I wont believe youre here for love. The flat wont be sold, no matter what. It will stay in my husbands name. If you think you can get a bigger house, sell the flat, then divorce and split the assetsyou wont get far. Save up, buy what you want, but contribute to the family budget yourself, then maybe youll have a say.
She leaned in, eyes cold. Youve got the rights, now youre flaunting them. I dont want any more fighting. Live peacefully, Emily. Ill make sure youre not thrown out. But if you push, Ill force my son to consider divorce. Think about that, dear.
Margaret turned and left. Emily exhaled heavily, moved to the kitchen to start dinner, thinking, Ill have to make do. James earns a decent salary. If we cant sell the flat, well save for a threebedroom ourselves. Ill push him harder.
The tension lingered, a storm ready to break, as the couple faced the fragile balance between love, trust, and the bricks that held their world together.
