Listen, I dont want to argue with you, Margaret said, narrowing her eyes, but youre the one whos forcing this. Live peacefully in your flat; no ones going to evict you. And stop tormenting my son. If I have to, I can split you both up. Where will you go with the child then? Lets try to get along, Emma.
***
Emma Clarke sat at her desk, eyes glued to the screen. A sudden rustle made her glance down to find a bouquet of fresh roses on the keyboard. She looked up to see Leon Reed, the new analyst in her department, blushing as he offered them.
This is for you, Emma, he murmured, his cheeks pink.
Thank you, but it wasnt necessary, she replied, keeping her tone even.
Leon had lately been dropping small gestures: a coffee here, a compliment there. Emma brushed them off, pretending not to notice. He wasnt her typeshe thought him a lanky, bookish fellow.
During lunch, their colleague Marina drifted over.
Emma, why are you turning Leon down? He seems decent, Marina said.
Its not my kind of man, Emma replied. Hes too quiet.
Reliability, though. You dont find men like that these days. And, by the way, he owns his own flat. Not many in his thirties can say that.
A flat, you say? Emma mused, thoughtful. Having a place and a steady income are big checkmarks when youre looking for a partner.
That evening, Emma stayed late to finish a crucial report. As she packed up, Leon appeared in the doorway.
Emma, may I walk you to your cab? he asked.
Thanks, but Im taking a taxi, she said.
Just to the taxi stand, he insisted.
On the short walk, Leon talked about his hobbies, his work, his future plans. Then, abruptly, he asked her out on a date. Emma hesitated, then agreed. She told herself it was a chance to see him betterespecially after Marinas comments about his flat.
***
Their first date was at a cosy bistro. Leon turned out to be a witty conversationalist.
Where do you live? Emma asked, trying not to betray her curiosity.
In my own flat, Leon replied proudly. My parents helped me buy it when I finished university.
Thats wonderful! Emma said sincerely.
After a few more evenings together, Emma began to notice qualities shed missed before. Leon was attentive, dependable, a good listener, and genuinely honest. Her friends and her parents warmed to him quickly.
One night she pressed him about his dreams.
What do you think about the future? What do you want? she asked.
I dream of a family and children, Leon said. I want a cosy, warm home of our own.
A home sounds lovely, Emma replied. But first we need at least a decent flat.
We already have one, Leon smiled. So we can start planning a house.
A year later they were married in a modest but heartfelt ceremony. They moved into Leons flat, and Emma felt a surge of happinessshe had married a good man with a roof over their heads.
Two years on, their son, Oliver, was born. Emma adored him; Leon proved to be a caring, devoted father. Life seemed perfect.
One evening, as they tucked Oliver into bed, Emma brought up a longheld wish.
Leon, I think its time we think about a second child, she said casually.
Another? Leon frowned. Why? Olivers still so little.
I want a daughter, Emma confessed. We have the money, the flat why not sell the flat, buy something bigger?
Money, yes, Leon agreed. But the flat
What about the flat? Emma asked, puzzled.
…Its not exactly mine, Leon said slowly, eyes downcast. Its actually in my fathers name.
Emmas breath caught. What do you mean it isnt yours? You told me your parents helped you buy it!
Yes, they helped, but the title is under my dads name, Leon whispered. They wanted the place to be safe if anything happened to us.
Emma felt her legs go weak. She sank onto the bed, the weight of betrayal pressing down.
Youve been lying to me all this time? Why? she asked, tears threatening to spill.
I didnt lie, I just didnt tell the whole truth, Leon pleaded. My parents asked me not to say anything. They feared Id marry you for the flat. I know now you love me for who I am.
What now? Emma whispered, her eyes swollen.
We love each other, we have a son. My parents cant take the flat away. Well live as we have always lived, Leon said, trying to sound calm.
What if they need it? What if they give it to my sister? Emma snapped. How can you be so sure?
Theyll never do that, Leon insisted. I swear.
Then why do you think you know? Emma demanded.
Because Ive seen them, Leon said, trying to pull her into an embrace. Please, Emma, calm down. Everything will be alright.
No, Leon. Nothing will be alright. You hid the truth. You lied to me! Emma shouted, the room echoing with the sound of her anger.
The night ended in a shouting match. Emma barred Leon from the bedroom; he spent the night on the couch.
***
Three days passed in a cold silence. Leon went to work, Emma cooked, ironed shirts, and folded laundryeach task performed without a word. Leon tried repeatedly to break the ice, but Emma turned away, refusing even to look at him. When he approached Oliver, Emma snatched the boy and fled to another room, determined not to let Leon near him.
Emma still clung to the hope that Leon would return with news that the flats title had finally been transferred to them. Then they could sell the twobedroom flat, buy a threebedroom house, or even a suburban cottage.
But Leon brought no good news. Margaret, Leons mother, finally showed up at Emmas door while Leon was away, timing her visit perfectly.
Whats going on here? Margaret asked, her voice sharp. Your son seems troubled. Tell me, Emma, whats happened?
Nothing, Mrs. Thompson, Emma replied, forcing a smile. Everythings fine. I dont know why Leon looks so down.
Youre lying, Margaret said, leaning in. Why are you after our flat? Youre happy here, were not going to kick you, me, Leon, or our grandson out. Whats wrong with you? Why are you trying to pressure my son?
Emma clenched her fists. Im not trying to take anyones flat, she said as calmly as she could. Leon kept telling me the flat was his, but in reality it belongs to you, his father. Im worried about our future. If something happens, well have no control over the property. I want a second child, and a twobedroom flat is cramped. Weve saved some money, but not enough for a threebedroom. If we sold this flat, we could afford a bigger place. I dont want to have to beg you for permission to sell.
Margaret sneered. Thats why I protected my son. Do you think Im naive, like Leon? I see right through you, pretty girl, swooping after my modest programmer. Dont tell me you married Leon out of true loveIll never believe it. This flat isnt for sale, no matter what. It stays in my husbands name. Are you hoping to split the assets in a divorce? That wont happen. Save your money, invest it, and maybe youll earn the right to decide how its spent. Stop pushing for rights you dont have. Im not fighting with you. Live peacefully; I promise no one will drive you out. If you persist, Ill make my son file for divorce. He has the leverage.
With that, Margaret turned and left. Emma exhaled a long, exhausted sigh and went back to preparing dinner, resigning herself to the situation. Her husband earned a decent wage, and the flat wouldnt move. They would have to save for a bigger home on their ownperhaps that would finally give Emma the push she needed.
