Listen, I dont want to argue with you, my motherinlaw said, squinting. Youre the one making a fuss. Live peacefully in the flat; no ones going to evict you. And stop bullying my son. If I have to, I can separate you two. Where will you go with the baby then? Lets get along, Emma?
***
Emma was perched at her desk, eyes glued to the screen. Out of nowhere a bouquet of fresh roses appeared on the tabletop. She looked up and saw Leonard, the new junior analyst in our department, blushing as he handed them over.
This is for you, Emma, Leonard murmured, his cheeks pink.
Thanks, but you didnt have to, Emma replied, keeping her tone neutral.
Leonard had lately made a habit of dropping small gestures her waybringing coffee, slipping a compliment. Emma brushed them off, pretending not to notice. He wasnt her type; she thought him a bit plain, a gardenvariety bloke.
During lunch, their colleague Claire sidled up to Emma.
Emma, why are you turning Leonard away? He seems decent enough.
Its not my cup of tea, Claire. Hes too calm, I guess.
But reliable. You dont find that many steady lads these days. And, by the way, he owns his own flat. Not many people his age can brag about that.
A flat, you say? Emma mused, her thoughts drifting.
Property mattered to Emma. A man who could keep a roof over his head and earn a decent wage ticked an important box in her checklist.
That evening Emma stayed late to finish a crucial report. As she was about to leave, Leonard approached.
Emma, may I walk you to the car? he offered.
Thanks, Leonard, but Ive got a cab.
Ill at least see you to the cab, he persisted.
On the way, Leonard chatted about his hobbies, work, and future plans. Then, completely out of the blue, he asked Emma out on a date. She hesitated, but eventually agreed, thinking it was a chance to see him more clearlyespecially after Claires comments about his flat.
***
Their first date was at a cosy café. Leonard turned out to be an engaging conversationalist and an interesting fellow.
Where do you live? Emma asked, trying not to betray her curiosity.
In my own flat, Leonard said proudly, my parents helped me buy it when I finished university.
Thats wonderful, Emma replied sincerely.
After a few more outings, Emma began to notice qualities in Leonard shed previously missed. He was attentive, dependable, caring, a good listener, honest and respectable. Her friends and family took a liking to him straight away.
One evening Emma pressed him about his aspirations.
What do you dream of, Leonard? she asked.
I dream of a family, children, he said, a cosy, warm home of our own.
A home sounds lovely, but we need a flat first, Emma remarked.
We already have one, Leonard smiled, so we can start thinking about a house
A year later they married in a modest but heartfelt ceremony. After the wedding they moved into Leonards flat. Emma was thrilledshed married a good man and they now had a roof of their own.
Two years on, their son James was born. Emma was over the moon. Leonard proved to be a devoted, loving dad. They lived in harmony, and Emma never regretted her choice.
One night, while tucking James in, Emma broached the subject of a second childshed always wanted two.
Leonard, I think its time for a second baby, she said casually.
Another one? Leonard looked surprised. Why? James is still tiny.
Id like a daughter, Emma confessed. We have the money, the flat why not? We could sell this flat, buy a bigger place
Money, sure, Leonard agreed, but the flat
What about the flat? Emma asked, puzzled.
You see, the flat isnt exactly mine, he said quietly. Its actually in my fathers name.
How can that be? You said your parents helped you buy it! Emma protested.
Yes, they helped, but the title is in my dads name. They wanted to protect it in case of a divorce, Leonard admitted, head bowed.
Emma felt her world tilt.
Youve been lying to me all this time? Why? she whispered, tears threatening.
I didnt lie, Emma. I just left out that detail. My parents asked me not to tell youthey feared youd marry me for the flat. I now know you love me, not the property.
What do we do now? Emma asked, her eyes wet.
We love each other, we have James. My parents wont take the flat away. Well keep living as we are.
What if they change their minds? Or give it to your sister? How can you be so calm? Emma demanded.
Emma, theyll never do that, Leonard replied, bewildered.
How do you know?
Please, calm down, Leonard tried to embrace her. Everything will be fine.
No, Leonard, nothing will be fine. You hid the truth. You lied to me! The night ended in a bitter argument. Emma barred Leonard from the bedroom; he slept on the sofa.
***
For three days they barely spoke. Leonard went to work, Emma cooked and ironed his shirts, all in silence. Leonard kept trying to start a conversation, but Emma turned a cold shoulder, ignoring him completely. She even kept him away from James; whenever Leonard approached the boy, Emma would snatch the child and retreat to another room. She still hoped Leonard would return from work with news that his father had finally transferred the flat into his name. Then she could sell the twobedroom flat, buy a threebedroom house, or even a small cottage on the outskirts of town.
But Leonard brought no good news. Emma didnt dare speak directly to her motherinlaw about the property, yet the matriarch, Margaret Hughes, showed up at Emmas door while Leonard was out, timing it just right.
Whats going on here? Margaret asked. My son seems troubled, somethings bothering him. Tell me, Emma, whats happened?
Nothing, Mrs. Hughes, Emma snapped, everythings fine. I dont know why Leonard is so gloomy.
Youre lying, Margaret said, so tell me, dear, why are you eyeing someone elses flat? What do you want? You live here peacefully; were not going to evict you, me, Leonard, or especially our grandson. Whats wrong with you? Why are you pestering my son about this?
Emma clenched her fists, fighting anger. She answered as calmly as she could:
No one is trying to take your flat, Mrs. Hughes. Leonard and I just have a misunderstanding. He keeps telling me the flat is his, but in truth it belongs to your husband. Im worried about my future. If something were to happen, wed have no claim on the flat. I want a second child, and a twobedroom flat is cramped for three. Weve saved some money, but not enough for a threebedroom place. Selling the current flat would give us a chance. I dont want to beg you for permission to sell. Were a family with a child, so I think we should decide where we live.
Thats why I protected my son, Margaret sneered, do you think Im as naïve as Leonard? I see right through you, wanting my modest programmers attention. Dont tell me you married Leonard for love. Ill never believe that. This flat isnt going anywhere, no matter what. Itll stay in my husbands name. Are you hoping to sell it, buy something bigger, and then file for divorce to grab half? That wont happen. Save your money, buy what you like, and start contributing to the family budget, then maybe youll have a say. Youve come here ready to fight, but Im not going to argue. Live quietly, Emma, I promise you wont be thrown out. If you cause trouble, Ill make Leonard divorce you. I have the leverage. Think carefully, love.
With that, Margaret left. Emma exhaled heavily and went to prepare dinner, resigning herself to the situation. Her husband earned a decent wage, and the flat, though unsellable, would remain theirs. She told herself theyd eventually save enough for a bigger home. After all, she could prod Leonard a little harder, she thought, to make it happen.
