Listen, I dont want to argue with you, the motherinlaw said, squinting slightly, but youre the one making a fuss. Live peacefully in the flat; nobodys going to kick you out. And stop treating my son like a tyrant. If I have to, I can separate you two. Where would you go with the baby then? Lets try to get along, Sophie?
***
Sophie was perched at her desk, eyes glued to the screen. Suddenly a bouquet of fresh roses appeared on the tabletop. She looked up and saw Leon, the new recruit in their department, grinning awkwardly.
This is for you, Sophie, Leon said, cheeks tinged pink.
Thanks, but you didnt have to, Sophie replied, keeping her tone neutral.
Leon had recently started showering her with little gestures: bringing coffee, offering compliments. Sophie brushed them off, pretending not to notice. He wasnt exactly her type a bit too bookish for her taste.
During the lunch break, colleague Megan floated over.
Sophie, why are you turning Leon away? Hes not a bad bloke.
Its not my cup of tea, Sophie said. Hes just too calm.
Calm is reliable. You cant find many steady guys these days. And, mind you, he already owns a flat. Not many people his age can brag about that.
A flat, you say? Sophie mused. A place to live is important. If hes got a roof over his head and earns well, thats a big tick on my checklist.
That evening Sophie stayed late to finish a crucial report. As she was about to leave, Leon approached.
Sophie, may I walk you to your cab? he offered.
No thanks, Leon, Ive already got a taxi.
Just to the cab, then, he persisted.
On the way, Leon chatted about his hobbies, work, and future plans. Then, out of the blue, he asked Sophie out on a date. She hesitated, then agreed after all, it could be a chance to see him more clearly, especially after Megans remarks about his flat.
***
The first date was at a cosy café. Leon turned out to be an engaging conversationalist and, surprisingly, an interesting fellow.
So, where do you live? Sophie asked, trying not to look too eager.
In my own flat, Leon said proudly. My parents helped me buy it after university.
Thats brilliant! Sophie replied sincerely.
After a few more meetings, Sophie began to notice qualities in Leon shed missed before: he was attentive, dependable, a good listener, honest, and genuinely kind. Her parents and friends liked him instantly.
One afternoon she asked him about his dreams.
What do you think about, what do you long for? she pressed.
I dream of a family, kids, a cosy home, Leon answered. A place we can call our own, warm and inviting.
A home sounds lovely, but first we need a proper flat, Sophie warned.
No worries there, Leon grinned. We already have one, so we can start thinking about the house
A year later they were married in a modest but heartfelt ceremony. They moved into Leons flat, and Sophie couldnt stop beaming shed married a good man and they finally had a roof of their own.
Two years on, their son arrived. Sophie was over the moon. Leon proved to be a doting father, caring and loving. They lived in perfect harmony; Sophie never once regretted her choice.
One night, as they tucked their little boy in, Sophie floated the idea of a second child.
Leon, I think its time we think about a second baby, she said casually.
Another one? Leon blinked. Why? Our sons still tiny.
Id love a little girl, she confessed. Weve got the money, the flat why not sell this place and buy something bigger?
Money, yes, Leon agreed. But the flat
What about the flat? Sophie asked, puzzled.
Its not exactly mine, Leon murmured, looking down. The ownership is actually in my fathers name.
Your fathers? Sophie repeated.
Exactly, he whispered. Dad and Mum bought it for me so I wouldnt lose it if things went sour.
Sophie felt the floor drop out from under her. She sank onto the bed, trying to process.
Youve been lying to me all this time? Why? she asked, fighting back tears.
I didnt lie, I just left out a detail. My parents wanted me not to mention it, fearing Id marry you just for the flat. I now know you love me, not the property.
And now? she pressed, eyes watery. What do we do, Leon?
Well keep living as we are. The flat belongs to my parents, but they wont take it away. Well make do.
What if they decide they need it? Or give it to my sister? Sophie snapped. How can you be so calm?
Honestly, I dont think theyll ever do that, Leon replied. Theyve never hinted at it.
Where did you get that certainty? Sophie demanded.
Please, Sophie, calm down, Leon tried to hug her. Everything will be alright.
No, Leon, nothing will be alright. You kept the truth from me. You lied!
The evening ended in a shouting match. Sophie barred Leon from the bedroom; he spent the night on the sofa.
***
Three days passed without a word between them. Leon went to work as usual; Sophie cooked his meals and ironed his shirts, all in strained silence. Leon tried repeatedly to start a conversation, but Sophie ignored him completely, even shooing him away whenever he approached their son. The moment Leon got near the toddler, Sophie snatched the baby and retreated to another room. She kept hoping Leon would return home with good news that his parents had finally transferred the flat into his name, so they could sell the twobedroom, buy a threebedroom, or even a cottage on the citys edge.
But Leon brought no such cheer. Sophie never dared to speak directly to her motherinlaw about the property, yet Evelyn, Leons mother, showed up unannounced when Leon was out.
Whats happening here? Evelyn asked. Your son seems upset, somethings bothering him. Tell me, Sophie, whats the story?
Nothing, Evelyn, nothing at all, Sophie snapped. Everythings fine. I have no idea why Leon looks so gloomy.
Youre lying, Evelyn said, nodding. Tell me, dear, why are you so eager to get hold of someone elses flat? You already live here peacefully; were not going to throw you, Leon, or even the grandchild, out. Whats wrong? Why are you pestering my son about this?
Sophie clenched her fists, trying to stay calm.
No ones trying to steal your flat, Evelyn, she replied. Leon keeps telling me the flat is his, but in truth it belongs to you. Im worried about our future. If something goes wrong, we cant do anything with that flat. I want a second child, and a twobedroom is cramped. A threebedroom would be perfect. Weve saved some money, but not enough to buy outright. If we sell the twobedroom, we could probably afford a threebedroom. I dont like the idea of begging you for permission to sell. Were a family, we have a child, so I think we should decide where we live.
Ah, thats why you kept your son safe, Evelyn smirked. Do you think Im as naïve as Leon? I see right through you. Youre looking for a pretty, welloff girl to catch the eye of my modest programmer? Dont try to convince me you married Leon out of great love; Ill never believe it. Let me tell you this: that flat will not be sold, no matter what. It stays in my husbands name. What are you hoping for? Sell it, buy a bigger place, then immediately file for divorce and split the assets? That wont happen. Keep saving, buy what you want, and perhaps start contributing to the household budget, then youll have a say in the money. Youve come all the way here, now youre trying to claim rights you havent earned. Im not going to argue with you. Live peacefully; I promise you wont be evicted. If you start causing trouble, Ill make my son well, I have leverage. I could even push for a divorce. Think carefully, love.
Evelyn left, and Sophie exhaled heavily, heading to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Well, she thought, Ill have to make the best of it. Leons a good husband and earns decently. As for the flat not being sold let them try! Well save for a threebedroom ourselves. Thatll be the push Leon needs. Sophie set the table quietly, her resolve hardening with each clink of cutlery. She wouldnt beg, she wouldnt pleadshed build what she wanted on her own terms. The next morning, she opened a separate savings account, transferred half her salary, and started researching affordable family homes outside the city. Leon noticed the distance, the quiet determination in her movements, but this time, he didnt ask. He just watched, helplessly, as the woman who once chased security began to outgrow itand him.
