Listen, I dont want to argue with you, my motherinlaw said, squinting a bit. Youre the one making a fuss. Live peacefully in the flat; no ones kicking you out. And stop bullying my son. If I have to, I can split you both up. Where would you go with the kid? Lets try to get along, love, Emily?
***
Emily was glued to her computer screen at her desk when a fresh bunch of roses suddenly appeared on the table. She looked up and saw Leon, the new guy in their department, standing there with an embarrassed smile.
These are for you, Emily, Leon said, his cheeks turning pink.
Thanks, but you didnt have to, she replied, keeping her tone neutral.
Leon had started showering her with little gestures bringing coffee, dropping compliments. Emily brushed them off, pretending not to notice. He wasnt really her type; a bit of a wallflower, really.
During lunch, their colleague Mara sidled up to her.
Emily, why are you turning Leon away? He seems decent, Mara said.
Its not my cup of tea. Hes just too mellow, Emily replied.
Mellow can be reliable. You dont find lads like that these days. And, by the way, hes got his own flat. Not many guys his age can boast that, Mara added.
A flat, you say? Emily mused. A place to live, a steady income those are big tickboxes when you think about a future partner.
That evening Emily stayed late to finish a crucial report. Just as she was about to leave, Leon appeared.
Emily, may I walk you to the taxi? he asked.
Thanks, Leon, but Ive already booked one.
Just to the curb then, he insisted.
On the way he chatted about his hobbies, work, and plans. Then, out of the blue, he asked her out on a date. She hesitated but eventually said yes, thinking it might be a good chance to see him more clearly, especially after Maras flat comment.
***
Their first date was at a cosy café. Leon turned out to be a pleasant conversationalist and an interesting bloke.
Where do you live? Emily asked, trying not to sound too nosy.
In my own flat, he replied proudly. My parents helped me buy it after university.
Nice! Emily said sincerely.
After a few more outings Emily began to notice qualities in Leon shed missed before. He was attentive, caring, reliable, a good listener, decent and honest. Her parents and friends liked him straight away.
One afternoon she asked, Leon, what do you dream about?
I dream of a family, he said. A warm, cosy home of our own.
A house sounds lovely, but we need at least a flat first, Emily pointed out.
No worries, weve already got the flat, Leon grinned. So we can start thinking about a house
A year later they married in a modest but heartfelt ceremony. They moved into Leons flat. Emily was over the moon shed married a good man and they finally had a place of their own.
Two years on, their son Jack was born. Emily was thrilled; Leon proved to be a wonderful dad caring and loving. They were a tightknit family and Emily never once regretted her choice.
One night, while putting Jack to bed, Emily brought up the idea of a second child shed always wanted two.
Leon, I think its time we have another baby, she said casually.
Another one? he looked surprised. But why? Jacks still little.
Id love a daughter, she admitted. We have the money, the flat why not sell this place, buy something bigger
Moneys not the issue, Leon agreed, but the flat
What about the flat? Emily asked, puzzled.
Its not exactly mine, he muttered.
Emilys eyes widened. What do you mean? You said your parents helped you buy it!
Yes, they helped. But its actually in my dads name.
In your fathers name? she repeated.
Exactly, Leon whispered, looking down. They wanted the flat to be safe if anything happened like a divorce.
Emily felt her legs go weak. She sat on the bed, trying to process.
Youve been lying to me this whole time? Why? she asked, tears threatening.
I didnt lie, I just left out the detail. My parents asked me not to say anything, fearing Id marry you for the flat. I now know you love me for who I am, Leon said. We still love each other, we have Jack. My parents wont take the flat away.
What if they do? Emily pressed. Or give it to your sister? How can you be so calm?
Emily, theyd never do that, Leon protested.
How do you know?
Please, calm down, he tried to hug her. Everything will be alright.
No, Leon. Nothings alright. You kept this from me. You lied!
The evening ended in a heated argument. Emily shut the bedroom door; Leon spent the night on the sofa.
***
Three days passed without a word between them. Leon went to work as usual; Emily cooked, ironed his shirts, all in silence. Leon kept trying to talk, but Emily ignored him, even avoiding their son. Whenever Leon tried to pick up Jack, Emily would snatch the boy and retreat to another room. She kept hoping Leon would finally get the flat transferred into his name so they could sell it, move to a threebedroom house or even a suburb cottage.
Instead, Leon brought no good news. Emily didnt want to confront her motherinlaw directly about the property, but Mrs. Thompson, Leons mother, decided to pay a visit when Leon wasnt home.
Whats going on here? Mrs. Thompson asked. Your son seems off, somethings bothering him. Tell me, Emily, whats happened?
Nothing, Mrs. Thompson, everythings fine, Emily replied, trying to stay calm. I dont know why Leons acting gloomy.
Youre lying, Mrs. Thompson said. Why are you after a flat that isnt yours? You live here peacefully; were not going to evict you, Leon, or even our grandson. Whats the problem? Why are you pressuring my son about this?
Emily clenched her fists, then answered as evenly as she could.
No one is trying to take your flat, Mrs. Thompson. Leon and I just have a misunderstanding. He always says the flat is his, but in reality it belongs to your husband. Im worried about my future. If something were to happen, we cant do anything with this flat. I want a second child, and a twobedroom flat is cramped for two kids. Wed need a threebedroom place. We have some savings, but not enough for a new house. If we sold this flat, we could afford a bigger one. I dont want to keep begging you for permission to sell. Were a family, we have a child, so I think we should decide where we live ourselves.
Ah, thats why Ive been looking out for my son, Mrs. Thompson smirked. Do you think Im as naïve as Leon? I see right through you, dear. You think a pretty little lass would fall for my humble programmer? Dont tell me you married Leon out of grand love. I wont believe it. Let me be clear: that flat isnt going anywhere, no matter what. It will stay in my husbands name. What are you hoping for? Sell it, buy something bigger, then divorce to split the assets? That wont happen. Save up, buy what you want. It would be fair if you started contributing to the household budget, then youd have a say over the money. Youve come here ready to claim rights, but Im not going to fight you. Live peacefully, Emily, I promise you wont be thrown out. If you start causing trouble, Ill make my son divorce you. Believe me, I have leverage.
Mrs. Thompson left. Emily let out a heavy sigh and went to make dinner. She told herself shed have to make the best of the situation. Leon earned a decent wage, and the flat couldnt be sold well, theyd just have to keep saving for that threebedroom home. Shed push Leon a bit, give him a little nudge, and maybe theyd get there sooner.
