I recall those days as if they were a distant chapter in an old diary, when the quarrels with my motherinlaw seemed as inevitable as rain in November. She squinted, her voice low, Listen, I do not wish to argue with you, dear Emily, but you force it upon yourself. Live peacefully in your flat; no one is going to drive you out of this house. And stop pressuring my son. If need be, I could even split you both apart. Where would you go with the child then? Let us try to live amicably, shall we, Emily?
***
Emily sat at her desk in the accounting office, eyes fixed on the screen. Suddenly a bouquet of fresh roses appeared on the table. She looked up to see Leonard, the newest clerk in their department, blushing as he offered them.
This is for you, Emily, he said, his cheeks pink.
Thank you, but you didnt have to, she replied, keeping her tone even.
Leonard had lately begun to sprinkle small gesturesbringing coffee, slipping complimentsyet Emily brushed them aside, pretending not to notice. He was hardly her type; a drab, bookish sort.
One lunch break, their colleague Martha drifted over.
Emily, why are you turning away Leonard? He seems decent enough, she said.
Its not my cup of tea, Emily answered. Hes too calm, I suppose.
Steady as a rock, though. Youll scarce find a man like that these days. And, by the way, he has his own flat. Not many men his age can brag about that.
A flat, you say? Emily mused.
A roof over ones head mattered, she thought. Property and a steady income were crucial when weighing a future partner.
That evening, Emily stayed late to finish a vital report. As she gathered her things, Leonard approached.
Emily, may I see you to the cab? he offered.
Thank you, Leonard, but Ive already called a taxi, she said.
Just escort me to the taxi, then, he persisted.
On the way, he spoke of his hobbies, his work, his hopes. Then, without warning, he asked her out on a date. She hesitated, then agreed, thinking it a chance to examine him more closelyespecially after Marthas remarks about his flat.
***
The first evening out was at a cosy café. Leonard turned out to be an engaging conversationalist.
Where do you live? Emily asked, trying not to reveal her curiosity.
In my own flat, he said proudly. My parents helped me buy it after I finished university.
Fantastic! Emily replied sincerely.
After a few more meetings, Emily began to notice qualities in Leonard that had previously escaped her: attentiveness, reliability, a listening ear, honesty. Her friends and family took a liking to him as well.
One quiet night she asked, Leonard, what do you dream of?
I dream of a family, a home of our own, he answered. A warm, comfortable house.
A house is lovely, Emily said, but first we need a proper flat.
We already have one, Leonard smiled. So we can start thinking about a house
A year later they wed in a modest, heartfelt ceremony and moved into Leonards flat. Emilys joy was palpable; she felt blessed to have married a good man with a roof over their heads.
Two years on, their son was born. Emily was over the moon; Leonard proved a devoted, caring father. Their life seemed perfect.
One evening, while soothing their baby to sleep, Emily hinted at a second child.
Leonard, I think its time we try for another, she said breezily.
Another? Why? Our boy is still little, he asked, surprised.
Id like a daughter, Emily confessed. We have the money, the flat we could sell this place, buy something larger
Money, yes, Leonard agreed, but the flat
What about the flat? Emily pressed.
Leonards expression darkened. It isnt exactly mine, he said quietly. Its still in my fathers name.
Emilys heart dropped. What do you mean? You said your parents helped you buy it!
They did, but the title is in my fathers name. They wanted a safety net, should a divorce ever happen.
Emily felt her legs give way. She sat on the edge of the bed, fighting tears.
So youve been lying to me all this time? Why? she whispered, voice shaking.
I never lied, I simply omitted, Leonard replied. My parents asked me not to mention it, fearing Id marry for the flat. I thought you loved me for who I am.
What now? Emily asked, eyes brimming. What shall we do?
We love each other, we have a child. My parents wont take the flat away. Well live as we have always lived.
But what if they change their mind? Or give it to your sister? Emily protested. How can you be so calm?
They wont, Leonard insisted. I swear.
Emily could not accept. Leonard, you hid the truth. I cant pretend this is alright.
The night ended in a heated argument. Emily shut Leonard out of the bedroom; he spent the night on the couch.
***
Three days passed in a strained silence. Leonard went to work, Emily prepared his meals, ironed his shirts, all without a word. He tried repeatedly to bridge the gap, but Emily ignored him, turning away even when he approached their son. Whenever Leonard reached for the boy, Emily snatched the child and fled to another room. She still hoped Leonard would return with news that the flat had finally been transferred to his name, dreaming of selling the twobedroom flat, buying a threebedroom house, or even a small cottage on the outskirts.
No good news came. Leonards mother, Agnes Hawthorne, learned of the dispute and visited Emily while Leonard was absent.
Whats happening here, dear? she asked. Your son seems troubled. Tell me, Emily, whats the matter?
Nothing, Mrs. Hawthorne, Emily replied curtly. All is well. I dont know why Leonard looks so gloomy.
Youre not being truthful, Agnes said. Why are you so keen on a flat that isnt yours? You live here peacefully; we have no intention of driving you, Leonard, nor you, nor even our grandson, out. Whats wrong with you? Why are you pestering my son about this?
Emily clenched her fists, striving for calm. Mrs. Hawthorne, Im not trying to take your flat. Leonard told me it belongs to him, but in fact its my fatherinlaws property. I worry about our future. If something were to happen, we could do nothing with the flat. I want a second child, and a twobedroom flat is cramped. If we sold it, we could perhaps afford a threebedroom place. Im not keen on begging you for permission to sell. Were a family with a child, so I believe we have the right to decide where we live.
Ah, thats why youve been eyeing my sons property, Agnes smirked. Do you think Im as naïve as Leonard? I see right through you, darling. A pretty, clever girl drawn to my modest programmer? Dont pretend you married Leonard out of great love; I wont believe it. The flat will not be sold, no matter what. It will remain my husbands. Are you hoping to sell it, buy a bigger one, then file for divorce to split the assets? That wont happen. Save your money, buy what you like. It would be fair if you also contributed to the family purse, then youd have a say over it. You came here all ready, rights in hand! I never wanted a fight with you. Live peacefully; I assure you no one will evict you. If you start to rebel, Ill have my son file for divorce. Trust me, I have leverage. Think wisely, dear.
With that, Agnes left. Emily exhaled heavily and began preparing dinner, resigning herself to the situation. Her husband earned a decent wage, and though the flat could not be sold, she told herself they would save for a larger home in time. She would push Leonardmotivate himuntil they could afford a threebedroom house of their own.
