Listen, I dont want to argue with you, the motherinlaw squinted, her voice thin as smoke. Youre the one who forces it. Live quietly in the flat; no ones chasing you away. And stop tyrannising my son. If it comes to it, I could split you up. Where would you go with the child then? Lets try to get along, Emily?
***
Emily sat at her desk, eyes glued to the screen. Suddenly a bouquet of fresh roses appeared on the surface, as if the glass had sprouted petals. She looked up and saw Leon, the new recruit in their department, blushing and offering a shy smile.
This is for you, Emily, Leon whispered, cheeks turning a soft pink.
Thanks, but you didnt have to, Emily replied, keeping her tone even.
Leon had lately taken to dropping little attentions: a coffee here, a compliment there. Emily waved them off, pretending not to notice his advances. He was a modest, bookish sort, not the sort that set her pulse racing.
During the lunch break, their colleague Rachel sidled up.
Emily, why are you turning Leon away? He seems decent enough.
Rachel, hes just not my type. Hes too calm.
Calm is reliability. You dont find men like that these days. Besides, he already has his own flat. Not many at his age can boast that.
A flat, you say? Emily mused, the idea stirring something.
Having a roof over ones head mattered to her; a roof that paid its own way was a cornerstone for any future partnership.
That evening Emily lingered at work to finish a crucial report. As she gathered her things, Leon appeared.
Emily, may I walk you to the car? he offered.
Thanks, Leon, but Ive ordered a taxi.
I can at least escort you to the taxi, he persisted.
On the way, Leon spoke of his hobbies, his job, his hopes. Then, without warning, he asked Emily out on a date. She hesitated, then agreed, thinking it might be a chance to see him more clearlyespecially after Rachels remarks about the flat.
***
Their first date unfolded in a cosy café. Leon turned out to be a surprisingly engaging conversationalist.
Where do you live? Emily asked, careful not to reveal too much curiosity.
In my own flat, Leon said proudly. My parents helped me buy it after university.
Thats wonderful, Emily replied sincerely.
After a few more meetings, Emily began to notice qualities in Leon shed missed before: attentiveness, reliability, an ability to listen and support, honesty. Her friends and family took to him instantly.
One afternoon she asked, Leon, what do you dream about?
I dream of a family, children, he answered. A warm, comfortable home of our own.
A house sounds lovely, Emily said. But first we need a proper flat.
No worries, Leon grinned. We already have one, so we can start thinking about a house
A year later they married in a modest yet heartfelt ceremony. They moved into Leons flat. Emily felt a soaring joyshe had married a good man and they now owned a place of their own.
Two years on, a son was born. Emily was radiant; Leon proved a loving, devoted father. Their lives intertwined so tightly that Emily never once regretted her choice.
One night, while tucking their boy in, Emily whispered about a second childshed always imagined two.
Leon, I think its time for another baby.
Another? Leon looked surprised. But why? Our son is still tiny.
Id like a daughter, Emily confessed. We have the money, the flat why not sell this one, buy something bigger?
Money, yes, Leon agreed. But the flat?
What about the flat? Emily asked, puzzled.
Its not exactly mine, Leon said, his voice dropping. Its technically in my fathers name.
What? You said your parents helped you buy it!
Yes, they helped, but the title is in my dads name.
Your fathers? Emily repeated, heart pounding.
Exactly, Leon whispered, eyes downcast. They wanted a safety net, in case of a split.
Emily felt the floor give way beneath her. She sank onto the bed, the words echoing in the silent room.
Youve been lying to me all this time? she asked, tears threatening.
I didnt lie, I just omitted. My parents asked me not to say, fearing youd marry me for the flat. I now know you married me for love, not for property.
What do we do now, Leon? she whispered, eyes rimmed with tears. How do we move forward?
We love each other, we have a son. My parents wont take the flat away. Well live as we have.
What if they need it later? Or give it to your sister? Emily pressed. How can you be so calm?
Emily, theyll never do that, Leon protested. How would I know?
Tell me, Emily pleaded. Please.
Leon tried to hug her. Everything will be fine.
No, Leon, nothing will be fine. You kept the truth from me. You lied!
The night ended in a clash. Emily barred Leon from the bedroom; he spent the night on the sofa.
***
Three days passed without a word between them. Leon went to work, Emily prepared his meals, ironed his shirts all in a mute routine. Leon tried repeatedly to draw her into conversation; Emily ignored him, pretending he wasnt there, even keeping her hands away from their son. Whenever Leon approached the boy, Emily snatched the child and retreated to another room. She dreamed of the day Leon would return home with news that his father had finally transferred the flat into his name, so they could sell the twobedroom flat, buy a threebedroom one, or even a cottage on the outskirts of town.
But Leon brought no such news. Emily refused to confront her motherinlaw directly about the property, yet Mrs. Thompson, Leons mother, arrived unannounced while Leon was at work.
Whats happening here? Mrs. Thompson asked, eyes sharp. Your son seems troubled, somethings bothering him. Tell me, Emily, whats the matter?
Nothing, Mrs. Thompson, Emily replied, voice flat. All is well. I have no idea why Leon looks so gloomy.
Youre lying, Mrs. Thompson said, nodding. Tell me, dear, why are you after a flat that isnt yours? You live here peacefully; we have no intention of evicting you, Leon, or our grandson. Whats wrong with you? Why are you pestering my son about this?
Emily clenched her fists, forcing calm. Im not trying to take your flat, Mrs. Thompson. Leon and I just have a misunderstanding. He keeps saying the flat is his, but it belongs to you.
I see, Mrs. Thompson said, a smile curling her lips. You think Im as naïve as Leon? You think Id let you swoop in on my modest programmer? Dont pretend you married Leon for love. I wont let you sell that flat, no matter what. It stays in my husbands name. If you think you can sell it, buy something bigger, and then divorce to snatch half the assetsdont even dream of it. Save up, buy what you want, and start contributing to the family budget, then youll have a say.
Fine, Ill keep my head down and make dinner, Emily sighed, retreating to the kitchen. Leons a good husband, earns decently. If we cant sell the flat, well save for a bigger place ourselves. Ill push him to work harder, motivate him
The dream lingered, a strange mixture of domestic quiet and looming unease, as the flats shadow stretched over the couples restless sleep.
