Listen, I dont want any more rows with you, said the motherinlaw, squinting. Youre the one making a fuss. Live peacefully in your flat; no ones going to evict you. And stop bullying my son. If need be, I could pull the plug on both of you. Where would you go with a child then? Lets try to get along, dear Emily?
***
Emily was perched at her desk, eyes glued to the screen. Suddenly a bouquet of fresh roses appeared on the surface. She lifted her gaze and saw Leonard, the new recruit in their department, grinning sheepishly.
For you, Emily, Leonard said, cheeks tinged pink.
Thank you, but you didnt have to, Emily replied, keeping her tone neutral.
Leonard had recently started handing her small tokens: a coffee here, a compliment there. Emily brushed them off, pretending not to notice. He wasnt exactly her typemore of a quiet botanist than a dashing rogue.
During the lunch break, colleague Marina drifted over.
Emily, why are you giving Leonard the cold shoulder? He seems decent enough.
Marina, hes not my cup of tea. Hes too calm, I guess.
At least hes reliable. You dont find many blokes wholl sit still these days. And, mind you, he owns his own flat. Not many men his age can brag about that.
A flat, you say? Emily mused.
A roof over ones head is a big deal, she thought. If he has a place and a steady income, that checks a lot of boxes for a future partner.
That evening, Emily stayed late to finish a crucial report. As she gathered her things, Leonard approached.
Emily, may I walk you to the car? he offered.
Thanks, Leonard, but Ive got a taxi.
At least let me see you to the taxi, he persisted.
On the way, he chatted about his hobbies, work, and ambitions. Then, out of the blue, he asked Emily out on a date. She hesitated, then agreed, thinking it might be a chance to see him more clearlyespecially after Marinas flat remark.
***
The first date was at a cosy café. Leonard turned out to be a surprisingly engaging conversationalist.
So, where do you live? Emily asked, trying not to look too eager.
In my own flat, he said proudly. My parents helped me buy it when I finished university.
Brilliant! Emily replied sincerely.
After a few more meetups, Emily began to notice qualities in Leonard shed previously missed. He was attentive, caring, dependable, a good listener, and genuinely honest. Her friends and family liked him right away.
One afternoon Emily probed his dreams.
Leonard, what do you think about, what do you hope for? she asked.
I dream of a family and kids, he said. I want a cosy, warm home of our own.
A home sounds lovely, but we need at least a flat first, Emily noted.
No worries, we already have a flat, Leonard grinned. So we can start thinking about a house
A year later they married in a modest yet heartfelt ceremony. They moved into Leonards flat. Emily was giddyshed married a good man, and they finally had a roof of their own.
Two years on, a son arrived. Emily was over the moon. Leonard proved to be a doting father; they were a tightknit family, and Emily never once regretted her choice.
One night, after putting the boy to bed, Emily floated the idea of a second childshed always wanted twins.
Leonard, I think its time we think about a second baby, she said casually.
Another one? Leonard blinked. Why? Hes still a little chap.
I want a daughter, Emily confessed. And weve got the money, the flat why not? We could sell this place, buy something bigger
Money, yes, Leonard agreed. But the flat
What about the flat? Emily asked, puzzled.
Well its not exactly mine, he muttered, looking down. Its technically in my dads name.
Emilys throat tightened.
What do you mean its not yours? You said your parents helped you buy it!
They did, but the title is in my fathers name, Leonard whispered. They wanted a safety net in case of a divorce.
Emily felt the floor tilt beneath her.
So youve been lying to me this whole time? Why? she asked, tears threatening.
I didnt lie, I just left out bits, Leonard said. My parents asked me not to mention it. They feared Id marry you just for the flat. I now know you love me for who I am, not for property.
And now? Emilys eyes were wet. What do we do?
Nothing changes, love. We have a son, we have each other. My parents wont strip us of the flat. Well live as we have.
What if they need it someday? Emily pressed. Or give it to your sister? How can you be so calm?
Emily, theyll never do that, Leonard protested. Trust me.
How do you know?
Because Ive asked them, and theyve said no. He tried to pull her into an embrace. Itll be alright.
No, Leonard, nothing will be alright. You kept this from me. Youve lied!
The night ended in a heated argument. Emily barred Leonard from the bedroom; he spent the night on the couch.
***
Three days passed without a word between them. Leonard went to work as usual; Emily cooked, ironed his shirts, all in a silent routine. Leonard kept trying to break the ice, but Emily ignored him, even shooing him away from their son. Whenever Leonard tried to hold the boy, Emily snatched the child and retreated to another room. She still hoped Leonard would return home with news that his parents had finally transferred the flat into his name. Then she could sell the twobedroom place, buy a threebedroom house, or even a small suburbia cottage.
But Leonard brought no such news. He never dared to discuss the property directly with Emilys motherinlaw, so Aunt Margaret, Leonards mother, took matters into her own hands. She arrived at Emilys house at a time when Leonard was out.
Whats going on here? Aunt Margaret asked. My son seems distressed. Tell me, Emily, whats happened?
Nothing, Aunt Margaret, everythings fine, Emily replied briskly. I dont know why Leonard looks so gloomy.
Youre lying, dear, Margaret said, nodding. Why are you pining after someone elses flat? Youve got a roof over your head, no ones kicking you out. Why are you pestering my son about it?
Emily clenched her fists, then answered as calmly as she could.
Im not after your flat, Aunt Margaret. Leonard told me the flat belongs to you, not to him. Im worried about our future. If anything went wrong, wed have no say over the property. I want a bigger place for two kids; the twobedroom flat is cramped. Weve saved some money, but not enough for a threebedroom. If we sold this flat, we could afford one. I just 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.
Thats why Ive protected my son, Margaret smirked. You think Im naive? You think Leonard married you for love? I wont let that flat be sold, no matter what. It stays in my husbands name. If you think you can get half of it in a divorce, youre dreaming. Save your money, put it into the family pot, then maybe youll have a say. Im giving you all the rights you needjust stop demanding more. I didnt want a fight, Emily. Live peacefully; I promise no one will evict you. If you start causing trouble, Ill make my sonif neededpull the plug on the marriage. Think about that.
Aunt Margaret turned and left. Emily exhaled heavily and went back to cooking dinner. Well, she thought, Ill have to make peace with the situation. Leonard earns a decent wage, and well save for a bigger place ourselves. Let them try to keep the flatI’ll just keep my eye on the prize. That night, Emily sat at the kitchen table, divorce papers printed and folded beside her teacup. She stared at the ceiling, listening to the silence of a home that wasnt really hers. Leonard came in quietly, placed his keys on the counter, and looked at her with tired eyes. Without a word, he sat down, opened his laptop, and started searching listings for three-bedroom flatson his own name, this time. Emily watched him from the corner of her eye, the steam from her tea rising like a ghost between them. She didnt speak, but something in the air shifted, fragile and new. Maybe it wasnt about owning walls or keys. Maybe it was about someone finally choosing to fight for a future, not because he had to, but because he wanted to.
