Have we really built this house for nothing?
So, we built this enormous house for nothing? my mother-in-law exclaimed in outrage. Then refund me for half of the cost!
I need to have a serious word with you, said the lady with the bob-cut, settling down across from Emily. Before you marry my son, there are a few things you ought to hear.
The slender, fair-haired young woman gazed at her future mother-in-law with curiosity. This was only their third meeting.
Basically, if you want to join this family, you must understand the most important people in Olivers life are his parents! announced Margaret proudly. We do not need a daughter-in-law who tries to manage my son. Family rules.
Do I manage him? Emily interrupted, looking surprised.
Please, let me finish! A bit of patience never hurt, snapped the woman tersely.
Emily immediately dropped her eyes, feeling awkward. She had no intention of falling out with Olivers mum.
Their relationship was hardly weeks old, and Emily certainly didnt want to come across as difficult.
In any case, Margaret continued, our family has a plan: as soon as Oliver is married, we will all move into the house which is nearly finished. We will live together as one big, happy family!
Oh, lovely! Emily replied, forcing a thin smile.
Margaret arched an eyebrow, not expecting her soon-to-be daughter-in-law to be so quick to agree.
Im delighted youre on board! I reckon well get on famously, Margaret added with a wink.
She then began bragging about Emily to Oliver, highlighting how delightful, clever, and caring his fiancée was.
Spotting this, and thinking the support wouldnt hurt, Emily made a greater effort to win over Margaret, bringing her small gifts and going out of her way to show thoughtfulness.
A year on, and Margaret, growing concerned the wedding might never happen, urged Oliver to pop the question.
When are you buying a ring? she nudged him almost daily. The girl might slip away, and youll regret it
After mulling it over, Oliver realised his mother may have had a point, so he proposed to Emily, who gladly accepted.
Olivers parents offered to pay for the wedding, and Emily was reassured shed made a wise choice.
For the first three months, the newlyweds rented a flat. Then Margaret excitedly announced the house was ready to move in.
Come on, get packing well be packing too! she told her son and daughter-in-law.
Why? Were fine here, Emily protested, making it clear she didnt fancy living with her in-laws.
What do you mean, why? Margaret was taken aback. We agreed: once the house was finished, wed all move in!
Move in, whos stopping you? Emily responded coolly, her tone toward Margaret suddenly turning frosty.
Margaret was so stunned that for a moment she was speechless.
Hang on, you promised me, the older woman reminded her calmly.
Doesnt matter what I said back then. Ive changed my mind I dont want to live with you! Emily replied firmly. Well have our own place. And actually, since youll be leaving, Oliver and I will take your flat.
What? Dont get any big ideas! Margaret snapped. Cheeky! she huffed and hung up.
Emily stared at her phone in disbelief, listening to the dial tone.
The minute the call ended, she heard Olivers mobile ringing in the kitchen. Listening in, Emily realised Margaret was now complaining to Oliver about her.
Half an hour later, when Oliver eventually finished the heated conversation, Emily walked into the kitchen.
His face made it clear he was both annoyed and upset. Oliver looked at her and said sharply:
Whats going on?
What do you mean? Emily folded her arms defiantly.
My mum rang. She wants money
What? What money and what for? Emily could hardly believe her ears.
For the house. What exactly did you promise her before we got married? Oliver pressed, frowning. That wed live there together?
Nothing, Emily stubbornly feigned innocence.
You agreed to her plan for the house, didnt you? he pushed.
So what? I did then but now I dont, she replied, meeting his glare.
Well, I didnt agree with her plans I thought she was wasting her time! The house sat unfinished for years, and only after we got married did she finally complete it all because of you! Oliver groaned.
So its finished and? Emily shrugged. Whats the issue?
Before Oliver could answer, his mum rang again, and he made a swift decision: he handed his phone to Emily.
Here, you deal with her!
As soon as Margaret heard her daughter-in-laws voice, she went straight on the offensive.
Pay me back for the house! she demanded flatly.
Pay you back for what? Thats mad! Emily shot back, starting to lose patience.
All because of you, we built that house for nothing? Margaret fumed. I want half the price, back!
Half of what? Emily muttered through gritted teeth.
Five million pounds! You owe us five million! Margaret shouted. Otherwise
Otherwise what? I never signed a thing! Emily retorted, her voice laced with amusement.
In that case, well cut all ties with you! Margaret warned.
Fine by me, Emily grinned, ending the call.
Margaret started pestering Oliver for money, so he began sending her fifty thousand pounds every month.
Thisll take you ten years to pay me back at this rate! his mother grumbled. Either you move into the house, or up the payments.
Oliver didnt have enough spare cash, so he just went along with his mums terms.
As for Emily, she was not having any of it, and within six months, our marriage had broken down for good.
Reflecting on it all today, the thing I take away is this: its a mistake to make promises about your future under pressure from others and never put your happiness in someone elses hands.
