Off The Record
My Husband Wanted To Buy A House With His In-laws, So He Demanded That We Sell My Apartment. He Was Not Prepared For Me To Give Him The Keys So Easily
She grudgingly agreed, but only to comply, when her husband proposed selling her cherished apartment to pay for a home in his mother’s name. Her mother-in-law and husband were unaware that their treachery would lead to a plot.
The flat, a modern, bright space in the middle of the city, had been my ideal. To make it mine, I saved for years and put in a lot of labor. It was more than just a house; it was evidence of my self-reliance.
I encouraged Jack to move in with me when we got married three years ago. He had all the qualities I believed I was looking for in a partner: kindness and charisma.
Life appeared to be ideal at first. Jack, however, had baggage. Tension was always there in his household, particularly with his mother, Linda. Linda’s distaste for me was never concealed. She believed that I was unworthy of her “perfect boy.”
Her visits increased in frequency, her interference was less covert, and her remarks sharpened over time. Jack always dismissed it. He’d say, “That’s just how she is,”
However, Linda’s interference has gotten intolerable lately. She overplayed her hand during Sunday supper.
At Jack’s parents’ place, we sat around the huge dining table and smelled the aroma of roasted chicken. As usual, Linda had gone all out, plating everything as if it were for a magazine.
“Well, isn’t this lovely?” Linda said as her piercing gaze scanned my entire body. “My dear, you really ought to take notes. A satisfying supper prepared at home keeps a husband content.”
Knowing that the fight wasn’t worth it, I bit back a response. As usual, Jack chuckled uneasily and shifted the conversation.
Jack coughed halfway through his meal. “Babe, I’ve got something exciting to share.”
“Oh?” I remarked, putting down my fork. He sounded too happy, which generally signals problems.
He started by saying, “Mom had this amazing idea.” Linda brightened, almost shining. “We’ve been considering that; it makes perfect sense. What if we combine the proceeds from the sale of your apartment and my parents’ home to purchase a larger property? One large mansion for all of us, you know. We—my brother, if he needs a place—as well as Mom and Dad.”
I went cold. “Excuse me?”
“Oh, don’t look so surprised!” With a voice full of phony sweetness, Linda added her voice. It’s a very sensible solution. Families should remain united. Additionally, consider the savings.
Hoping Jack was kidding, I glanced at him. But I could tell he was serious by his smile. “Who would own the house?” I inquired, already fearing the response.
Jack stated, “Mom, obviously,” as though it were the most normal thing in the world. “It just makes sense since she’s the head of the family.”
My chest constricted. “All right, let me clarify. In order for us to purchase a home that your mother would own, do you want me to sell my flat, for which I have worked my entire life?”
“Babe,” Jack said, giggling uncomfortably, “it’s just a house.” All of us will always be family. What’s up with your dramatic behavior?
With a smug smile on her face, Linda leaned forward. “Dear, you’ll adore it. All of us will be present. It’s a family activity.”
My eyes swept across the table. Jack’s father stared at his plate and remained silent. His sibling hardly raised his head from his phone. This idea had obviously been decided without my input.
My thoughts were racing. Something clicked instead of letting out a scream. This game could be played by two people.
“You know what?” I said, trying to smile broadly. “You’re correct. Let’s get it done.”
Startled, Jack blinks. “Really?”
“Of course,” I replied, taking out my apartment keys from my purse. “The keys are here. Let’s sell everything. Whatever it takes to acquire the largest dwelling possible, whether it’s my apartment, the cabin, or the car. “Family comes first, right?”
Like a Christmas tree, Linda’s face glowed. “Oh, honey, I was sure you would change your mind! You’re quite considerate.”
Jack smiled, clearly relieved. “You see? I assured you that she would comprehend.”
I concealed my rage by nodding. “Of course. Let’s get it done.”
Linda gave me a hand pat. “You’re a really nice girl. I anticipated that you would eventually see the wider picture.”
I heard Linda and Jack conversing in the kitchen that evening as I was assisting with clearing the table. The clinking dishes must have given them the impression that I couldn’t hear them.
“She’s so naive,” Linda chuckled. “I anticipated this to be more difficult. She even offered to sell the car and cabin.”
“I know,” Jack smugly said. “She simply gave the keys to me. I assured you that I could manage her. I’ve already started working on the paperwork. When we’re done, I’ll get a divorce from her.”
As I carried in another tray of dishes, my face remained composed despite my racing heart. I was standing there and they didn’t even see me. They were too preoccupied with self-congratulations.
Jack remarked, “She won’t know what hit her,” “She’ll walk away with nothing.”
Linda chuckled. “Excellent. It’s almost time.”
My fake smile became real as they both chuckled. They believed they had triumphed. They didn’t know what I was going to do next.
Jack, still half asleep, stumbled into the kitchen as the sun peeked through the drapes. I had a strategy in place and was already awake with a cup of coffee.
“Morning, babe,” I grinned. “I have wonderful news. I’ve found someone to buy the automobile.”
Startled, Jack raised his head. “What?” “Already?”
“Yes,” I replied with a hearty nod. “They want it today, but they’re providing cash. We can’t pass up this opportunity, can we?
As he continued to analyze, he rubbed his head. “Uh, okay.”
I crossed the counter with a power of attorney form and a pen. “I can now take care of everything because of this. I want to help, but you’re so busy at work. Isn’t that the purpose of family?”
Jack smiled, obviously feeling good about himself. “You’re amazing, you know that?”
“Oh, I know,” I responded gently as I saw him quickly and without hesitation scribble his signature.
The car was sold by the middle of the morning. To keep the money out of Jack’s hands, I transferred it to an account in my mother’s name. The cabin came next. I swiftly set up a sale after making a few calls, obtaining another big deal.
As the sales proceeded, I packed a suitcase with necessities, including documents, clothes, and valuables I couldn’t bear to part with. I worked quietly, methodically, as though I were simply cleaning the place.
Jack came back from the shower without telling anyone. “I need to get to the workplace.” He kissed my cheek and said, “We have a big meeting today.” “I appreciate you handling everything. You are the greatest.“
As he left through the door, I grinned. “Have a great day, honey.”
I packed my bag and went straight to my lawyer’s office once Jack left. The divorce documents were prepared and submitted in a matter of hours. I ensured that every element was flawless. My request was straightforward: Jack would have 30 days to leave my flat, and because of the power of attorney he voluntarily signed, any sales of our joint assets would be lawfully sound.
I was reassured by my lawyer. “Your name alone is on your apartment. He can’t possibly touch it.”
I got the documents and drove to Jack’s office to have them delivered. I could picture his expression when he opened them.
It was not long before my phone began to buzz. Jack’s name flashed on the screen as he called repeatedly. I didn’t respond. Then the texts arrived.
“What the hell is this?” asked Jack. Divorce? You cannot harm me in this way.
Jack: “You’re going overboard. Let’s have a conversation.”
“CALL ME NOW.” said Jack.
Next came Linda’s number, with threats and insults in her messages.
“How dare you?” said Linda. “after everything we’ve done for you.”
“You ungrateful little—” said Linda.
“You’ll regret this!” said Linda.
I was so relieved that I blocked them both. They could no longer manipulate others.
I’m currently enjoying a cup of coffee at my mom’s kitchen table while the sun shines through the window. Even though the past few days have been hectic, I feel calm for the first time in years.
My mother puts a new plate of cookies on the table and grins. Her words, “I’m so proud of you,” “You stood up for yourself.”
I respond, “I had to,” while I browse my laptop’s apartment listings. “They thought they could take everything from me, but they underestimated how smart I am.”
I decided to look into acquiring a larger place with my newfound money. I’ve already discovered a few spots that I adore, and this time I’m much more committed to making it uniquely mine. They may enjoy their “family home” together, Jack and Linda. They won’t have anyone else but each other.
I have no regrets in retrospect. Although the betrayal was painful, it gave me an important insight: never allow somebody to diminish your value. Always trust your instincts and be prepared to stand up for yourself.
A smile appears on my face as I take another drink of coffee. Karma is a truly lovely thing.
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