He Told His Mother to Leave—Then Henry Revealed the Truth

Chapter 2: The Papers in the Drawer

Henry had been Catherine's friend for thirty years. He had also helped her late husband organize the family's papers, which was why she had called him after finding a letter in David's study that morning.

It was an appointment to value the house for sale.

David had not asked her about it.

“You gave us this place,” he said now.

“I gave you somewhere to live.”

“That's the same thing.”

Catherine shook her head.

After David lost his business, she had invited him and Emma into her home. She moved into the smaller bedroom so they could have the room overlooking the garden. She covered the bills while they recovered. When David found work, he began paying for groceries and repairs.

Somewhere along the way, he started calling it his house.

At first she had heard affection in the phrase. Then he changed the furniture without asking. Emma packed Catherine's sewing things into the attic. David told her not to invite friends on evenings when they wanted quiet.

Now he wanted the entire house empty of her.

Henry placed a folder on the hall table. Catherine opened it herself.

The ownership records were still in her name. There had been no transfer, no signed gift, no agreement that David could sell it.

Emma leaned forward to read. “You said everything was settled.”

David rubbed his forehead. “It was going to be.”

Catherine looked at him steadily.

“When were you planning to ask me?”