When my mother-in-law, Margaret, moved in "temporarily," I thought I could handle it. But weeks passed, and she started acting like she owned the place. When I learned why she refused to leave, I knew I had to take control.

From the start, things felt off. Margaret unpacked two massive suitcases and declared, "My room is perfect!" I was expecting a short stay—just two or three weeks—but it stretched on. Asher assured me it was temporary. Still, Margaret made herself too comfortable, rearranging my kitchen and never lifting a finger to do the dishes.

She also criticized my cooking, which Asher never stood up to. I had to put up with it, as he just told me to be patient. But then, one night, I overheard Margaret blackmailing Asher, threatening to change her will if he didn’t “appreciate” her. My stomach sank—I knew something was wrong.

I called a lawyer, and the truth hit me like a ton of bricks: Margaret didn’t have the fortune she claimed. She had lied to control Asher. Armed with that knowledge, I confronted him. He was shocked, but I assured him that Margaret’s manipulation needed to end.

The next morning, Asher put his foot down. He told Margaret she had to leave, offering her a place in a senior residence. Furious, she stormed out, and we changed the locks. Finally, the house was ours again.

That weekend, we relaxed by the fire. Asher admitted he should’ve seen it sooner, and I squeezed his hand. “Next time, you will.”