Alex and I started our married life in a small, cozy two-bedroom apartment, made possible by a generous down payment from my parents. While we both contributed to the mortgage, the apartment was in my name, a gift meant to secure my future. However, Alex’s mother, Barbara, never viewed it as “ours.” From the beginning, she acted as though it was something owed to her family, often making passive-aggressive comments.

At our housewarming, I went all out to create a welcoming environment. But Barbara made a shocking “toast,” suggesting that the apartment should go to Alex’s sister, Katie, a single mom. To my surprise, Alex agreed, proposing that we move out so Katie could raise her children there—completely disregarding that the apartment was mine and I had made all the decisions.

It soon became clear that Alex’s family had been plotting this behind my back. Katie was already imagining the place as hers, and Barbara was thrilled. However, my mom quietly revealed the truth: the apartment was mine, and she handed me the legal proof to confirm it. With that, I firmly shut down their claims, reminding Alex of our prenuptial agreement.

Barbara protested, and Alex was stunned, but I stood my ground. I told Katie to go back to her mother’s house and asked Alex to leave. Later, Alex wanted to reconcile, but I refused. I told him that love without respect was meaningless. For the first time, I felt truly free—finally home.