He walked in behind me, chewing gum like he’d just swapped out light fixtures. “Mom had a great idea,” he said casually. “Now we can have ‘our side’ and ‘her side’ when she stays. It’s more organized.”
“More organized?” I pressed my fingers against the fresh drywall, half expecting it to vanish. “You built a wall in my house.”
Linda stepped out of what used to be my office, beaming. “Surprise! Isn’t it clever? Two sections. One for you two, one for… family.”
My stomach knotted. “You did this while I was gone?”
She waved dismissively. “It’s an upgrade. Contractors are pricey, though. We kept costs reasonable.”
Mason nodded eagerly. “It’s a big improvement. You’ll thank us.”
I stared at the locks. The division. The way my home now felt parceled. “How much did this cost?”
Linda produced an envelope like she’d rehearsed this moment. “A hundred thousand. You can write a check or transfer it. Mason said you’d handle it since it’s your property.”
A sharp laugh escaped me before I could stop it. “Huh? Why would I pay you a hundred thousand?”
Linda’s smile wavered. “Because we enhanced your home. And because you’re joining this family.”
I blinked. “Joining? Linda… I’m not even married.”
