It was our wedding night, and as I sat on the edge of the hotel bed, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The hotel room was silent except for the faint hum of the air conditioner. I held the envelope from my in-laws, a ‘gift’ they had insisted on delivering in person earlier that day. It contained a deed and a car title, both in my name. The generosity was overwhelming, and yet, I couldn’t help but notice the urgency in their eyes when they handed it to me.
My husband was in the shower, and I took the moment to carefully read through the documents again. My eyes caught a line that hadn’t registered before: a clause indicating that if certain conditions were not met, the property and vehicle would revert to my husband’s family.
Feeling my heartbeat quicken, I grabbed my phone to search for more information on the firm that had drawn up the documents. As I typed, I heard the water stop, and my husband called out, “Everything alright?” I hesitated, unsure what to say.
I needed answers, and I knew where to start, but that night, I had to play along. More truths awaited in the morning.
The next morning, as we drove to a brunch with family, I discreetly pulled up the law firm’s contact information. I decided to call them first thing Monday morning. I needed to understand the legal implications of the clause. Meanwhile, I kept the documents tucked safely in my bag, a reminder of the questions that loomed over our new life together.
At brunch, my in-laws were all smiles, asking how we enjoyed the suite and if everything was to our satisfaction. I returned their smiles, but my mind was elsewhere, replaying the details of the deed and the car’s title. “Everything’s perfect,” I lied, sipping my coffee.
As we left the restaurant, my husband squeezed my hand, “They really love you, you know.” I nodded, but the weight of the documents was a constant presence, whispering doubts into my mind.
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