So why now—just because he'd taken some heat, just because his mother suddenly couldn't stand it—did they get to go back on everything?

And at the most critical moment of my life, while I was on the operating table fighting to survive, he'd let his mother use this to hold me hostage.

To say I wasn't heartbroken would be a lie.

I steadied my breathing and looked at my husband.

"What do you think? You really believe I owe you something?"

"This is our marriage. It has nothing to do with your mother. She doesn't get a say."

He stood there, head bowed.

He fumbled for words for a long time before lifting his damp eyes to mine.

"Just do what my mom says."

"This is the first time she's ever really fought for me."

"I don't want to let her down."

I stared at him, and something inside me went cold, piece by piece.

The truth was, I wasn't afraid of him trying to take my house.

Just two days ago, I'd been discussing with my parents the idea of adding his name to the deed so he'd feel more secure.

But now, he had let me down.

My emotions surged, and a rush of warmth spread between my legs.

I'd barely been out of the operating room. I was bleeding again.

My mother's face drained of color. "Stop talking. Get her to the ER. Now."

By the time they finally stabilized me, my father was pacing back and forth beside my bed.

The doctor spoke gravely. "I don't care what's going on in your family. For the next few days, do not let this woman get upset."

"No anger. No arguments. She needs rest."

My father patted my hand after hearing that.

"Sweetheart, you can't be getting worked up during recovery. This can't go on."

"Jim married into our family. He's one of us now. Giving a little more just means it's shared property between the two of you."

"It's just a house. If he wants it, let him have it. Anything that can be solved with money isn't worth losing sleep over."

My mother chimed in too.

"Money is money. It doesn't matter. What matters right now is your health."

"Besides, you just had babies. You can't possibly get divorced before you're even out of recovery. Those children need their father."

She trailed off, her voice tinged with worry.

"The grandparents are waiting for you two to bring the babies home. Their health is fragile. If this blows up any bigger... I'm afraid..."

I closed my eyes.

My grandparents had just had heart surgery not long ago. They couldn't handle any kind of shock.