In the second month of our marriage, my mother-in-law said, “Since you live in the family house, you should pay all the bills.” I smiled and answered, “Then I’ll move back to the house I bought before we got married.” My husband turned pale and asked, “What house?”

No other names.

Certainly not mine.

I sat in my car for a long time with the printed deed in my hands.

Then, three days later, I accidentally left my phone recording.

I had used a voice memo app for a work call and forgotten to stop it. When I later played it back, I heard voices from downstairs.

Daniel’s.

Norma’s.

The audio was not perfect, but the words were clear enough.

“If she adds me to the deed,” Daniel said, “we can refinance.”

“Exactly,” Norma replied. “Once the property is marital, everything becomes easier.”

“She trusts me.”

Norma laughed.

“Then use that.”