Recently, my workplace provided me with an apartment. Unfortunately, Paisley Campbell missed the opportunity, so she and her son Ace are still living in the apartment Elijah Watkins rented.

During the tour of the apartment, Paisley's eyes filled with tears. "I wish I could have a place like this," she said wistfully. "It would mean Ace wouldn't have to keep moving around with me."

Without hesitation, Elijah promised to give her my apartment. I hesitated and instinctively glanced at the file in my drawer. It didn't contain any property transfer papers, but rather the confidentiality agreement for a major project I had signed.

Seeing my hesitation, Elijah misinterpreted my pause and frowned. "We agreed on this, right? Don’t start getting second thoughts. If you change your mind, I’ll divorce you right away!"

Feigning concern, I asked, "But if I give her the apartment, where will I stay?"

Elijah replied impatiently, "Didn’t you also get another one assigned to me? It's tough for Paisley and Ace as a single mom and child—you should show some kindness!"

He paused and then added, "And when you're around Ace, try not to look so stern—it might frighten him."

"Our child is gone, but can't you treat Paisley's son as if he were our own and help take care of them for me?"

With that, he headed to the living room to call the security staff to move the furniture out.

I quickly caught up with him and flashed a cheerful smile. "Isn't it too late to bother them now?"

"I'll handle it tomorrow."

"And I'll make sure to deliver the property papers, giving both you and Paisley a wonderful surprise!"

Early in the morning, Paisley arrived with her son.

As soon as she let go of his hand, Ace jumped into Elijah’s arms, calling out 'Uncle!' over and over.

Paisley chuckled and said, "This kid is so attached to you. He insists that Uncle Elijah has to take him to school!"

Without looking back, Elijah grabbed his coat and said, "Alright, let me get ready and we'll head out."

Paisley then turned her attention to me and tentatively asked, "Alora, about the house..."

I responded with a smile, "Once Elijah signs the papers, I'll sign too."

Elijah paused mid-coat and asked, "What do I need to sign for your house?"

Before I could answer, he continued irritably, "It's just a house I promised to give Paisley. Why are you making a fuss?"

"If it wasn't for the fact that the house I have is far from here and inconvenient for taking Ace to school, do you think I care about getting this one?" I retorted.

"The deed has your name on it," I pointed out, "I won't feel secure living there unless you transfer ownership to me."

Elijah was taken aback, "Alora, after all these years together, you’re getting hung up on this?"

Was it being hung up, indeed? After consulting with a lawyer, I learned that for any property registered under Elijah’s name, even if considered marital property, I’d need his consent to make any changes.

Unless he agrees to transfer it to me. I slid the pre-prepared agreement onto the table and said, "You sign, then I sign, or just forget it!"

Elijah’s expression darkened as he looked at me, clearly puzzled by this sudden demand. I felt a bit uneasy since within that stack of papers, besides the house transfer agreement, there was also the divorce agreement.

Just then, Paisley tugged at Elijah’s arm and whispered, "Elijah, Ace is going to be late for school..."

Elijah gave me a cold stare, finally signed the papers, and tossed them to me with impatience.

"Complete the transfer by this afternoon. Tomorrow, I’ll arrange for Paisley and Ace to move in."

I squinted and smiled. By this afternoon, I'd have enough time to pack my things and make my exit.