— So, Emma, what are your plans for the weekend? — Jake asked, curled up on the couch while a random TV show played in the background.

— Me? — Emma tilted her head. — I hadn’t even thought about it! Did you have something in mind? 🤔

— Well, my parents are coming to town! I thought we could cook dinner together, and you’d finally meet my mom and little sister. We’ve been trying to visit them for a month, but it never worked. Now, they’re coming! 🎄🍽️

— Why not? — Emma shrugged. — Since when did you find out they were coming?

— Just now! Kristina sent me a message. They’re coming for the holidays and to shop.

— All right, let’s do it! I don’t mind! — Emma yawned. 😴

— But Emma, the apartment has to be spotless! My mom loves everything perfect—no dust, no mess, nothing! 🧹✨

Emma raised an eyebrow.

— Are you saying I’m messy or lazy? — she asked, confused. — Our place is always clean!

— No, no, that’s not what I meant! I just want it perfect before they arrive, so there’s no doubt!

— Jake, our apartment is always clean! We both work, cook, and tidy up. I’m not going to scrub the floor like a maniac just because your mom is coming. Period! 😤

— Why so tense? I just want to make a good impression!

— Listen, Jake, do you even really like me?

— Of course I do! You’re the only one for me! 💛

— Then that’s enough. I’m not going to pretend to be someone I’m not. We have a home, food, work, an apartment—what else do you want?

Jake smiled awkwardly.

— Well… the apartment is yours!

— Doesn’t matter! You live here too, so it counts! Forget it, Jake. Let’s drop it.

The next two days were a whirlwind. Saturday arrived, and Jake’s parents and little sister were due any minute. Jake was anxious—his mother, Melanie, was known to be strict.

Friday night, after work, Jake nudged Emma again:

— Emma, let’s eat quickly and then clean!

— Why? — Emma raised an eyebrow. — It’s already in order. I’ll just dust and mop tomorrow morning.

— No, now! A deep clean! Every corner must shine! 🧼

— Jake, are you afraid of your mom? — Emma smirked.

— No! I… I just imagine she’ll find a speck of dust or a misplaced dish. She’s a tyrant in disguise!

— And? I don’t care! I’ll clean my way, and I won’t pretend to be someone else. Better to be real than fake. 💪

— Sorry, Emma. I… I can’t control my nerves.

The next morning, Emma cleaned at her own pace. Jake hovered anxiously, making things worse when he insisted she scrub the radiators—a task she rarely did.

— Jake, seriously! Grab the cloth yourself! I’m not your maid! 😡

— Emma, don’t yell!

— And stop complaining! I handle the cleaning, you… stay out of it!

Finally, everything was done—perfect as always.

— What time are they arriving? — Emma asked.

— About forty minutes. They’ll shop first, then come here.

— Wait… they’re staying overnight? 😳

— Yes! Mom and Kristina on the couch, Dad elsewhere.

Emma shook her head, unimpressed.

Just before they arrived, Jake asked a favor:

— Emma, please, don’t get mad…

— What now? — she snapped. — Another problem?

— I told them it’s a rental apartment…

— What?! Are you insane?! It’s MY apartment! My parents gave it to me! 😤

— I know, but please just pretend.

— No! I won’t lie for you. I trust no one after this. And honestly… after everything, I’m not marrying you. Forget the apartment too! Pack your things and leave! 🚪💔

Jake was stunned.

— Emma, I love you!

— Doesn’t matter! You’ve surprised me enough for a lifetime. Goodbye, Jake.

At that moment, the doorbell rang. Emma ignored it. Jake had to leave with his things, and Emma changed the locks for her safety.

Afterward, every time Jake tried to speak to her, Emma pretended she didn’t know him. A month later, he returned:

— Emma, it’s me! Please, open the door!

— Go away! Stay back or I call the police! 🚫👮

— I brought the keys!

— Keep them! I changed the locks!

Emma had learned her lesson—never trust someone who pressures you to lie and manipulate. 💪🔥