My Brother and His Family Planned to Stay in London at My Expense—But I Made Sure They Realised That Wasn’t Going to Happen!

My brother is six years older than me. Three years ago, he got married and decided to live with his wife in her flat instead of staying with our parents. Given the steep rent in the city, it was their only reasonable choice. By then, I had already been married for six years and had two childrenmy son, aged six, and my daughter, aged four. My wife grew up in London, so naturally we made that our home. We were both working, which allowed us to take out a mortgage and buy a modest one-bedroom flat.
Not too long ago, I received a letter from my parents saying my brother and his family were coming to London for a week. They expected me to host them and put them up in my flat. While I was delighted at the thought of seeing my brother after such a long time, I knew I simply couldnt accommodate them in our small flat, where the four of us already shared a single room.
When we met at the railway station, we spent a lovely day wandering through the city. Throughout the day, my parents kept hinting that I ought to put up my brother, his wife, and their son, because renting even a single room in London costs a fortune. But it just wasnt possible. Later over supper, I suggested taking them to a nearby hotel, but my brother bristled at the idea, insisting they should stay with us.
I tried proposing alternativesperhaps a decent hotel, a hostel, or even a rented room through friends or colleagues. But they dismissed every suggestion. It was becoming clear they had set their mind on staying in London at my expense: free bed and board. Yet, I firmly believe I have every right to say no. After all, my own familys comfort must come first. My wife and children have to have a proper living space. And frankly, I dont owe anyone a roof over their head.