Did we really build our house for nothing?
Are you telling me we erected that huge house in vain? the motherinlaw demanded. Then repay me half the cost!
I need to have a serious talk with you, said the shorthaired woman, sitting opposite Camille. Before you marry my son, there are some things you must understand.
The slim, blonde bridetobe looked at her future motherinlaw with a questioning stareshe had only met her three times.
In short, if you want to join our family you have to realize that Pierres most important people are his parents, Antonine declared proudly. We dont need a daughterinlaw who will boss my son around.
Do you think Im trying to boss him? Camille interrupted.
Please listen to the end of what I have to say. Be patient, the woman replied sharply.
Camille immediately lowered her eyes, embarrassed, not wanting to upset Pierres mother. They had only been together a short while, and she didnt want to appear unpleasant.
So, Antonine continued, our plan is simple: once Pierre gets married, well move into the almostfinished house and live together as a happy, big family.
Great! the young woman exclaimed, forcing a smile.
The motherinlaw raised an eyebrow, surprised by how quickly her future daughterinlaw agreed.
Im delighted youre on board. I think well get along well, Antonine winked.
She then began praising Camille to Pierre, emphasizing how wonderful, intelligent, and caring she was. Seeing that extra support wouldnt hurt, Camille tried even harder to please her, bringing small gifts now and then to show thoughtfulness.
A year later, fearing that Pierre and Camille might never marry, Antonine urged Pierre to take the plunge.
When are you going to propose? she asked almost daily. If you wait, the lady might leave and youll regret it
After some thought, Pierre realized she might be right. He proposed, and Camille accepted joyfully. The wedding expenses were covered by Pierres parents, confirming to Camille that she had chosen a good match.
For the first three months the newlyweds rented an apartment. Then Antonine announced with enthusiasm that the house was ready for them to move in.
Pack your things, were doing the same! she told her son and daughterinlaw.
Why? Were fine here, Camille retorted, unwilling to live with her inlaws.
What do you mean why? the motherinlaw asked. We agreed that once the house was built wed all move in!
Move in? Whos stopping us?! Camille snapped, suddenly haughty toward Pierres mother.
Antonine, stunned by the outburst, fell silent for a moment.
Wait, you promised me, she reminded calmly.
Whatever I said before, I no longer want to live with you, Camille declared firmly. Well live separately! In fact, since youre leaving, Pierre and I will move into your apartment.
What? Dont get any ideas! the motherinlaw barked, angry, and hung up.
Camille heard a few beeps before ending the call, surprised. As soon as the call ended, the phone rang in the kitchen where Pierre was. She listened and realized Antonine was calling Pierre to complain about her.
Half an hour later, when Pierre finally finished his conversation, Camille entered the kitchen. Seeing his upset, angry face, he asked sharply:
Whats going on?
Whats wrong? Camille crossed her arms.
My mother called. Shes demanding money
What money? For what? Camille was taken aback.
For the house. What did you promise her before the wedding? Living there together? Pierre asked, frowning.
Nothing, Camille played dumb.
You approved her house project, didnt you? he pressed.
And then? I approved it back then, but now I dont want it any more, she replied, looking away.
I never supported it because I thought she was wasting time! The house sat unfinished for three years, but after we married she finished itall because of you! Pierre snapped.
So its finished, and what? Whats the problem? Camille shrugged.
Before he could answer, his mother called again. Pierre handed the phone to Camille, saying, Here, talk to her.
When Antonine heard her daughterinlaws voice, she launched into a demand.
Refund me for the house! she said firmly.
What refund? Are you crazy? Camille retorted, irritated.
Because of you we built this house for nothing! Give me half the price! the motherinlaw shouted.
Half of what?! Camille growled.
Five million euros! You owe me five million! Otherwise Antonine threatened.
What will you do? I never signed any papers! Camille replied with a smirk.
In that case well cut off all contact with you! the motherinlaw warned.
Fine! Camille smiled and ended the call.
Antonine then began demanding money from Pierre, who was forced to pay her fifty thousand euros each month.
Youll only repay me after ten years at that rate! the motherinlaw fumed. Either move into the house or increase the payments.
Since Pierre had no extra cash, he accepted his mothers terms. Camille, however, opposed the arrangement, and after six months the couple split permanently.
Have We Truly Built Our Home for Nothing?
