I put the outspoken sister of my husband back in her place
Mom said the restaurant is confirmed, Caroline said calmly, completely ignoring the tension in Isabelles voice. And about the money. You and Antoine transferred everything?
Isabelle hesitated briefly, searching for words, but Caroline kept going:
Its not a huge amount, honestly. I even thought about adding some of my own cash, but with my expenses Its for Mom, you know.
Wait, Isabelle finally interrupted, trying to stay composed. We never agreed to that. Antoine never told me anything.
Oh, you know how forgetful he is, Caroline laughed as if it were the most ordinary thing. I told him youd get about forty thousand euros back. Thats a reasonable sum for an occasion like this, right?
Her words made it sound as if the decision were already final and any objection unnecessary. Isabelle clenched her phone, feeling irritation rise.
Forty thousand? she repeated slowly, almost whispering.
Yes, I even got a discount! We have the cakes, the service, youll see. Mom will love it. Anyway, dont stress; Ive already paid a deposit. Antoine said youd transfer the rest.
Caroline hung up before getting an answer.
Isabelle stayed seated, staring at her phone, a lump in her throat, thinking, Here we go again, another onesided request.
***
That evening in the kitchen, the atmosphere was as tight as a drawn string. Antoine opened the fridge, grabbed a beer, and, without looking at Isabelle, murmured:
Caroline said you were against giving money for the restaurant.
Isabelle froze.
Against? Thats what she said? She rose from her seat, trying to keep her temper. Did I refuse? I only learned about it when she called and forced the issue on me.
Antoine turned, eyebrows knitted.
Its fine, shes not doing it for herself. Mom doesnt celebrate her birthday every year.
And how normal is it for her to make us foot the bill? Forty thousand, Antoine! Isabelle held back a scream. Forty thousand euros! Is that normal?
Antoine shrugged, looking away.
Its for Mom. What do you expect? Caroline organized everything.
Isabelle growled.
Sure, she did a good job. Its easy when you live off other peoples money. And you know what, Antoine? I dont get why you just accepted it. Did we ever discuss it? No. She decided, and you just nodded.
Stop, Antoine waved his hand, picking up a glass. Shes just trying to do her best.
For whom? For us? For Mom? Or for herself? Isabelle raised her voice sharply, then lowered it so as not to wake their son. Antoine, I cant take it any longer. Shes always saying, Give, transfer, pay. Then she disappears as if nothing happened.
He stayed silent, staring at his glass.
What do you want me to do? Shes like that. Talk to her if you want.
Already did, Isabelle cut in abruptly. And do you know what she told me? That it was our duty.
What did you expect? She runs the whole thing alone. Maybe her life is more complicated than ours.
She runs? Isabelle exploded. Antoine, she uses everyone around her. And you enable her!
The argument dissolved. Antoine shrugged, muttered something inaudible, and left the room, leaving Isabelle alone with her thoughts.
***
The next morning began with an unexpected call. Isabelle answered without enthusiasm.
Hey Isa! You free? Caroline sounded oddly upbeat.
Im listening, Isabelle replied curtly, bracing for another demand.
Look, I need help. I started a little side project with a neighbor, an online shop you know, the current opportunities. I need to pay something and Im broke right now. I thought maybe you could lend me your card. Just temporarily, a few days.
Isabelle froze for a moment, trying to process the request.
Caroline, she said firmly, are you serious? My card?
Yes! Why not? You know Im careful. Ill be cautious, Ill pay you back, I wont spend extra.
No. Thats not even up for discussion.
A heavy silence followed on the other end.
I dont get it, Carolines voice lost some confidence. Its just a card. Why are you refusing?
Caroline, because my peace of mind matters. And my card matters too.
Isa, you dont trust me? Caroline sounded offended, though it felt more like another manipulation. Were family.
Isabelle held back any further comment.
Caroline, lets stop here. I have things to do.
She hung up, feeling a mix of relief and anger. Caroline had crossed every line.
When Antoine came home from work that night, Isabelle already knew the conversation would be tough.
Antoine, she began calmly, your sister called again.
He slipped off his shoes without looking at her.
And?
She asked for my card for one of her projects.
Antoine stopped, surprised.
What did you say?
Of course I said no.
Why couldnt you help? He snapped. Its Caroline, after all.
Isabelle let out a slow sigh, trying not to explode.
Antoine, in your family you cant tell a request from an overreach. Cant she handle this herself?
Isa, she didnt ask for millions. You always make things complicated.
She stared at him, incredulous.
Im the one complicating things? She thinks we can keep going like this forever.
Antoine stayed silent, then murmured:
She just needed help, thats all.
Yes, and then she vanishes and were left with the fallout.
He gestured with his hand and walked toward the bedroom.
Isabelle remained at the table, feeling something finally snap inside her. She could no longer tolerate the situation. Caroline wasnt just meddling; she was destroying their lives.
All evening, Isabelle thought of how to end it. A plan formed: calm, logical, and decisive.
***
The following week they were invited to a family dinner at Antoines relatives house. Almost everyone was there: grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins. As usual, Caroline sat at the center of attention, touting her future projects. Isabelle watched the scene with a calm, almost detached demeanor.
Antoine sat beside her, visibly nervous, as if sensing something unpleasant was about to happen.
So, Caroline continued, addressing the group, were launching a great project with my neighbor. All done on our own; you know how tough things are right now.
Isabelle cleared her throat to draw attention.
Caroline, you never mention that your project relies on other peoples money?
The table fell silent. Caroline barely realized the remark was aimed at her.
What do you mean? she asked, tense.
You asked me for my card for temporary expenses. And before that, Antoine lent you money to fix your car. By the way, did you pay him back?
Caroline flushed.
Those are details. Why bring them up now?
Isabelle didnt back down.
Theyre not details when you constantly live off others.
I dont get why youre so angry, Caroline tried to smile, but it was unconvincing. Were family.
Family? Isabelle raised an eyebrow. What kind of family borrows and never returns, then gets upset when denied?
Everyone at the table stayed quiet. Antoine tried to speak, but Isabelle cut him off.
No, Antoine. Stop covering for her. Weve already spent too much money and energy because of her. Now explain why you want my card.
Caroline stood up abruptly, fists clenched.
Isa, youre jealous! I do everything for everyone, and you only think about counting.
Jealous? Isabelle replied with a smile. Of what? Your habit of lying? Dont make me laugh.
Caroline slammed her hand on the table and stormed out of the room.
Antoine rose, looking at Isabelle with pain in his eyes.
Why did you do that? Shes my sister.
And why do you let her do everything? Isabelle answered without looking away.
He said nothing, only nodded, and followed Caroline outside.
Isabelle realized she had achieved her goal: the truth was out in the open. Yet it felt more like a defeat than a victory. Others avoided her gaze, keeping silent.
That night Antoine didnt come home. He sent a short message: I need time to think.
Isabelle sat on the couch. She knew she had done what was right, but part of her refused to see it as a triumph.
