Setting the Stage for a Cheeky Sister-in-Law

I put the outspoken sister of my husband in his place
Mom said the restaurant is booked, Caroline said calmly, ignoring the tension in Isabelles voice. And about the money. You and Antoine transferred everything?
Isabelle hesitated, searching for words, but Caroline pressed on:
It isnt a huge amount, honestly. I even thought about pitching in myself, but with my own expenses Its for Mom, you understand.
Wait, Isabelle finally interrupted, trying to stay composed. We never agreed to that. Antoine never mentioned anything.
Oh, you know how he forgets everything, Caroline laughed as if it were the most normal thing. I told him youd each 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 pointless. Isabelle clenched her phone, feeling irritation rise.
Forty thousand? she repeated slowly, almost whispering.
Yes, and I even got a discount! We have the cake, 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 without waiting for a reply.
Isabelle sat there, staring at her phone, a lump in her throat and one thought looping: Again, this onesided game.
***
That evening in the kitchen, the atmosphere was taut like a stretched rope. Antoine opened the fridge, pulled out 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 chair, fighting to stay calm. Did I refuse? I hadnt heard anything until she called and put me in a corner.
Antoine turned, eyebrows knit.
Its fine, shes not doing this for herself. Mom doesnt celebrate her birthday every year.
And how normal is it for her to dump this on us? Forty thousand, Antoine! Isabelle held back a scream. Forty thousand euros! Is that normal?
Antoine shrugged, looking away.
Well, its for Mom. What do you want? Caroline organized everything.
Isabelle growled.
Sure, she did a good job. But its easy when youre using other peoples money. And, Antoine, I dont get why you just went along with it. Did we ever discuss it? No. She decided, and you just nodded.
Stop, Antoine waved his hand, reaching for a glass. Shes just trying to do her best.
For whom? For us? For Mom? Or for herself? Isabelle raised her voice abruptly, then lowered it so as not to wake their son. Antoine, I cant take this any longer. For her its always Give, transfer, pay, then she disappears as if nothing happened.
He stayed silent, staring at his drink.
What do you want me to do? Shes like that. Talk to her if you must.
Already did, Isabelle snapped. And do you know what she told me? That it was our duty.
What did you expect? She handles everything alone. Maybe her life is more complicated than ours.
She handles?! Isabelle exploded. Antoine, she uses everyone around her. And you encourage it!
The argument faded. Antoine shrugged, muttered something unintelligible, and left the room, leaving Isabelle alone with her thoughts.
***
The next morning began with an unexpected call. Isabelle answered without enthusiasm.
Hey Isa! Are you free? Caroline sounded unusually cheerful.
Im listening, Isabelle replied curtly, bracing for another request.
Look, I need help. I started a small side project with a neighbour, an online shop you know, the current opportunities. I need to pay for something and Im broke right now. I thought you could lend me your card. Just temporarily, a few days.
Isabelle froze for a moment, trying to process what shed heard.
Caroline, she said firmly, are you serious? My card?
Yes! Why not? You know Im careful. Ill be careful, 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, my peace of mind is valuable. My card is too.
Isa, you dont trust me? Caroline sounded indignant, though it felt more like another maneuver. Were family.
Isabelle held back any further comment.
Caroline, lets end this. I have things to do.
She hung up, feeling both relief and anger. Caroline had crossed every line.
When Antoine came home 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.
And what did you say?
Of course not.
Why couldnt you help her? He snapped. Its Caroline, after all.
Isabelle sighed slowly, trying not to explode.
Antoine, in your family you cant tell a request from an audacity? She cant manage that on her own?
Isa, she didnt ask for millions. You always make things complicated.
She stared at him, incredulous.
I complicate? Yet she thinks we can keep this going forever.
Antoine stayed quiet, then muttered:
She just needed help, thats all.
Yes, and then she vanishes and were left dealing with the fallout.
He waved a 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 about how to end it. A plan formed in her mind: calm, logical, and above all, final.
***
The following week they were invited to a family dinner at Antoines relatives house. Almost everyone was there: grandmothers, uncles, aunts, cousins. As usual, Caroline took center stage, touting her future projects. Isabelle watched the scene with a calm, almost detached air.
Antoine sat beside her, visibly nervous, as if he sensed something unpleasant was about to happen.
So, Caroline continued, addressing everyone, were launching a great project with my neighbour. All done on our own, you know how hard it is these days.
Isabelle cleared her throat to draw attention.
Caroline, you didnt mention that in your project youre trying to use other peoples money?
Everyone froze at the table. Caroline barely realized the comment was aimed at her.
What do you mean? Her voice tightened.
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 blushed.
Those are details. Why bring them up now?
Isabelle didnt back down.
Theyre not details when you constantly live off others.
I dont understand why youre so angry, Caroline tried to smile, but it was unconvincing. Were family.
Family? Isabelle raised an eyebrow. What family, when you take without giving back and get upset when we say no?
The table fell silent. Antoine tried to speak, but Isabelle cut him off.
No, Antoine. Stop covering her. Weve already spent a lot of money and energy because of her. Now, explain why you want my card.
Caroline jumped up, fists clenched.
Isa, youre jealous! I do everything for everyone, and you only think about counting.
Jealous? Isabelle replied with a smile. Of what? Of your habit of lying to everyone? Dont make me laugh.
Caroline slapped the table and rushed out of the room.
Antoine stood, looking at Isabelle with pain in his eyes.
Why did you do that? Shes my sister.
And why do you let her run the show? 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. It felt more like a defeat than a victory. Others avoided her gaze, keeping silent.
That night Antoine didnt come home. He sent a brief message: I need time to think.
Isabelle sat on the couch. She knew she had done what was right, yet a part of her refused to see it as a triumph.