Roxane loved her husband deeply, feeling incredibly lucky to have him. Vincent was a caring, affectionate man who always tried his best for his beloved.
With his family, however, Roxanes luck seemed to fade. People often say theres a black sheep in every clan, but in Vincents case it was the opposite: he appeared to be the only normal one, while everyone else was odd.
Take his fatherinlaw, for instance, who whenever he saw Roxane would comment that she had put on some weight and might be hiding someone in her belly.
In reality Roxane was in perfect shape and hadnt gained a single gram since meeting Vincents parents, yet PierreAlain never missed a chance to repeat the remark. Even if she lost ten kilos, he would be the first to point it out.
He also had a habit of making tactless jokes that left Roxane feeling uncomfortable. She was constantly embarrassed in his presence, and his penchant for strolling around the house shirtless didnt help.
Vincents mother, IsabelleAndrée, loved dispensing lessons to anyone, even on subjects she didnt master. She taught Roxane how to dress fashionably, which hairstyle to choose, which lipstick suited her. When Roxane and Vincent moved into their new flat, IsabelleAndrée unleashed a torrent of criticism, poking her nosy nose into every corner and explaining how everything should have been arranged.
Then there was Vincents younger sister, a carefree woman with two children by different fathers, whose own relationships had never been serious. She trailed her kids everywhere and, as a mother, expected everyone to bend over backwards for her. She demanded priority on public transport, cutting in line, being served first.
Although she received child support and allowances and lived off her parents, Nathalie was always on the hunt for freebies. Even items she didnt need she snatched up, feeling a rush of excitement at the instant she got them. Consequently the apartment was packed with unused diaper packs, piles of unnecessary clothes, toyshalf of them essentially junk. She claimed this was how she built her business: collect for free, pretend to be poor, then resell.
Her children were badly behaved and rude, but with such a mother it was unsurprising. Whenever they visited someones home they immediately grabbed tasty treats, took whatever was within reach, and pilfered others belongings without asking. Nathalie never put them in their place.
Roxane recalled with horror the only time Vincents sister had come over with her kids for a housewarming. They offered a tea service that was clearly a freebie, and after they left no treats remained, a recent vase was shattered, and the curtains bore chocolate stainsat least Roxane convinced herself it was chocolate.
Thus, when her birthday approached, Roxane decided not to invite her husbands family. Otherwise the celebration would inevitably be ruined: the fatherinlaw would make inappropriate comments, the motherinlaw would try to lecture her, and Nathalie would beg for useless items while her children turned the flat upside down.
Roxane felt a little uneasy about telling Vincent, but hoped he would understand.
Vincent, Id like to celebrate my birthday at home. Ill invite my parents and a few friends.
Fine, I agree. We didnt decorate the flat for nothing, right? he smiled.
Yes, exactly. It looks like a photoshoot studio now. But
What? he asked, concerned.
Please dont be upset, but I dont want to invite your parents.
Vincent sighed deeply and nodded.
Im sorry, but its really hard for me with them. For my birthday I just want to relax, not constantly be on guard, she said apologetically.
I get it, no need to explain. Theyre difficult to live with.
Youre not angry?
No, not at all. Its your party, it should be exactly how you want it.
Roxane once again convinced herself that her husband was the most wonderful man alive. She kept thinking maybe he was adoptedthat would explain everything.
She hadnt told her inlaws about the birthday, saying they would be left out this time, and even asked Vincent not to mention anything to them.
Nevertheless they found out. Her motherinlaw called Roxanes mother under the pretext of a professional matter and spoke too quickly.
This is how your wife treats us! IsabelleAndrée shouted. Were not even welcome, is that it?!
Mom, Vincent tried to calm her, Roxane just wanted to celebrate with her parents and a few close friends. Its her birthday, she gets to decide. If there had been a big feast, you would have been invited.
Fine, I understand. Tell your wife were terribly offended!
She hung up, leaving Vincent shaking his head. He understood Roxane perfectly. He had always been embarrassed by his family and didnt want her to feel that way, too.
He decided to stay silent so the party wouldnt be spoiled. He would tell her what his mother said after the birthday.
On the morning of her twentysixth birthday, Vincent gave Roxane a bouquet and a spa voucher, knowing she was exhausted that yearfirst the wedding, then renovations, the move, and a heavy workload. She desperately needed rest.
Guests began arriving in the afternoon. Roxane had gone all out: a delicious meal, a carefully chosen outfit, flawless hair. She seemed happy, hoping the day would create lasting memories.
She had no idea what was about to happen.
When everyone was settled, the door rang.
It must be the cake, Roxane exclaimed, I completely forgot, I ordered it at the last minute.
She opened the door with a smile, only to see an unwanted crowd standing there, the whole family.
Happy birthday, Roxane! her motherinlaw said, handing her a rose. Will you let us in?
Roxane had no choice but to step aside.
Noise erupted immediately. Nathalies children kicked off their shoes and rushed to the table. The fatherinlaw remarked that Roxane had chosen the wrong dress size.
You should have taken a size larger, he laughed.
Maybe you werent on the guest list, added the motherinlaw, I see you have guests, but apparently no room for us. My God, Roxane! You invite people but forget to clean the floor.
She wanted to say that her grandchildren had made the mess, but held back.
Her mood soured. The kids began shouting, grabbing food with both hands, rummaging through cabinets for candy. The youngest started crying because there was no cake.
You could have bought a cake, look, Sébastien is disappointed! Nathalie scolded. And whats this, a perfume? Let me try it. Youll give me yours later.
Roxane stayed silent. Vincent watched his relatives take seats, ask for plates, listen to his mother critique the food, while his father made odd jokes.
Vincents patience snapped when Nathalie slipped an envelope stuffed with cash from the buffet, thinking no one was looking.
Put that back where it belongs! Vincent barked.
What are you talking about? she blinked innocently.
I saw everything!
I just wanted to add money, I didnt have time for an envelope, she apologized.
Vincent, dont pick a fight with Nathalie, dont ruin the evening, his mother scolded. Remind your wife its rude to forget to invite your family.
And tell her the right dress size, too, the fatherinlaw joked, because, Roxane, all your curves are on display in that dress.
Enough! Vincent slammed the table so hard the children fell silent. Mom, dad, Nathalie, its time to leave.
What?! his mother protested. How dare you?
How dare you come without an invitation? How dare you insult my wife? How dare your children behave so impolitely? Until you learn proper manners, you have no business here.
A scandal broke out. Roxane finally sighed in relief only after the unwanted guests were gone.
Unfortunately her birthday was ruined. Even though friends and family tried to lift her spirits, the atmosphere could never return to what it had been.
But there was a lesson: Roxane realized once more she had chosen the right life partnera man willing to defend her even against his own family. No matter what, she knew he would always stand by her side, which turned out to be the best gift of all.
