Roxane loved her husband deeply; she felt incredibly lucky to have him. Vincent was a caring, affectionate man who always tried his best for his beloved.
The luck she enjoyed with her own family didnt extend to her husbands side. People often say theres a black sheep in every clan, but in Vincents family the opposite seemed true: Vincent appeared to be the only normal one, while the rest behaved oddly.
Take his father, for instance. Whenever he saw Roxane, he would comment that she had gained some softness and might be hiding someone inside her belly. In reality Roxane was in perfect shape and hadnt put on a single gram since meeting Vincents parents, yet PierreAlain never missed a chance to repeat that lineeven after she shed ten kilograms, he would still point it out.
He also liked to make crude jokes that left Roxane uncomfortable, and his habit of strolling around the house shirtless didnt help either.
Vincents mother, IsabelleAndrée, loved to lecture everyone, even on topics she barely understood. She tried to coach Roxane on fashion, hairstyles, the right shade of lipstick, and when the couple moved into their new flat she launched a fullblown critique, poking her nose into every corner and explaining how everything should have been arranged.
Then there was Vincents younger sister, a carefree woman named Nathalie who had two children by different fathers and had never maintained a serious relationship. She dragged her kids everywhere, expecting everyone to bend over backward for hergiving up seats on public transport, letting her cut the line, serving her first.
Although she received child support, benefits, and lived off her parents, Nathalie was constantly on the lookout for freebies. Anything she didnt need, she grabbed with a certain glee, claiming she was building a business of collecting and reselling items while pretending to be poor. The apartment soon filled with unused diaper packs, piles of clothes, toyshalf of it completely unnecessary, yet she insisted it was inventory for her venture.
Her children were badly behaved and brazen, but with such a mother it was hardly surprising. Whenever she visited someones home, they would immediately start rummaging for tasty treats, snatching anything within reach, taking other peoples belongings without asking. Nathalie never put them in their place.
Roxane could still recall, with disgust, the only time Vincents sister came over with her kids for the housewarming. She offered tea that was clearly a freebie, and after they left there were no sweets left, a newly bought vase was broken, and chocolate smears on the curtainsRoxane convinced herself it was chocolate.
So when her birthday approached, she decided not to invite her inlaws. She feared the celebration would be ruined: the fatherinlaw would make inappropriate remarks, the motherinlaw would try to teach her, and Nathalie would beg for useless items while her children turned the flat upside down.
Roxane felt a pang of guilt toward Vincent for making this choice, but hoped he would understand.
Vincent, Id like to spend my birthday at home, with my parents and a few friends, she said.
Sure, I agree. After all, we didnt decorate this place just for nothing, right? he replied with a smile.
Yes, exactly. It looks like a photostudio now. But
What? he asked, concerned.
Please dont be upset, but I dont want to invite your parents.
Vincent let out a deep sigh and nodded.
Im sorry, but dealing with them is exhausting for me. For my birthday I just want to relax, not be on guard all the time, she said apologetically.
I get it, no need to explain. Theyre hard to live with, he assured her.
Are you not angry?
Not at all. Its your party; it should be exactly how you want it.
Roxane once again convinced herself that Vincent was the most wonderful man on Earthperhaps he was adopted, which 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 it to them. Yet they found out anyway. IsabelleAndrée called Roxanes mother under the pretext of a professional matter and, speaking too quickly, blurted:
This is how your daughter treats us! she shouted. Were not welcome, is that it?!
Vincent tried to calm her. Mom, Roxane just wanted to celebrate with her parents and a few close friends. Its her birthday, she decides whos invited. If there had been a big banquet, youd have been on the list.
Alright, I got it. Tell your wife were terribly offended! his mother replied before hanging up, leaving Vincent shaking his head. He fully understood Roxanes feelings; hed always been embarrassed by his family and didnt want her to feel the same shame.
He chose to stay silent, fearing the party would be spoiled. He would tell her his mothers words after the celebration.
On the morning of her twentysixth birthday, Vincent handed Roxane a bouquet and a spa voucher, knowing how exhausted she was after the wedding, the renovations, the move, and her 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 looked happy, hoping the day would become a cherished memory.
She had no idea what was about to happen.
When everyone was settled, the doorbell rang.
That 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 find an uninvited crowd standing there.
Happy birthday, Roxane! her motherinlaw announced, handing her a rose. Will you let us in?
Roxane had no choice but to step aside.
The room erupted in noise. 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 one size up, he laughed.
And maybe you forgot us 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 meant the kids had made a mess, but held back.
Her mood soured. The children 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. Whats this, a perfume gift? Let me try it. Youll give me yours later.
Roxane stayed silent. Vincent watched his family settle around the table, asking for plates, listening to his mother critique the meal while his father made odd jokes.
Vincents patience finally snapped when Nathalie, thinking no one was looking, snatched an envelope full of cash from the buffetmoney meant for gifts.
Put that back! Vincent barked.
What are you talking about? she blinked innocently.
I saw everything!
I just wanted to add some money, I didnt have 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 own family.
And tell her the right dress size, the fatherinlaw chuckled, because, Roxane, all your curves are on display in that dress.
Thats 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 show up uninvited? How dare you insult my wife? How dare your children behave so impolitely? Until you learn proper manners, you have no business being here.
A scandal erupted. Roxane finally breathed a sigh of relief once the unwanted guests were gone.
Unfortunately, her birthday was ruined. Even though friends and family tried to cheer her up, recapturing the earlier atmosphere proved impossible.
Still, the episode taught her a valuable lesson: she had indeed chosen the right partner. A man ready to defend her, even against his own relatives. No matter what happened, Roxane knew he would always stand by her sideperhaps the best gift she could ever receive.
You Forgot to Invite Us to the Party!
