A daughterinlaw hides a recorder at her motherinlaws house to listen to their conversations
Daphné and Étienne had been married for two years. Their bond was strong, yet frequent strains arose from the uneasy relationship between Daphné and her motherinlaw.
Gentle and generous, Daphné always tried to please, especially her new family. Despite her efforts, she sensed a cold distance from Renée.
Renée never voiced anything outright, but her glances, tone, and insinuations kept Daphné uncomfortable. Every time Daphné returned home after seeing Renée, the experience was taxing.
Étienne, I feel your mother doesnt like me, she confessed anxiously.
Étienne sighed, setting his book down.
Youre reading too much into it. My mother respects you; shes just reserved. You know how hard she struggled to raise us alone after my father died.
I hear you, but why do I constantly feel shes criticizing me behind my back?
Its just your perception, Daphné
No! I remembered that conversation with your grandmother. She said I was incapable and that she didnt love me, Daphné reminded him.
You might have misheard who she was talking about. Lets change the subject. How about we go to a movie tomorrow? Étienne suggested, trying to defuse the tension.
Nevertheless, Daphné remained preoccupied with her doubts about Renée. She knew Renée disliked her family, even if she never said it outright.
Determined to get clarity, Daphné planned a future visit. She bought a small recorder for her studies and concealed it discreetly in Renées kitchen.
After performing her usual chores and helping prepare dinner, she left for home, keeping the secret plan for Étienne.
The next day, she returned to her motherinlaws house under the pretext of helping, mainly to retrieve the recorder. Trembling with nerves, she fetched it from where she had hidden it.
That evening, when Étienne arrived from work, she offered to play the recording.
Listen to this, please, she urged.
At first, ordinary kitchen sounds filled the tape. Then Renées irritated voice emerged:
I cant believe my son chose this girl. She cant even cook! As for their family, lets not even mention themthey cant even boil water!
Daphné switched off the device, giving Étienne a look mixed with hope and dread.
You hear that I was right? she asked, tears in her eyes.
Étienne stared down, conflicted. He understood his mother had crossed a line, yet he was shocked that Daphné had eavesdropped on their conversation.
My mother is blunt maybe she was just speaking in the heat of the moment, he finally said.
If thats how she talks, I wont tolerate being put down. If you dont stand up for me, we need to talk about this, Daphné declared before leaving the room.
It was easy to decide, hard to act. Later that night, Étienne grabbed his phone and called his mother. He explained the situation and demanded an apology.
She listened to our talks? Recorded our conversations? Im calling the police! Renée exclaimed.
Mum, listen
Never let that girl be in my house again! she added before ending the call.
Determined to stop Renée from taking things further, Étienne rushed to her home to reason with her.
Renée, however, refused to open the door, choosing instead to manipulate Étienne against Daphné, only succeeding in pushing him further away.
Seeing his mothers game, Étienne quickly decided to limit his visits.
Stepdaughter Hides a Recorder at Her Mother-in-Law’s to Eavesdrop on Her Conversations
