Putting the impertinent sister-inlaw in her place
I put my husbands headstrong sister back where she belongs
Mom said the restaurant reservation is set, Caroline said casually, seemingly oblivious to the tension in Isabelles voice. And about the money. You and Antoine transferred everything?
Isabelle hesitated, searching for words, but Caroline pressed on:
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 calm. We never agreed to that. Antoine never mentioned anything to me.
Oh, you know how he always forgets, Caroline laughed as if it were the most normal thing. I told him youd get back about fortythousand euros. 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 cakes, the serviceyoull 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 stayed seated, staring at her phone, a lump forming in her throat, thinking, Here we go again, another onesided demand.
—
That evening in the kitchen, the atmosphere felt as taut as a stretched 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 chair, trying to keep her composure. Did I refuse? I hadnt heard anything until she called and put me in the middle of a faitaccompli.
Antoine turned, eyebrows knit.
Its fine; shes not doing it for herself. Mom doesnt celebrate birthdays every year.
And how is it normal for her to dump that on us? Forty thousand, Antoine! Isabelle swallowed a scream. Forty thousand euros! Is that acceptable?
Antoine shrugged, looking away.
Well, its for Mom. What else? Caroline organized everything.
Isabelle snarled.
Sure, she did a good job. Its easy when youre living off other peoples money. And you know, Antoine, I dont understand 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 sharply, then lowered it so as not to wake their son. Antoine, I cant take this any longer. Shes always give, transfer, pay, then disappears as if nothing happened.
He stayed silent, staring at his glass.
What do you want me to do? Thats just how she is. Talk to her if you must.
Already did, Isabelle cut him off sharply. And do you know what she told me? It was our duty.
What did you expect? She runs the whole show alone. Maybe her life is more complicated than ours.
She runs?! Isabelle exploded. Antoine, she uses everyone around her, and you enable it!
The argument fizzled out. 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, ready for another request.
Look, I need help. I started a little side project with a neighbor, an online shopopportunities are everywhere right now. I need to pay something and Im broke at the moment. I thought you could lend me your card. Just for a few days, temporarily.
Isabelle paused, trying to process the request.
Caroline, she said firmly, are you serious? My card?
Yes! Why not? You know Im careful. Ill be careful, Ill repay you, 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, and so is my card.
Isa, you dont trust me? Caroline sounded indignant, though it felt more like another manipulation. Were family.
Isabelle held back any further comment.
Caroline, lets end this. I have things to do.
She hung up, feeling a mix of 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, looking surprised.
What did you say?
Of course I said no.
Why couldnt you help her? he asked sharply. Its Caroline, after all.
Isabelle sighed slowly, trying not to explode.
Antoine, in your family you cant tell a request from an overreach, can you? She cant handle this alone?
Isa, shes not asking for millions. You always make a big deal out of everything.
She stared at him, incredulous.
Im making a big deal? She thinks we can keep feeding her forever.
Antoine stayed silent, then muttered:
She just needed help, thats all.
Yes, and then she vanishes, leaving us to clean up the mess.
He gestured with his hand and walked toward the bedroom.
Isabelle remained at the table, feeling something finally break inside her. She could no longer tolerate the situation. Caroline wasnt just meddling; she was destroying their life.
All evening, Isabelle thought about how to end it. A plan formed in her mind: calm, logical, and, above all, definitive.
—
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 took the spotlight, bragging about her future projects. Isabelle watched the scene with a detached calm.
Antoine sat beside her, visibly nervous, as if he sensed something unpleasant was about to happen.
So, Caroline continued, addressing the whole table, were launching a great project with my neighbor. All on our own, you know how tough things are right now.
Isabelle cleared her throat to get attention.
Caroline, you never mentioned that your project relies on other peoples money?
Everyone froze. Caroline barely realized the comment was aimed at her.
What do you mean? she asked, voice tense.
You asked me for my card for temporary expenses. And before that, Antoine lent you money to fix your car. Did you ever pay him back?
Caroline flushed.
Those are minor details. Why bring them up now?
Isabelle didnt back down.
Theyre not minor when you constantly try to live off other peoples resources.
I dont see why youre so angry, Caroline attempted a smile, though it was shaky. Were family.
Family? Isabelle raised an eyebrow. What kind of family borrows and never returns, then gets defensive when told no?
The table fell silent. Antoine tried to speak, but Isabelle cut him off.
No, Antoine. Stop covering for her. Weve already spent too much time and money because of her. Now explain why you want my card.
Caroline sprang up, fists clenched.
Isa, youre jealous! I do everything for everyone, and you just count the costs.
Jealous? Isabelle replied with a smile. Of what? Your habit of lying to everyone? Dont make me laugh.
Caroline slapped the table with her hand and stormed 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. Yet it felt more like a defeat than a triumph. Others avoided her gaze, maintaining silence.
That night Antoine didnt return. He sent a brief message: I need time to think.
Isabelle sat on the couch. She knew she had done what was right, but a part of her refused to see it as a victory.
