The daughterinlaw hides a recorder at her motherinlaws house to eavesdrop on their talks
Daphné and Étienne had been married for two years. Their bond was strong, yet frequent strains surfaced because of the uneasy relationship between Daphné and her motherinlaw.
Daphné was gentle and giving, always eager to please, especially her new family. Despite all her attempts, she sensed a coldness and distance coming from Renée.
Renée never dared to insult her directly, but her glances, tone and insinuations constantly made Daphné uncomfortable.
Every time Daphné returned home after seeing Renée, she felt drained.
Étienne, I feel like your mother doesnt like me, she said, worried.
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 get that, but why do I always feel shes judging me behind my back?
Thats just your imagination, Daphné
No! I told you about that conversation with your grandmother. She said I was useless and that she didnt love me, Daphné reminded him.
Youre not sure who she meant. Lets change the subject. How about a movie tomorrow? Étienne suggested, trying to defuse the tension.
Nevertheless, Daphné remained preoccupied with doubts about Renée. She knew Renée disliked her family, even if she never voiced it openly.
Determined to get clarity, Daphně planned a next visit. She bought a small recorder for schoolwork and discreetly hid it in Renées kitchen.
After going through the usual routine and helping prepare dinner, she left for her own home, keeping the plan secret from Étienne.
The following day she returned to her motherinlaws house, pretending to help but mainly to retrieve the recorder. Trembling, she grabbed it from where she had left it.
That evening, when Étienne arrived home from work, Daphné asked to play the recording.
Listen to this, please, she urged.
At first the ordinary kitchen noises played, then Renées irritated voice emerged:
I cant believe my son chose this girl. She cant even cook! Their whole family is useless; they cant even boil water!
Daphné switched off the device, looking at Étienne with a mix of hope and anxiety.
Do you hear now that I was right? she asked, tears in her eyes.
Étienne stared down, torn. He realized his mother had crossed a line, yet he was also shocked that Daphné had been spying on their conversation.
My mother is blunt maybe she just said that in the heat of the moment, he finally said.
If thats how she talks, I wont stand for being belittled. If you dont defend me, we need to talk about this, Daphné declared before leaving the room.
It was easy to decide but hard to act, so Étienne eventually took his phone and called his mother later that night. He explained what had happened and asked for an apology.
She listened to our conversations? Recorded us? Im calling the police! Renée erupted.
Mom, listen
Never again will this girl be in my house! she retorted, then hung up.
Determined to stop Renée from going any further, Étienne rushed over to reason with her.
But Renée, set in her ways, refused to open the door. She tried to turn Étienne against Daphné, only succeeding in pushing him further away.
Realizing his mothers manipulation, Étienne decided to limit his visits.
Stepdaughter Hides a Recorder at Her Mother-in-Law’s House to Eavesdrop on Their Conversations
