Daphne and Stephen have been married for two years. Their love is strong, but tension often arises due to the strained relationship between Daphne and her mother-in-law.
Daphne is kind and thoughtful, always eager to please, especially her new family. Yet, no matter how hard she tries, she senses a cold distance from Margaret.
Her mother-in-law never says anything unpleasant directly, but her pointed glances, tone of voice, and veiled remarks leave Daphne uneasy.
Every time they visit, Daphne returns home feeling drained.
*”Stephen, I dont think your mother likes me,”* she frets.
Stephen sighs, setting his book aside.
*”Youre imagining things. Mum respects youshes just reserved. You know how hard it was for her, raising me alone after Dad died.”*
*”I understand, but why do I always feel like shes judging me behind my back?”*
*”Thats just in your head, Daphne…”*
*”No! Remember what I told you about her conversation with Gran? She said I was useless and that she didnt like me.”*
*”You dont know who she meant. Lets drop it. How about we go see a film tomorrow?”* he suggests, steering the conversation away.
Still, Daphne cant shake her doubts. She knows Margaret dislikes her family, even if she never says it outright.
Determined to find out the truth, Daphne hides a small recorder in Margarets kitchen during their next visitone shed bought for her studies. After behaving as usual and helping with dinner, she returns home, keeping her plan secret from Stephen.
The next day, she goes back under the pretence of helping, but really to retrieve the device. Hands trembling, she retrieves it from its hiding spot.
That evening, once Stephens home from work, she plays the recording.
*”Just listen to this, please.”*
At first, theres only the usual kitchen sounds. Then Margarets irritated voice cuts in:
*”I cant believe my son married that girl. She cant even cook! And her familydont get me started. They probably dont know how to boil water.”*
Daphne switches it off, looking at Stephen with tear-filled eyes.
*”Now do you believe me?”*
Stephen hesitates, torn. He knows his mother crossed a line, but hes shocked Daphne spied on her.
*”Mum just speaks her mind… Maybe she was upset when she said it.”*
*”If thats how she talks about me, I wont let her belittle me. If you wont stand up for me, we need to talk,”* Daphne says before leaving the room.
That night, Stephen calls his mother. He explains and asks for an apology.
*”She recorded me? Listened to private conversations? Im calling the police!”* Margaret snaps.
*”Mum, just listen”*
*”That girl is never stepping foot in my house again!”* she declares, hanging up.
Desperate to stop her from escalating, Stephen rushes over. But Margaret, furious, wont open the door. Instead, she tries turning Stephen against Daphnebut only pushes him further away.
Realising her manipulation, Stephen decides to keep his distance from now on.
