Emily and James had been married for two years. Their love was strong, but tensions often arose because of the strained relationship between Emily and her mother-in-law.
Emily was kind and generous, always eager to please, especially with her new family. Yet, no matter how hard she tried, she felt a constant chill and distance from Margaret.
Her mother-in-law never dared say anything unpleasant to her face, but her glances, tones, and insinuations created an uneasy atmosphere.
Every visit left Emily feeling drained.
“James, I think your mother doesnt like me,” she said, troubled.
James sighed, setting down his newspaper.
“Youre imagining things. Mum respects youshes just reserved. You know how hard she worked raising us alone after Dad passed.”
“I understand, but why do I always feel shes criticising me behind my back?”
“Thats just in your head, Emily…”
“No! Remember what she said to your grandmother? She called me useless and said she didnt like me!”
“You dont know who she was talking about. Lets drop it. Fancy catching a film tomorrow?” James offered, trying to ease the tension.
Still, Emily couldnt shake her doubts. She knew Margaret disliked her family, even if she never said it outright.
Determined to uncover the truth, Emily hid a small recorder in Margarets kitchen during their next visit. After helping with dinner as usual, she left, keeping her plan secret from James.
The next day, she returned under the guise of helping again, but mostly to retrieve the recorder. Hands trembling, she snatched it from its hiding spot.
That evening, when James came home, she played the recording.
“Listen to this,” she urged.
At first, only the usual kitchen sounds played. Then Margarets irritated voice rang out:
“I cant believe my son chose this girl. She cant even cook! And her familylets not even start. They probably dont know how to boil water!”
Emily switched it off, staring at James with a mix of hope and dread.
“Now do you believe me?” she whispered, tears welling.
James looked down, torn. He understood his mother had crossed a line but was shocked Emily had spied.
“Mums blunt… Maybe she was just upset,” he muttered.
“If thats how she speaks about me, I wont be insulted. If you wont stand up for me, we need to talk,” she said before leaving the room.
Later, James called his mother. He explained the situation and asked for an apology.
“She *recorded* me? Im calling the police!” Margaret snapped.
“Mum, listen”
“That girl is never setting foot in my house again!” she hissed, hanging up.
Desperate to stop her, James rushed over, but Margaret refused to answer the door. Instead, she tried turning him against Emilyonly pushing him further away.
Seeing through her tactics, James decided to visit less often.
