Charlotte and William have been married for two years. Their love is strong, but tensions often arise because of the strained relationship between Charlotte and her mother-in-law.
Charlotte is kind and generous, always eager to please, especially her new family. Yet, despite her efforts, she senses coldness and distance from Margaret.
Her mother-in-law never dares to say anything unpleasant to her face, but her glances, tone, and subtle remarks leave a lingering unease.
Every visit leaves Charlotte exhausted.
“William, I feel like your mother doesnt like me,” she says worriedly.
William sighs, putting his book down.
“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, Charlotte”
“No! Remember what she told your grandmother? She said I was useless and that she didnt like me.”
“You dont know if she meant you. Lets drop it. Fancy catching a movie tomorrow?” William suggests, trying to ease the tension.
Still, Charlotte cant shake her doubts about Margaret. She knows her mother-in-law disapproves of her family, though she never says it outright.
Charlotte decides to settle things during their next visit. Armed with a small recorder she once bought for her studies, she hides it discreetly in Margarets kitchen.
After acting normally and helping with dinner, she leaves, keeping her plan secret from William.
The next day, she returns under the pretence of helping again but mostly to retrieve the device. Nervously, she finds it right where she left it.
That evening, once William gets home from work, she plays the recording.
“Listen to this,” she insists.
At first, theres just the usual kitchen noises. Then Margarets irritated voice cuts through:
“I cant believe my son chose this girl. She cant even cook! And her familydont get me started. They probably dont know how to boil water!”
Charlotte switches it off, looking at William with a mix of hope and dread.
“You hear it now, dont you?” she says, eyes glistening.
William stares at the floor, torn. He understands his mother crossed a line but is also stunned Charlotte spied on her.
“Mum speaks her mindmaybe she was just upset.”
“If thats how she speaks, I wont be insulted. If you wont stand up for me, we need to talk,” she says before leaving the room.
Its easier said than done, but later that night, William calls Margaret.
He explains the situation and asks for an apology.
“She recorded my conversations? Im calling the police!” Margaret snaps.
“Mum, listen”
“That girl isnt welcome here again!” she retorts before hanging up.
Determined to stop Margaret from going too far, William rushes to her house.
But Margaret, stubborn, refuses to open the door. Instead, she tries turning William against Charlotte, but only drives him further away.
William soon sees through her game and decides to keep his distance.
