З життя
Nora Secretly Hides a Recorder in Her Mother-in-Law’s Home to Eavesdrop on Their Conversations
Emily hid a recorder in her mother-in-laws house to listen to her conversations.
Oliver and Emily had been married for two years. They loved each other deeply, but tension grew between them because of Emilys strained relationship with her mother-in-law.
Emily was kind and eager to please. She always tried her best to win over her new family, especially her husbands mother.
But no matter how hard she tried, she could sense the coldness radiating from Margaret Holloway.
Her mother-in-law never openly criticised her, but sharp glances, biting tones, and subtle remarks made Emily feel like an intruder. Every visit to Margarets house left her distraught.
*Oliver, Im certain your mother doesnt like me,* she confessed, her voice trembling.
Her husband sighed, closing the book he was reading.
*Emily, not this again? Shes just reserved. You know how hard it was for her raising me alone after Dad passed.*
*I understand, but why do I feel like shes mocking me behind my back?*
*Youre imagining things, darling*
*No! Remember what I overheard when she spoke to your grandmother? She said I was clumsy and that I didnt suit her tastes!*
*You dont know who she was referring to. Lets drop it. Fancy going to the cinema tomorrow?*
But Emily wouldnt let it go. She knew her mother-in-law despised her family, even if she never admitted it.
After another tense dinner, she decided to find out the truth.
On her next visit, she secretly brought a recorder.
Slipping it between folded tea towels in the kitchen, she kept her hands steady while helping Margaret prepare supper, just as she always did.
That night, she lay in silence, clutching her secret tightly.
The next morning, she returned under the pretence of lending a hand and retrieved the device.
Her fingers shook as she played the recording for Oliver that evening.
*Listen to this,* she said, holding the recorder.
*What is it? A tape?* Oliver frowned.
*Just listen.*
First came the sounds of domestic liferunning water, clinking cutlery, idle chatter.
Then Margarets sharp voice on the phone:
*I dont know what my son sees in her! She cant even make a proper roast! And her family? Their tea tastes like dishwater! Her mothers just as careless as she is*
The recording spiralled into harsh words about Emilys looks, manners, and background.
When it ended, Emily stared at Oliver, eyes glistening.
*Now do you believe me?*
Oliver stayed silent, mortified. He knew his mother was wrong, but he despised Emilys method.
*Shes always been blunt Maybe she spoke in the heat of the moment.*
*Blunt?!* Emily cried. *You call that honesty? Insulting my family? If you wont stand up for me, maybe we should rethink this marriage!*
She stormed out in tears, leaving him stunned.
Hours later, he called his mother.
*You need to apologise to Emily.*
*She recorded me secretly?!* Margaret shrieked. *Ill go to the police! Have that snake expelled from university!*
*Mum, stop!* Oliver cut in. *Did you even hear what you said?*
*I heard! And Ill say moreshes never setting foot in this house again! And you, siding with that meddling girl? Ill settle this tomorrow!*
She hung up. Oliver tried calling back, but the line stayed dead.
He rushed to her house, but Margaret refused to open the door.
In the end, he chose to distance himself, realising her plan to drive a wedge between him and Emily.
For weeks, he visited her rarely, choosing peace at home instead.
Margaret, furious, forbade Emily from ever entering her home again and spread gossip among the neighbours.
But Oliver had stopped listening.
