Emma hid a recorder in her mother-in-laws house to eavesdrop on her conversations.
James 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 sweet and eager to please. She always tried her best to win over her new family, especially her in-laws.
Despite her efforts, she couldnt escape the icy distance radiating from Margaret Whitmore.
The older woman never openly criticised, but her piercing stares, sharp tones, and veiled remarks made Emily feel like an intruder. Every visit to Margarets house left her distressed.
*James, Im certain your mother dislikes me,* she confessed, her voice trembling.
Her husband sighed, setting aside the book hed been reading.
*Emily, not this again. Shes just reserved. You know how hard it was raising me alone after Dad passed.*
*I understand, but why do I feel like shes mocking me behind my back?*
*Its all in your head, darling*
*No! Ive heard her talking to your grandmothershe called me clumsy and said she never approved of me!*
*You dont know who she meant. Lets drop it. How about the cinema tomorrow?*
But Emily couldnt let it go. She knew Margaret despised her family, even if shed never say it outright.
After another tense dinner, she decided to uncover the truth.
On her next visit, she smuggled in a voice recorder, bought months earlier for university lectures.
Slyly, she tucked it between the kitchen towels. She helped Margaret prepare supper as usual, raising no suspicion. That night, she lay awake, keeping her secret.
The next day, she returned under pretence of helping again, retrieving the recorder.
Her hands shook as she played it for James that evening.
*Listen to this,* she demanded, clutching the device.
*What is that? A recorder?* he asked, bewildered.
*Just listen.*
First, domestic noisesrunning water, clinking cutlery, trivial 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 as sloppy as she is*
The recording spilled more venominsults about Emilys looks, manners, and background.
When it ended, Emily stared at James, eyes brimming.
*Now do you believe me?*
James said nothing, ashamed. He knew his mother was wrong, but he loathed his wifes deceit.
*Shes always been blunt Maybe she spoke in the heat of the moment.*
*Blunt?!* Emily cried. *You call this honesty? If you wont defend me, maybe we should rethink our marriage!*
She stormed out in tears, leaving him stunned.
Hours later, he called his mother.
*You need to apologise to Emily.*
*She recorded me?!* Margaret shrieked. *Ill report her to the policeand her university! That little snake!*
*Mum, stop!* James snapped. *Have you heard yourself?*
*I have! And mark my words: shes banned from this house! And you, siding with that snoop? Ill settle this tomorrow!*
She hung up. James tried calling backno answer.
He rushed to her house, but she refused to open the door.
Realising her scheme to drive him from Emily, he pulled away.
For weeks, he visited rarely, choosing peace at home.
Margaret, furious, barred Emily from her door and spread gossip among the neighbours.
But James no longer listened.
