Did we really build our house for nothing?
So we built that huge house for nothing? the motherinlaw protested. Then pay me back half the cost!
I need to have a serious talk with you, the shorthaired woman said, sitting opposite Camille. Before you marry my son, there are some things you must know.
The slim, blonde girl stared at her future motherinlaw, whom she had met only twice before, with a questioning look.
In short, if you want to join our family, you have to understand that Pierres most important people are his parents, Antonine declared proudly. We dont need a daughterinlaw who will run my son.
Do I run him? Camille interrupted.
Please listen to me all the way through! Be patient, the woman snapped.
Camille immediately looked down, feeling embarrassed. She didnt want to upset Pierres mother.
They had only been together a short while, and Camille didnt want to appear unpleasant.
So, Antonine continued, our family has a plan: as soon as Pierre gets married, well move into the almostfinished house. Well all live together as a happy, big family!
Great! the young woman exclaimed, forcing a smile.
The woman raised an eyebrow, surprised by the quick acceptance. She hadnt expected her future daughterinlaw to agree so readily.
Im delighted youre on board! I think well get along well, Antonine winked.
She then began praising Camille to her son, highlighting how wonderful, smart, and caring she was.
Seeing this and realizing a little extra support wouldnt hurt, Camille tried even harder to please the woman, offering small gifts on both special occasions and ordinary days, emphasizing her thoughtfulness.
A year later, fearing her son and Camille might not marry, Antonine urged Pierre to take the plunge.
When are you going to propose? she asked almost daily. If the lady leaves, youll regret it
After some thought, and perhaps recognizing Antonines point, Pierre proposed, and Camille accepted gleefully.
The wedding expenses were covered by the grooms parents, confirming to Camille that she had chosen a good partner.
For the first three months, the newlyweds rented an apartment, then Antonine announced with excitement that the house was ready for their move.
Pack your things, were doing the same! she told her son and daughterinlaw.
Why? Were fine here! Camille snapped, not wanting to live with her inlaws.
What do you mean why? the motherinlaw retorted. We agreed that once the house was built, wed all move in!
Move inwhos stopping us?! Camille replied haughtily, suddenly changing her tone toward Pierres mother.
Antonine was so shocked she fell silent for a few seconds.
Wait, you promised me, the woman reminded her calmly.
Whatever I said before doesnt matter. I dont want to live with you anymore! Camille declared firmly. Well live separately! In fact, since youre leaving, Pierre and I will move into your apartment.
What? Dont get any ideas! the motherinlaw shouted. Youre arrogant! she added angrily before hanging up.
Camille heard a couple of beeps, then the line clicked off, surprised.
Almost immediately, the phone rang in the kitchen where her husband was. She listened and realized Antonine was calling Pierre to complain about her.
Thirty minutes later, when Pierre finally ended his call, Camille walked into the kitchen. His face was twisted with irritation and anger. He stared at her and asked sternly,
Whats going on?
Whats wrong? Camille crossed her arms.
My mother called. Shes demanding money
What? Money for what? Camille was taken aback.
For the house. What did you promise her before we got married? Living in it together? Pierre asked, frowning.
Nothing, Camille feigned innocence.
You approved her house project, didnt you? he pressed.
And then? I approved it back then, but I dont want it anymore, she looked away.
I never supported it because I thought she was wasting time! The house sat unfinished for three years, but after we married she finished itall because of you! Pierre exploded.
So its finished, and? Whats the problem? Camille shrugged.
His mother called again before he could answer, but Pierre made a quick move: he handed the phone to Camille and said,
Here, talk to her.
When Antonine heard her future daughterinlaws voice, she launched into an attack.
Pay me back for the house! she demanded.
What refund? Are you crazy? Camille retorted, irritated.
Because of you we built this house for nothing! Give me back half its price!
Half again!? Camille snarled.
Five million euros! You owe me five million! Otherwise
What will you do? I never signed any paper! Camille replied playfully.
In that case well cut off all contact with you! the motherinlaw threatened.
Fine! Camille smiled and ended the call.
Antonine then started demanding money from Pierre, who had to send her fifty thousand euros every month.
Youll only reimburse me after ten years at this rate! the mother fumed. Either move into the house or increase the payments.
Since Pierre had no extra cash, he accepted her terms.
Camille, however, disagreed with the arrangement, and after six months the couple split permanently.
