23/11/2025
I didn't tell my husband's family I speak their language â one day, I overheard my MIL whisper to my SIL in GERMAN, "SHE STILL DOESN'T KNOW, DOES SHE?"
Peter and I had been married for three years, now with one child and another expected. I'm American and he's German; after his job took us back to Germany, family visits became regular.
During these gatherings, his family would speak about me in German, sure I couldn't understand. They made remarks about my appearance, my clothing choices, and even my pregnant belly. It stung, but I chose silence, wanting to see how far they would go, never hinting I understood every word.
When our second child arrived, Peter's family came over. Thatâs when I caught my MIL whispering to my SIL in German, "She still doesn't know, does she?"
My pulse doubled. "Of course not," my SIL answered. "PETER NEVER TOLD HER THE TRUTH ABOUT THE FIRST BABY."
I went cold. The first baby? I had so many questions. What were they talking about?
I hurried Peter into the kitchen, anxiety clutching me. "Peter, what is this about our first baby?"
He turned chalk white, fear clear in his expression for the first time.
"WHAT HAVEN'T YOU TOLD ME?!" I demanded.
He was silent at first, then let out a long sigh and slumped into a chair, hands covering his face.
"There's something you don't know." Peter looked up, his face full of guilt. âŹď¸