The Invoice Before the Vows

Seeing that I had no intention of paying up, Cami began to persuade me earnestly.

"Lyndis, you've just gotten married to James, so it's normal that you don't understand the family situation yet. It's alright—I'll explain, and then you'll see.

"Samantha has been part of this family for ten years. Over those years, she's taken very good care of James.

"As the saying goes, the elder sister-in-law is like a mother. Your sister-in-law has contributed so much to this family over the past decade—you should feel grateful for everything she's done."

I was so angry I laughed. Turning to James, I asked bluntly, "Dear, did you grow up drinking your sister-in-law's milk ten years ago?"

James choked on his own saliva, his face turning as red as an apple.

"Of course not! Don't talk nonsense!"

"Then why does Mom want you to be grateful to Samantha? Sounded like she raised you or something."

Samantha flew into a rage, pointing at my nose. "You! You! You have no manners at all! Were you raised that filthy, or are you just rotten at heart?"

James hurried to placate her. "Samantha, don't be angry. Lyndis is young—don't stoop to her level. We'll pay the 25,000 dollars. You've worked hard taking care of Mom all these years. I'll transfer the money to you right now."

With that, James generously transferred 25,000 dollars to Samantha.

That sum was his entire savings from five years of work—money he had originally been saving for me.

Just this morning, I had handed it back to him because he said he wanted to start a business.

Since it wasn't my money, I didn't stop him.

Only after receiving the money did Samantha's expression improve. She immediately began preparing to move, ordering me around as if I were a maid.

"Lyndis, hurry up and help me move. I've got quite a lot of things. Contact a moving company. Make sure it's a good one—don't hire anything cheap or unreliable."

I stood there, letting out a cold laugh. Suddenly, Cami grabbed my hand and pulled me toward Samantha's house.

"Lyndis, just treat it as exercise for weight loss. Normally, you'd have to pay to go to the gym. Now you can help your sister-in-law move and get a free workout."

She dragged me all the way there.

But I didn't lift a finger. I simply stood aside, watching them work.

From time to time, Samantha shot me disapproving glances, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Some people are just born lazy. Not like me—I was born to work hard, running around all day long. James, wouldn't you agree?"

James busied himself helping her move, smiling as he flattered her.

"You're a virtuous wife and a loving mother. Now that the family is better off, you won't have to work so hard anymore."

For the first time, I found James's handsome face utterly repulsive.

And in that moment, I finally understood—marriage isn't just about two people loving each other. It's truly a union between two families.

The gentlemanly grace and refinement he had shown me throughout our four years in college now felt like flaws I could no longer tolerate.

I couldn't be bothered with them anymore. Picking up my phone, I headed out.

But as soon as I reached the door, it started to rain. That was when I suddenly remembered—the car keys were with James.

I turned back to get them. Just as my hand touched the metal doorknob, I heard Samantha say, "Lyndis is spoiled absolutely rotten. Someone like her? Forget cooking or doing laundry—she wouldn't even bother tipping an oil bottle back up if it fell over.

"When it comes to taking care of Mom in her old age, it's still going to fall on me! If you're expecting anything from Lyndis—let me be blunt—even if Mom had to eat shit, Lyndis wouldn't get it to her while it was still warm."