Vacation Nightmare (For Them)

I frowned, the tension in my body translating into a sharp kick at the stool in front of me. The clatter echoed through the room, jarring everyone into silence.

Johnny immediately sensed the shift in my mood and dropped his smug demeanor like a mask slipping.

"I know you're upset," he said, adopting a conciliatory tone. "But what's done is done. Stop acting like a child, okay? Didn't you say you wanted to stay at a five-star hotel? Fine, we won't save money anymore. I'll book it right now."

I couldn't help the cold laugh that escaped me. Did he really think he could pacify me with empty words? His tone dripped with condescension, as though he were doing me a grand favor. But I decided to play along, at least for the moment.

"Really? You're so thoughtful, darling!" I replied sweetly.

But just as his facade of magnanimity seemed secure, his phone buzzed with a notification. He glanced at the screen, and his expression darkened immediately.

"Lizzie, why did you use my card to spend this much money?" he demanded, his voice rising.

"You said we'd stay at a five-star hotel, didn't you?"

"I agreed to the hotel, not to you using my card for it!"

I couldn't stop the laugh that burst out of me. "You really think I need your approval to spend money on a hotel? Who are you trying to impress with your 2,000-a-month salary? A big shot?"

His face turned crimson, the heat of embarrassment and anger rushing to his cheeks. "What are you implying?"

Since we got married, we'd stuck to a laughable arrangement where I covered all the household expenses while his family leeched off me. Without me, they'd all be out in the cold, scrambling for scraps.

Yet they treated me like I owed them everything, while fawning over Kaley and her son. If they adored her so much, they could all sink together for all I cared.

"Arguing with your husband hardly makes you a good wife!" George barked from his perch on the sofa, his tone as imperious as ever. "Stop throwing a tantrum and go make dinner! The whole family's waiting. Or do you want us to starve?"

I turned to him, my gaze icy. Did he still think I was their live-in maid?

"Kaley," I said, my voice suddenly warm and sweet, "you've known Johnny since childhood. Has he ever cooked for you before?"

Kaley rolled her eyes. "Of course he has. Back when my parents weren't home, he used to make me all kinds of delicious meals."

"Well, then," I said, turning to my husband with a smirk, "isn't it time for you to show off your skills again? Kaley's practically family, after all."

I snatched the strawberry Alex was holding and flopped onto the sofa, scrolling through my phone with deliberate nonchalance.

"Men don't belong in the kitchen!" Marlene huffed, her face pinched with disapproval.

I tilted my head and smiled. "Oh, come on. It's a rare occasion for Kaley and Alex to visit. Surely you're not saying they're unwelcome?"

Johnny looked at me, his face a storm cloud of frustration. He glanced at his mother, silently pleading for rescue.

Cornered, Johnny's mother finally relented, muttering under her breath as she trudged to the kitchen. For someone used to a life of comfort, she floundered hilariously over the simplest tasks. She fumbled through pots and pans for a long time.

At dinner, her mood had recovered enough to fawn over Kaley and her child. "Kaley, I remembered how much you love spicy food, so I made a whole spread just for you. Eat as much as you want!"

The deliberate slight was obvious—she knew I couldn't stand spicy food.

"Lizzie," she added with feigned innocence, "if you don't like it, just make yourself some noodles."

That was it. I slammed my fork onto the table. "You all enjoy your meal. I'm going out for a proper feast."

Johnny's face twisted with anger. "Lizzie! Mom went out of her way to cook for you despite her age, and you're throwing a fit? What's wrong with you today?"

"And who's going to pack our luggage if you storm out now?" he added, his tone laced with frustration.

I turned to him, my smile icy. "Isn't Kaley here for that? You all seem to like her so much—let her do it."

The room fell silent, their expressions frozen in shock. Without another word, I grabbed my bag and left, slamming the door behind me.

At the hotel, I indulged in a lavish meal, followed by a soothing spa session.

Why shouldn't I? I had the money, the means, and the will. There was no reason for me to slave away for people who never appreciated me. Let them figure out how to manage without their golden goose.