Chapter 1 Chapter 1

"Kaley heard we were planning a seaside vacation and wants to bring Alex along. I've booked the plane tickets for everyone," Johnny Cooper said nonchalantly, "Lizzie, you can drive the car with the luggage. We'll meet you at the beach." My hands froze mid-way through packing. For a moment, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "What do you mean? Kaley and Alex get to fly while I'm stuck driving?" I asked. "Kaley's little one has never been to the beach before, and I thought it'd be nice to let them tag along. When I booked the tickets, yours was sold out," he replied casually, as if that was explanation enough. This trip had already been a logistical nightmare. It had started with my brother-in-law's incessant demands to go wake surfing during his Christmas break, coinciding with Johnny's rare annual leave. To top it off, we had just bought a new car, so it was decided to take the whole family—including my in-laws—on a seaside getaway. I had spent days painstakingly planning every detail: packing supplies for the family, researching accommodations, drafting itineraries, and pouring both time and money into making it work. Now, Kaley merely mentions she'd like to come, and my husband unilaterally changes everything. "When I suggested we fly, you balked at the expense and insisted on driving. But the moment Kaley wants to join, you suddenly don't mind splurging on tickets?""Kaley's bringing Alex. A little kid can't endure such a long drive. Besides, Kaley is my adoptive sister—don't forget that. Her child is family, and I have a responsibility to treat them well." I threw the clothes I was folding onto the floor in frustration. "Oh, really? Anyone listening might think Alex is your son!" Johnny's patience began to wear thin. "Don't be ridiculous. And didn't you always complain about not being able to drive well? Consider this trip practice.""Do you even know how long it takes to drive to the beach? What if something happens to me on the road?" At that moment, my mother-in-law, Marlene Cooper, entered the room carrying a plate of fruit. "Why are you two arguing again?" she asked, shaking her head. "Johnny, as the man of the house, you should give in to Lizzie a bit." Marlene had always been pretty nice to me. I immediately turned to her for support, my face full of grievance. But to my dismay, she surprised me by siding with him instead. "Lizzie, you should be more understanding. Johnny and Kaley grew up together, and her little boy—poor thing—has never seen the world. Letting him come along won't hurt, will it? Besides, plane luggage fees are no joke, and driving the car means you can bring all the luggage. When we get there, having a car will make things more convenient for everyone!" Before I could respond, my father-in-law, George Cooper, chimed in with his usual caustic tone. "Since when do women call the shots in this family? Your husband has spoken—your job is to listen. You can't even bear children of your own, and now you begrudge us the chance to enjoy someone else's?" It hit me like a slap to the face: these people weren't just inconsiderate—they were downright delusional. "What is wrong with you all? Have you been brainwashed by Kaley? Or are you trying to tell me Alex is actually Johnny's illegitimate child?" My words struck a nerve. Johnny's face turned red with anger, his eyes bulging. "Lizzie, I took time off work just to take you on this trip, and this is how you repay me? Complaining about something so trivial? Back in the day, your duties as eldest daughter-in-law would've been far greater than this!" For the first time, it dawned on me just how deeply steeped in outdated patriarchal thinking this family was. Before I could say another word, Johnny's phone rang, breaking the tense silence.

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

Johnny avoided my gaze, his expression evasive. I snatched his phone, and my suspicion was confirmed—it was Kaley. Kaley: [Didn't you see my message? Hurry up and open the door!] Before I could react, my brother-in-law bolted downstairs, practically bouncing with excitement, and soon returned with Kaley. "Mom, Dad, bro—Kaley's here! Lizzie, what's for dinner tonight? Make something nice!" he said cheerfully, dumping Kaley's luggage into my arms without a second thought. Kaley's son, Alex, marched into the living room as if it were his own home, shoes and all, and promptly leaped onto the leather sofa I had just spent five thousand dollars on, using it as a trampoline. His loud laughter echoed through the room. I frowned, my stomach tightening at the sight, but Marlene beamed. She grabbed Kaley's hands, holding them tightly. "Ah, Kaley, it's such a shame things didn't work out between you and Johnny back then… sigh… You know, I treat Alex like my real grandson. Anyway, I don't care—bring him here more often, alright?" Even my usually stern father-in-law seemed smitten. He cradled Alex in his arms, cooing, "Oh, my precious little one," and then sighed heavily. "Our family has no luck. We lost out on such a good daughter-in-law and such a sweet grandson." It was as if I'd vanished from the room, a ghost no one acknowledged. They sang Kaley's praises with no attempt to hide it. My chest tightened painfully. Years of sacrifice and devotion—for what? Nothing, apparently. Had they all forgotten that Johnny had once been buried in online loan debt because of Kaley? Johnny and Kaley had grown up as neighbors and had been classmates for twelve years. They'd even gone into business together—until Kaley and her ex-husband ran off with the money. Back then, I'd silently loved Johnny from afar. When he hit rock bottom, I offered him a helping hand. One thing led to another, and eventually, we were married. For years, I'd cherished this relationship, giving my all to this family. From my in-laws to my brother-in-law, I had done everything in my power to fulfill my role. I handled my in-laws' every need—food, clothing, annual medical checkups, even vacations. For my brother-in-law, their late-in-life child, I went above and beyond. When his grades faltered, I paid for him to attend an international school. When he failed his college entrance exams, I helped him apply to universities abroad. Ask anyone in the Cooper family's social circle—they'd all say I was the best daughter-in-law under the sun. And yet, none of it seemed to matter. This family showered affection on a woman who had betrayed them and treated me like a convenient tool. Kaley plopped down on the leather sofa as if she owned the place, throwing me a deliberate glance. "Oh, you're home too, Lizzie! I was so busy greeting George and Marlene that I didn't see you there," she said with an exaggerated smile. Turning to my in-laws, she added, "George, Marlene, Alex and I can't get enough of Lizzie's cooking. You know us—we're easy to please!" Marlene shot me a pointed look, clearly expecting me to jump into action, but I remained seated and sipped on my tea, my expression indifferent. Kaley's eyes flickered, her voice softening. "Lizzie, are you upset with me? Johnny told me you were planning a trip, and I thought Alex, who's never been out of the city, might enjoy tagging along. I begged Johnny to let us come. When the plane tickets ran out, I said I wouldn't go. But Johnny insisted, saying Alex should see more of the world to broaden his horizons… Really, I feel bad for troubling you." Off to the side, my brother-in-law Zack was sprawled out with the iPad I'd bought him, laughing as he played some game. "Lizzie doesn't mind, I'm sure. Driving with a kid can be rough. I told her we should just fly, but someone had to be cheap. Besides, Lizzie loves driving, so now she can drive to her heart's content!" Kaley frowned and turned to him with a gentle scolding. "That's no way to talk about your sister-in-law. She's your elder, no matter what." Zack immediately switched gears, sweet-talking Kaley and apologizing for his slip-up. Before long, the two of them were laughing together like nothing had happened.

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

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.

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

It was late by the time I checked the clock, likely past the hour when anyone in that house would still be awake. Funny how people treat you with endless kindness when they need something from you, but when the tables turn? Not even the courtesy of a call. I pushed open the door to my room, only to be startled by a shrill scream. "Ahhh! Johnny!" The sudden outburst startled me, and I fumbled to turn on the light. What greeted me was a scene straight out of a melodrama: Kaley huddled in Johnny's arms, her eyes glistening with tears, a picture of delicate fragility. The sight made my blood boil. Without a second thought, I stormed over and slapped her across the face. Kaley froze for a moment, as if her mind was still catching up with what had just happened. Then, one tear after another began to roll down her cheeks, each one carefully timed for maximum effect. "Lizzie, have you lost your mind?" Johnny snapped, leaping to her defense. "What is wrong with you? We were bored waiting for you, so we decided to watch a movie. How was I supposed to know it was a horror film? You barged in, scared her, and this is how you react?""Oh, I see," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Watching a movie in the dark somehow necessitates hugging each other. Should I assume that if I hadn't come back, you'd have moved on to sleeping together? Maybe we should ask others to weigh in—what do you think they'd say?" Johnny's face flushed crimson, a mix of anger and embarrassment. "You… You're impossible! Acting like a madwoman over nothing!""Madwoman? Sure, call me that," I retorted, rolling my eyes. "Speaking of which, this madwoman is going to bed now. Unless, of course, the two of you plan on joining me?" Kaley clutched her face, her head bowed low, letting the tears fall silently—a masterclass in pitiful theatrics. Johnny, ever the gallant knight, bolted to the kitchen to grab an ice pack, presumably to soothe the swelling on her cheek. Meanwhile, slammed the door shut, and crawled into bed. Tomorrow was bound to be another battle, and I needed my rest. Later that night, when Johnny tried to sneak into bed, I kicked him right off. Without a word, he slunk out to the living room, defeated. Morning came, and there he was, curled up on the couch like a scolded child. George noticed immediately, and his face darkened with fury. "You let your husband sleep on the sofa? Do you have no sense of decency? What kind of a wife are you?" he barked at me. "For your information, I'm the one who insisted Kaley and Alex stay over last night. What's next—are you going to throw Marlene and I out of the house?" Feigning innocence, I replied, "Oh, I was just giving Johnny and Kaley a chance to relive their childhood memories together. How was I supposed to know Kaley wouldn't let him into her room?""Lizzie, you're insane!" Johnny shot back. "We're married! How could you even suggest something like that?""Oh, I don't know," I said with a sly smile. "Maybe because you've been acting like you forgot you're married?" Kaley, ever the martyr, stepped in with her usual trembling voice. "Lizzie, please don't be angry. It's all my fault. I'd never forgive myself if I came between you two. Please, don't let me ruin your marriage." Marlene, sitting nearby, gave me a disapproving look, her brows furrowed in judgment. "Lizzie, honestly, how can you be so thoughtless? With George and me here, do you think anything inappropriate could happen between them? Besides, if Johnny really wanted to be with Kaley, do you think you'd even have a place in this house right now?" From the corner of the room, Zack groaned, rubbing his eyes as he joined the scene. "Can you all keep it down? This constant bickering is so exhausting. Lizzie, you should learn a thing or two from Kaley about being a good wife and mother." Kaley's lips curved into a faint smirk, her eyes glinting with triumph. The expression vanished as quickly as it appeared, replaced by her usual air of quiet grace. "Alright," she said, breaking the tension, "we need to hurry if we're going to make our flight. Lizzie, don't forget to load the luggage into the car. See you at the beach!" They left without so much as a second glance, dumping all the work on me as usual. But I wasn't about to let them get to me. I steadied my emotions, mustered a bright, cheerful smile, and said, "Of course. Have a safe trip!"