Isla and Chris’s anniversary getaway was supposed to be a dreamy escape—until her mother-in-law crashed the party.
Isla and Chris’s anniversary getaway was supposed to be a dreamy escape—until her mother-in-law crashed the party.
Evelyn booked the room next door, sabotaged every romantic plan, and whispered venom into Isla’s ears. But Evelyn had no clue that Isla was about to deliver a lesson she’d never forget.
Chris and I needed this trip.
After months of chaos—juggling demanding jobs, raising three kids, and living under the same roof as his mother Evelyn since the house fire—we finally had our first real break in what felt like forever. On top of it all, we were celebrating seven years of marriage.
No children. No responsibilities. Just us.
And for the first three days? Pure heaven.
We woke up late, wrapped in soft, hotel-luxury sheets. We had breakfast on our balcony, just the two of us, as the ocean waves clashed against the sand in perfect rhythm. Afternoons melted into sun-soaked lounging, cocktails, laughter, and kisses that made us feel twenty again.
For once, I had my husband all to myself.
Until she showed up.
I turned my head slowly, like in one of those horror movie scenes where the heroine realizes the monster is right behind her.
There she was.
Evelyn.
My mother-in-law.
“Isla! Chrissy!”
That unmistakable shrill voice I’d spent three months trying to escape.
She stood on the beach in a bright, floral explosion of a dress, massive sunglasses, and the most self-satisfied smile I’d ever seen.
“I thought you two might get lonely without me!” she trilled. “So I flew out!”
I couldn’t move. I couldn’t breathe.
Chris, on the other hand, nearly choked on his drink.
“Mom?! Are you serious? What are you doing here?”
She strolled over like she owned the resort, kicked off her sandals into the sand, and stretched.
“Last-minute ticket! I figured you two lovebirds could use a little sunshine and a little company. And honestly? I needed a break too. I deserve this.”
I felt my mouth go dry.
“Evelyn,” I managed, “where are the kids? Are they okay? Why are you here?”
She waved her hand like I was asking something silly.
“Oh, relax! The kids are with my friend Donna. She’s missed them so much. Her own grandkids live out of state—this is perfect for her.”
My jaw locked tight.
The same woman who begged us to take this trip to recharge… had just ditched our kids to follow us halfway across the Pacific?!
I looked at Chris. He looked like a man realizing he was tied to train tracks. Pale. Stunned.
I set my drink down. “What are you going to do about this?”
Chris sighed, rubbing his face. “She’s already here, Isla… what can we do? I’m sorry, honey. We’ll just have to deal with it.”
Something inside me cracked... (continue reading in the 1st comment)