For three years, my in‑laws barely tolerated me — I wasn’t “their kind,” just a teacher married to their son, Mark. Then my father‑in‑law surprised me with a luxury spa weekend. Mark said they were finally appreciating me now that he had a great job.
On the way there, my neighbor warned me to turn back — but I didn’t. At home, I found a luxury car, rose petals, and my mother‑in‑law preparing a romantic setup… with Mark’s glamorous ex, Ashley. They’d arranged it to get rid of me and bring her back. Mark told Ashley to leave, then showed his loyalty to me.
The next day the locks were changed. A month later, Mark rebooked the spa for us. As we drove, he squeezed my hand and said, “We made it without their approval.” I finally stopped trying to prove my worth to people who never appreciated me and felt at home in my marriage.