“Mom, how could I? When I resigned, my director nearly turned green with anger. If I go back now, wouldn’t it be so awkward?”
“Besides, if I start working again, who will pick up Ethan? Who will cook for the family? Weren’t those the very reasons you pushed me to resign?”
I returned her old arguments almost word for word.
Her mouth opened, but she had nothing to say. She left, sulking.
After that, the atmosphere at home grew unbearably tense.
Daniel worked overtime more and more, returning home each night with a heavy face.
My mother-in-law no longer coddled me, instead sighing in the living room every day, praising other daughters-in-law for being hardworking and supportive.
I turned a deaf ear and continued my extravagant lifestyle.
Soon, it was Ethan’s tenth birthday.
In my past life, I missed his birthday party because I worked on a project for three days straight.
That was the seed of his lifelong grudge against me.
This time, I started preparing a month in advance.
I booked the most expensive restaurant downtown and hired a professional party-planning team.
Other parents praised me for being such a devoted mom.
I took Daniel’s arm and smiled blissfully.
“Daniel says money isn’t the point—our child’s happiness is what matters most.”
Daniel’s smile froze.
Not far away, my in-laws’ faces were so dark they could drip ink.
Midway through the party, my mother-in-law dragged me into a corner, barely suppressing her anger.
“Emily, do you have any idea how much this afternoon cost? Over a hundred thousand! Are you trying to drain our family dry?”
I looked innocent.
“Mom, I missed Ethan’s birthday last year because of overtime. He was sad for an entire year. I’m making it up to him.”
“Besides, with so many parents here, doesn’t hosting a classy event bring honor to the Carter family?”
“See? Everyone’s praising how capable Daniel is.”
She was left speechless.
When the party ended and the guests had all gone, Daniel finally exploded.
He jabbed a finger at my nose and roared, “What exactly are you trying to do—bleed this family dry until you’re satisfied?”
I looked at his agitated face and replied calmly,
“I’m supporting my husband, raising our child, managing the home, and making everyone envy Ethan for having a great mom and a happy family.”
I paused. “Isn’t that exactly what you all said you wanted from me?”
All his fury and accusations shattered under that one line.