A pensive woman wearing a green blouse | Source: Midjourney
“Then pay her for it,” my mother snapped. “If it’s a job, she should be earning a wage.”
“She’s my wife,” Aidan shifted in his seat.
“That’s right, Aidan. But not in the way you think,” my mother said, her voice steady and cool. “Lacey isn’t your maid. She’s not your cook. And if she weren’t here, this party would be in a restaurant, and you’d be out a few grand. So which is it? Do you want a partner or a full-time, unpaid employee?”
He looked around, eyes darting like he was searching for backup. None came. There were just blank stares and tightened lips.
An upset older woman wearing a navy silk dress | Source: Midjourney
“She should still work,” he said finally, stubborn to the last syllable. “And do the house stuff, too.”
I set the tray down on the nearest table, the metal clinking gently as it landed. That sound was the final note of this song.
That was it. The moment that something broke open inside me.
I inhaled deeply.
“All of it?” I asked. “You think I should do everything, Aidan?”
A silver tray on a table | Source: Midjourney
He didn’t answer. He couldn’t. He just sat there with his mouth open.
“Well, here’s something you didn’t know, sweetheart,” I said. “While keeping this house together, I’ve also been working remotely. As a designer. For multiple tech companies, two international ones, mind you. And I’ve done it silently because I didn’t want any drama.”
My husband just stared.
“I saved every cent, too. And of course, I bought you a gift, Aidan. I just thought that I’d give it to you tonight, after everyone left.”
A woman standing with folded arms | Source: Midjourney
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a folded envelope. I handed it to him with a smile.
“A two-person trip to the Maldives. Flight, resort, food, all paid for!”
Aidan’s mouth opened, then closed. For once, he had nothing to say. There was no smug remark. No rebuttal. Just silence.
“But now I realize that I’ll enjoy the trip more on my own. And while I’m away, you’ll have plenty of time to look over the divorce papers I’m going to file.”
