Chapter 1

Our entire clan was set to embark on a group holiday, but when Mallory, my spouse's longtime companion, caught wind of our plans, she begged to tag along. Without hesitation, Henry revoked my flight reservation and handed it to her instead, leaving me with a cramped seat on a 36-hour train journey.

I glanced at my husband's parents, and to my astonishment, they all backed his choice. So, I reluctantly accepted the arrangement—I took the train ticket and headed westward. I ended up staying away for a quarter of a year, throwing the whole family into disarray.

...

It was uncommon for my husband to get a lengthy vacation, so our clan decided to embark on an extended trip together. I had begun orchestrating everything half a year in advance, choosing destinations, crafting an itinerary, and securing all bookings. As everyone else in the family was rather uninvolved, I found myself responsible for flights, accommodations, meals, and all activities.

I didn't mind taking on the task—it would be worthwhile as long as everyone was content. Flights were challenging to book, so I secured tickets for the entire family well in advance. When my sister-in-law mentioned she had never flown first class, I even paid extra to upgrade everyone's seats.

Just as we were about to depart, my husband suddenly informed me, "Mallory heard about our trip and wants to join. Our flight is full, so you'll need to take the train. I've already purchased your ticket."

He sent me an electronic train ticket via WhatsApp.

"What's the meaning of this?" I inquired. "This was supposed to be a family vacation, and now you're including Mallory?"

"Of course! Mallory wants to come, so I have to bring her along," Henry responded.

I was livid. "When my sister asked to join us, you were adamant: this was a family trip, and you didn't want to include outsiders, just us having fun together. Now that Mallory wants to come, you agree without hesitation?"

"Mallory and your sister are different," he said. "We're closer than family—we practically are family."

Scoffing, I retorted, "I bought the plane tickets ages ago. Why do I have to take the train?"

"There were no seats left on the flight, so I had to refund your ticket and get one for Mallory. The only option left for you is the train." Henry shrugged, dismissing my concerns.

I examined the electronic ticket he sent—it was for a 36-hour hard seat.

"So you bought Mallory a first-class plane ticket while I endure 36 hours on a train?" I asked incredulously.

He smirked. "Didn't you say you enjoyed watching the scenery from the train? Here's your chance to see it all."

I looked toward my in-laws, and my father-in-law quickly averted his gaze. My mother-in-law attempted to console me. "Camille, Mallory and Henry have been friends since childhood. They have so much to discuss, it only makes sense for them to sit together. Just tolerate it for now; we'll reunite once you arrive."

My sister-in-law, Nicole, chimed in, "Sis, Mallory has a fragile constitution. She couldn't possibly handle such a lengthy train ride. You're robust and healthy; you can manage."

I laughed bitterly. "Who is actually part of this family? It's starting to seem like Mallory is your real daughter-in-law!"

Henry scowled. "It's just a train ride; it's not a big deal. And Mallory is practically family to us. It's only right that we ensure her comfort. Can't you be a bit more accommodating and set a good example?"

Just then, the doorbell chimed. My sister-in-law rushed to answer it. It was Mallory.

"Mallory, you're here! I've been eagerly awaiting your arrival!"

Nicole enthusiastically hauled Mallory's two large suitcases into the house.

"Oh, Mallory, I've missed you terribly! If only you hadn't gone abroad, you could've married my brother, and we'd all be family!" she exclaimed as she embraced Mallory.

Meanwhile, my mother-in-law held Mallory's hand and added, "Exactly! I always thought you and Henry would be a perfect match. In my heart, I've always regarded you as my daughter-in-law—no one else could compare to you!"

They said this openly, right in front of me, without a hint of embarrassment. At that moment, I felt my heart grow cold toward this family.

Although Mallory and Henry had been childhood sweethearts, when the Baker family faced financial difficulties, she left the country without hesitation. It was I who helped the Baker family repay five hundred thousand dollars in debt, and out of gratitude, Henry married me. I had given so much to this family.

My parents-in-law weren't in the best of health, and I'd been caring for Nicole since she was ten, handling everything from cooking and laundry to picking her up from school, assisting with her homework, and attending her parent-teacher meetings. Now she was fifteen, and I had essentially raised her for five years. Though I was only her sister-in-law, I felt more like her mother.

I had been generous to my in-laws as well, providing them with a monthly allowance of ten thousand dollars and taking care of all the household chores and meals, practically spoon-feeding them. Instead of feeling like a daughter-in-law, I often felt more like a live-in maid—one who paid out of her own pocket to care for this family.

I never expected anything in return but despite all I'd done for them, they still treated me as less than an outsider.

Mallory approached me with a smug smile. "Sorry, Camille. If I hadn't suddenly decided to join, you wouldn't have lost your plane ticket and been stuck with a train seat. At first, I thought I'd skip the trip since there weren't any tickets, but Henry said he'd handle it. I didn't expect he'd make you take the train, though. I even offered to take the train myself, but Henry was concerned about me sitting alone for so long. So, I guess I have to thank you for enduring the inconvenience!"

Nicole looped her arm affectionately around Mallory's. "Exactly! There are all sorts of people on trains, and if a girl like you were targeted by some unsavory characters, what would we do? Camille, on the other hand, has such a fierce look—like a warrior! She'd scare them off in no time."

When she finished speaking, the two of them erupted in laughter.

Noticing the anger on my face, Henry softened his tone, "Alright, I know this arrangement isn't ideal for you, but it's the best solution we have. Just last week, you were eyeing that bag you wanted—why not go ahead and get it?"

I held out my hand. "Sure, five thousand."

"That's so expensive! I already agreed you could get it, but now you want me to pay too? Don't push it!" he snapped.

I smirked and sarcastically retorted, "Since when do I need your permission to spend my own money? How much do you even earn in a month?"

At that instant, his face flushed in embarrassment. "That's not fair."

His monthly salary was only three thousand dollars, while I earned a hundred grand. His salary didn't even cover his own expenses; I'd been supporting this household from the start.

When we got married, he didn't give me any dowry. I'd paid off that fifty thousand dollars debt and even added thirty thousand as a wedding gift, plus I bought our house. This comfortable life they now enjoyed was all thanks to me.

If they loved Mallory that much, then they could have her as their daughter-in-law instead.