As I watched their faces shift from amused expectation to shock, I felt a mix of satisfaction and sadness. It wasn’t supposed to be this way. When I received the promotion, I imagined sharing this joy with the people who mattered most. I thought they were proud of me and that this dinner was a genuine celebration.
But seeing their reactions now, it was clear that their motives were far from sincere.
My husband’s family had always been slightly traditional, with roles clearly defined. In their eyes, a wife supporting her husband’s family was not unusual. However, this was something altogether different. They saw my success as their opportunity, a chance to benefit from my hard work. My husband’s silence spoke volumes. His expectation for me to foot the bill without a word of recognition or gratitude stung deeply.
