Chapter 1

731words2026-02-09 09:54

On New Year’s Eve morning, I brought all the gifts that I had prepared earlier to my daughter’s place.
My daughter, Lydia Smith, pinched my grandson, Charlie Smith’s cheeks.
“Charlie, we’re going to your grandparents’ place for the New Year’s. Aren’t you happy?”

Charlie jumped in excitement.
“I’m happy! I love spending the New Year’s with Grandpa and Grandma!”
I stood aside and felt a little upset as I looked at their happy faces.
Lydia and her husband, Ben Smith, were both the only children of their families.
Lydia had said that to be fair, they would draw lots to decide who to spend the New Year’s with.
However, she had been going to her in-laws’ place for the past nine years.

It was the same for this year, too.
I hesitated long before I asked.
“Lydia, you’ve spent the New Year’s with your in-laws for the past nine years. Can you spend it with me this year?
“Ever since your dad passed away, I’ve spent the New Year’s alone. It’s really too quiet at home.”

Lydia’s smile froze. She immediately shook her head.
“Mom, we’ve agreed to decide by drawing lots.”
I looked down and said timidly, “How about this? I can go over to your in-laws’ place for the New Year’s. Both of our families can spend it together…”
Before I could finish talking, Lydia interrupted me.
“I’ve told you no!”
When she saw my tears, she softened her tone.
“Mom, this year, we’re going to a really expensive restaurant for the New Year’s. If you join us, they’ll feel uncomfortable.
“It’s the New Year after all. You should save some money and just make dinner at home.
“Oh, don’t forget to feed the cat, too.”
After she said that, she left with her husband and son with my gifts.
I stood at the entrance for a very long time.
When I felt my tears turn cold from the wind, I finally turned around and went in.
That night, I ate some leftovers and watched TV alone.
When I stood up to take something, I accidentally knocked over the raffle box.
Every year, my daughter would draw lots before her mother-in-law, Audrey Smith, and myself.
The folded papers were scattered on the floor. I bent down to pick them up.
At that moment, I realized that all one hundred of the folded papers had the words “in-laws” clearly written on them.
I easily recognized Lydia’s neat handwriting.
My heart throbbed in pain.
I looked at the floor of folded papers, and every single piece of paper felt like a slap in my face.
It turned out that she had not been drawing lots for the past ten years.
She had purposely suggested this seemingly fair method to shun me, her mother, who paid for everything.
At the same time, I got a notification on my phone. It was a social media post by Audrey.
I clicked on the video. Audrey was smiling happily.
“Lydia is such a lovely girl. She bought us gifts and spent the New Year’s with us. It’s as if she’s our own daughter!”
Lydia smiled shyly at the camera.
“It’s nothing much, Audrey.
“You like to dance, and your limbs get sore easily, so I applied for a membership card at a massage center for you. Remember to use it!
“I’ve also bought some caviar for you. I’ll get my mom to buy more later so you can snack on it!”
Ben agreed eagerly.
“That’s right. Mom and Dad, you’ve worked so hard for your entire lives. It’s time to enjoy your retirement!”
Even Charlie was trying his best to serve Audrey some food.
“This is my favorite chicken drumstick. It’s for you, Grandma!”
I scrolled down to read the hurtful comments.
[You have such a great daughter-in-law. I bet she doesn’t even treat her own mother this well!]
[This is why your son needs to marry a traditional woman who prioritizes her husband’s family. I heard her mother is spending the New Year’s alone. What a poor thing.]
I laughed out of anger as hot tears streamed down my cheeks.
I tried to wipe them, but the tears kept coming.
I had spent so much money and effort, but they chose to turn a blind eye and used my money to pamper his parents instead.
I felt a sudden pain shoot through my heart.