Chapter 2

Kyle Cooper, Wayne's older brother, gently nudged Lucy's elbow, but she simply flicked him off with a glance and continued, "If you're not giving me a gift, just say so. Don't drag me into this."

My heart dropped, and I couldn't bring myself to reach for the gift.

Gloria slammed the gift down on the table. "What's your problem? Are you jealous now? Mel's thoughtful. She cares about Michael and me and actually does stuff to help us out.

"Of course, I'd get her something. But you? You come home just to eat and laze around. You honestly think I'd give you a gift?"

Gloria was unraveling, and it was clear she had a deep-seated grudge against Lucy.

Lucy shrugged nonchalantly and remained silent.

I forced a smile. "There's no need for a gift, Gloria. You're Wayne's mom. It's only right that I help out."

I noticed Lucy letting out a soft sigh out of the corner of my eye.

Gloria broke into a hearty laugh, took my hand in hers, and praised me endlessly for being such a thoughtful daughter-in-law. She smoothly returned the small gift to her pocket.

Suddenly, Emily, who'd been silently eating, cried out, "Why are there pickles in my salad?"

She spat the chewed-up salad onto the table. "I said no pickles! I hate them! Mom, didn't you tell Melanie?"

"I did! I don't know how they ended up in there," Gloria blurted out.

Emily's glare shifted to me.

I waved my hands frantically. "I didn't know. Gloria never said anything..."

My voice trailed off as Wayne pinched my arm to silence me.

Gloria's face darkened. "I never told you? I told you earlier that Emily doesn't eat pickles and asked you to leave them out. How could you forget?"

A lump formed in my throat. I wanted Wayne to say something on my behalf, but all he did was shake his head.

Emily slammed her utensils onto the table. "Forget it, I'm not eating! How am I supposed to enjoy Christmas Eve like this?"

Gloria gently ran her fingers through Emily's hair, soothing her. "Calm down, it's Christmas Eve. Don't let it ruin your mood. I'll have Melanie make a few more dishes without pickles. Mel, go make something else, and no pickles this time."

She ordered me around as though it were nothing. I was so stunned that I couldn't even respond.

Emily was two years younger than me but had gotten married two years ago. She had done next to nothing since arriving at the Cooper residence. Gloria and Michael practically waited on her hand and foot.

And now, Gloria was expecting me, the new daughter-in-law, to head back into the kitchen and whip up more food for Emily. I was never spoiled like Emily, not even when I was at home with Mom and Dad!

Noticing I was still sitting, Gloria urged, "Get going! What are you waiting for, Mel?"

Wayne leaned in close and whispered, "Why don't you just make a few new dishes? Emily's not a fan of pickles."

But it wasn't about the pickles at all!

I frowned at Wayne, unsure of what he was trying to do. Was Gloria actually picking on me like Lucy claimed?

Wayne seemed torn, his fingers tugging at my sleeve. "Babe, just think of it as doing this for me, okay?"

I remembered Mom's advice—treat others the way I wanted to be treated. I had to give a little of myself first, and others would recognize my kindness in time.

Things were spiraling out of control. Emily looked like she was on the verge of tears, and Wayne was practically begging me with his eyes.

I swallowed my frustration and headed back to the kitchen to prepare two more dishes.