Family holiday is intended to bring you closer, right?
At least I have always believed that. So when we were planning an annual trip, I was hoping that it would be a chance to re -join all of us, especially because of how disconnected with my husband Mark and I have been in recent years.
But I only knew what should be a peaceful retreat, a spiral would soon be a shocking discovery that changed everything. It all started when our son, Eric, invited his girlfriend Jessica to join us.
At first I met her, but soon I began to notice strange things that made me the question of how much I knew about my own family. It wasn’t long before I revealed a secret that would break everything I thought I knew …
This time, however, what began as a careful family tradition has quickly spiral in one of the worst experiences of my life.
My work keeps me incredibly busy, often leaving me home after dinner is served and the house is quiet for the night.
Mark, my husband, had a stable job, but everything changed a few years ago when he lost it. Frankly, at first it didn’t bother me much.
But recently I began to notice cracks in our relationship.
Still, I didn’t think much about it – I assumed that our annual holiday would help us re -join.
We have taken this trip for years and this year I wanted to do it extremely special, especially given that Mark fought a job search.
Our son Eric, who is 20 years old and in college, was excited when I called to share our holiday plans.
But a day later Eric called.
“Mom, do you mind if I take my girlfriend?”
His girlfriend? That was the message for me.
“Uh, for sure,” I replied hesitantly. “What’s his name?”
“Jessica,” he said. “She’s amazing. You’ll love her.”
“Okay,” I replied, “he is welcome to join us.”
As the road approached, I fits in planning and wanted everything to go perfectly. When Jessica arrived at the airport, she looked as if she got out of the fashion track – perfectly stylized hair, an elegant dress and a bright smile that turned his heads, including Mark.
He looked particularly charming, even offering to carry his suitcase and complement her shoes. I wiped it when he was polite.
Jessica was initially friendly, but soon began to feel small things.
“Jessica, did you have a chance to see Eric play basketball?” I asked.
Her face stiffened and replied after a short pause, “Basketball? We never talked about it.”
Eric was passionate for basketball and his social media was full of game photos and teams. How couldn’t his three months know about it?
The next day, Eric suggested to try jet skiing, and while everyone looked excited, Jessica made her face.
“I’m not in water sports,” she said.
Later, when we relaxed by the pool, I heard her to ask Eric of his major.
“Biology, right?” She giggled. “I can’t believe I still forget it!”
That was weird. How could anyone claim to be Eric’s girlfriend and don’t know about it?
In the middle of the road I walked through the Eric suitcase for sunscreen when I hit a small velvet box. Inside was a beautiful diamond necklace, obviously very expensive. I was shocked – Snake Eric really bought something so extravagant for my girlfriend?
That evening I mentioned it carelessly.
He looked at me, wide, as if I said something wrong.
The last morning of our holiday was Motel scary. Mark ate breakfast on the ground floor while Eric and Jessica were lazy at the pool.
Eric’s phone, which was charged at the counter, buzzed by announcing.
It was a text. I looked carelessly, but when I read it, my heart stopped.
The text said:
“+8500 to our agreement. Thanks for covering the necklace.”
Sender? Mark. My husband.
Mark and Eric were conspired for several weeks and Jessica was not Eric’s girlfriend – she was Mark’s lady.
I was frantic. I felt completely betrayed.
But I knew I couldn’t just let it slip.
Later, Jessica noticed that I was wearing a necklace.
“Mom, why are you wearing Jessica necklace?” Eric asked. “That’s her gift.”
“Seriously?” I laughed. “That’s funny because your father bought it with my money.”
I stopped.
“Let me explain it. I have covered all the expenses since Mark lost his job. This trip, necklace and even a monetary sign promised Eric that the whole thing would continue.”
The next day I flew home alone. Eric and Mark tried to call me repeatedly, but I didn’t answer.
A week later I asked for divorce. When Jessica found out that Mark had no money left, she disappeared and left him embarrassed and alone.
Eric and I work on the rebuilding of our relationship. He made a huge mistake, but he’s still my son, and I hope he’ll learn from it and never make such a terrible decision again.
In the end, what was supposed to be for family connection was turned into an unforgettable betrayal. The holiday, which was supposed to bring us closer, revealed cracks in our relationships, which have been hidden under the surface for too long. Mark’s scam broke the trust I had in it, and Eric’s involvement in the lie left me a broken heart. It was a painful awakening, but in the end it allowed me to see the truth and take control of my own happiness.
When I move forward, I focus on the conversion of my life and my relationship with Eric. He made a difficult mistake, but he is still my son and I hope he will learn from the consequences of his actions. I learned that love could be complicated, but trust is the foundation that must never be broken.
It will take time to heal, but I know that with the strength I have, I can rebuild a life that is true to myself and the values I have expensive. Sometimes there are the most difficult lessons that we need to learn to move forward and create a better future.