Something felt from the Christmas season.
It wasn’t shimmering lights or sharp winter air – it was a rodent feeling in my intestine every time Greg talked to me. In his voice was smug, condescending to the inclination of his words, thanks to which my skin was dirty.
I spent years of cleaning his release and apology about his arrogance, but this time there was something else. This time I didn’t just want to swallow my pride and smile at her. No, at Christmas, I wanted to teach Greg a lesson that he wouldn’t forget soon.
My husband threw me $ 50 and ordered, “Make a fantastic Christmas dinner – it’s not surprising!”
A few days before Christmas my husband, Greg, carelessly threw a crumpled account of $ 50 in my direction.
“Here,” he said with a smug expression. “Make the right Christmas dinner.” Don’t take me in front of your family. ”
I picked up my account and stared at it in disbelief. “Greg, it’s not enough for Turkey, let alone full food for eight people.”
He simply shrugged and leaned against the refrigerator. “My mom always worked.” Be resourceful, Claire. If you can’t do it, say it. But I have to let my family know that it does not expect much. ”
My fists clenched, but instead of arguing, I forced a sweet smile. “Oh, don’t worry, Greg.” I’ll do it to work. ”
In the next few days, I played the role of “obedient wife”, Greg believed that I was stretching $ 50 to its absolute limit. Every time he went to the kitchen, I carefully mentioned trimming coupons or ongoing sales just to prevent him from being suspicious.
He didn’t know that I meant something much more extravagant.
With my personal savings, I planned the most amazing Christmas dinner that his family has ever seen. But it wasn’t about impressing them – it was about taking a point to Greg. I wasn’t someone who could release with a crumpled law and a condescending note.
Everything was ready at the end of the week.
The offer was set up, the decoration was on the way, and the meals team, which I secretly hired, was ready. The house did not look stunning.
Greg went into the dining room, just as I edited the last plate.
“Lords, Claire,” he said, clearly impressed. “I didn’t think you got it in you.” Guess my $ 50 really went a long way, huh? ”
I smiled and knew in my eyes. “Oh, just wait, Greg.” It will be unforgettable tonight. I wouldn’t dare to embarrass myself in front of my family. ”
An unforgettable Christmas dinner
Soon Greg’s family began to come.
His mother, Linda, was the first to enter in, perfectly dressed and scanned the room with a critical eye. When she entered the dining room, she stiffened.
“Claire,” she said slowly, “This … It looks like it cost a fortune.” You didn’t pose, did you? ”
Greg inflated his chest and answered before I could. “Not at all, Mom!” Claire finally learns to be inventive. Just as you taught me. ”
Linda lifted her eyebrows, but said nothing. Meanwhile, the rest of the family ran down and showered me with compliments.
“That’s incredible,” Greg’s brother said, staring at the rich spread. “How did you handle it?”
Greg was grinning, clearly pleased with the heating. “Claire has a talent to make it impossible.”
Dinner left without a curtain and everyone was surprised on the holiday before them.
But I wasn’t done yet.
When the dessert rolled over, I brought a three-layer chocolate cake decorated with edible golden flakes, with the kind permission of the most important bakery in the city. When everyone reached out on their plates, I got up and held a wine glass.
“Before we dig into the dessert, I just want to say how much it means Greg and I host you tonight,” I started.
Greg, who was already enjoying the reflector, picked up a glass of ridiculous toast.
“And,” I continued, “I have to thank Greg.” Without his incredibly generous contribution of $ 50, none of this would be possible. ”
The room was silent.
“Fifty dollars?” Linda repeated, her voice sharp.
“Oh yes,” I said sweetly. “When I asked Greg about a Christmas dinner budget, he handed me a crumpled $ 50 account and told me to” be inventive. “So I did it.”
Greg’s brothers suppressed laughter. His father shook his head and murmured, “incredible”.
“Of course,” I added, “this dinner cost a little more.” Actually about $ 750. I used my personal savings to make sure everything was perfect – because I wouldn’t want Greg’s family to feel embarrassed. ”
Greg’s jaw dropped. Linda turned to him with a view of pure disappointment.
“Seven hundred and fifty dollars?” She repeated and narrowed her eyes. “Gregory, is that true?” You gave Claire fifty dollars to feed us all? ”
“I … I thought he could,” Greg stamped. “I didn’t mean it -“
“Oh, he thought,” I pruned smoothly. “Greg loves throwing challenges.” This by chance included a crumpled account and the expectation that I was working miracles. Isn’t that just charming? ”
Greg’s face turned red.
“Claire, can we talk?” In private? “He whispered.
“No need, Greg,” I replied lightly. “Let’s keep things open and honest – your family deserves to know how you treat your wife during the holidays.”
Linda shook her head. “Gregory, I raised you better than this.” How could Claire put herself into such an impossible position? Frankly, I’m embarrassed for you. ”
Greg opened his mouth and desperately wanted to defend himself. “I … I just thought -“
“Don’t hurt too hard, dear,” I said, cutting off. “Your thoughts on my abilities were quite clear.”
Then I reached under the table and pulled out the envelope and moved it over the table.
Greg frowned. “What … what is it?”
“Oh, just a small Christmas present I got for myself,” I said clearly. “Weekend spa retreats.” Consider that my reward for towing this “rich” dinner at your OH-TAK-TIP BUDGE. ”
Greg’s brothers broke out. His father, a man of a few words, murmured, “It serves the truth.”
“You can handle cleaning, Greg tonight,” I added sweetly. “Think about it as your post for this Christmas.”
Linda didn’t say another word, but the appearance she gave Greg spoke volumes.
As for this spa retreat? It has already been booked for New Year’s weekend.
Greg wouldn’t join me.
Not this time.
And maybe never again.
conclusion
When the evening decreased, I watched Greg softly process his humiliation, his family disagreed with him seriously. For years I have tolerated his negative attitude, his condescending remarks and his lack of recognition. But I drew a line tonight.
This Christmas was not just about taking a point – it was about the regeneration of my dignity. She would no longer be a woman who quietly accepted disrespect. I would no longer be a wife who went with pieces while my husband took credit.
When I sipped wine and looked at the envelope sitting in front of Greg, I felt something I hadn’t had for a long time – satisfaction.
Greg gave me fifty dollars and expected to do a miracle. Instead, I gave him a lesson that he would never forget.
And as for me? That was just the beginning of the new chapter – the one where I decided my value.