Surely you didn’t think that meant lying around looking pretty.”
I'D BEEN MARRIED JUST TWO DAYS WHEN MY MIL FIRED THE MAID, THREW ME AN APRON, AND ORDERED ME TO REPLACE
Daniel leaned against the counter.
“Mom’s old-fashioned.
Just humor her.”
“Humor her?”
He lowered his voice.
“Don’t create drama two days into our marriage.”
That sentence told me everything.
During our eleven-month engagement, Daniel had described his mother as “difficult but harmless.” He had promised we would move into our own home after the wedding.
Instead, the morning after the ceremony, he announced that staying in Patricia’s mansion for “a few months” would save money.
I hadn’t argued.
That was mistake number one.
Patricia pointed toward the floor.
“Pick up your apron.”
Maria whispered, “I’m sorry, Mrs. Whitmore.”
I looked at her.
“You have nothing to apologize for.”
Patricia’s expression hardened.
Then I bent down.
Daniel smirked, clearly thinking I had surrendered.
I picked up the apron, folded it carefully, and placed it on the marble counter.
