When my daughter-in-law, Kayla, demanded I create an “elegant” Thanksgiving menu because my traditional dishes were “too cheap,” I smiled and agreed. But behind that smile, I was already planning a meal she’d never forget. A meal she’d wish she hadn’t requested.
Kayla has always had a knack for rubbing me the wrong way. My son, Arnold, sees her as the perfect wife, but I’ve endured years of her condescending remarks and entitled demands.
This Thanksgiving, though, she finally pushed me too far, and I decided it was time to set her straight without saying a word.
An older woman | Source: Midjourney
My name is Jasmine, and I’m the kind of person who believes in family harmony above everything else. But when your daughter-in-law makes your life a constant balancing act of holding your breath, even the most patient mother can reach her limit.
Arnold, my son, met Kayla at work five years ago.
From the moment he introduced her to the family, I could tell he was smitten. And why wouldn’t he be? Kayla is one of those women who knows exactly how to present herself.
A young woman | Source: Midjourney
She’s always impeccably dressed, speaks with a polished sweetness, and seems to adore her husband. On the surface, she’s the perfect partner.
But behind that façade lies the real Kayla. A demanding, condescending, and bossy woman who has made it her mission to undermine me at every turn.
The first time I noticed her true nature was during a family dinner, a few months after their engagement. I had cooked my signature roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Those were the dishes that Arnold had loved since he was a boy.
Roasted chicken | Source: Pexels
As we sat down, Kayla smiled politely and said, “This is nice, Jasmine. It’s very, uh, homey.”
“Thank you,” I smiled but could sense an insult hiding beneath her fake words.
Later, when Arnold went to fetch drinks, she leaned over and whispered, “You should really consider updating your recipes. These dishes are so outdated.”
“Outdated?” I asked. “Well, Arnold loves these dishes, so I tend to stick with what makes him happy.”
“Oh, of course,” she smiled. “It’s just that, uh, he’s used to eating a little more refined with me.”
