Chapter 1

Bridget's POV

I calmly accepted it. My tone was so flat that it didn't carry a single ripple of emotion.

My in-laws, Edmond Cross and Miranda Burgess, froze, their expressions unreadable. Both of them had thought I would humble myself and beg them to let me come along. But I didn't.

I was far too tired. I had done everything I could to fit into this family, pouring my heart and soul out for them, working late nights and overtime to save up my hard-earned money just to make their lavish family trip possible. Yet, in the end, I was still an outsider.

The Crosses could take my mate, Leonard Cross' childhood sweetheart, Cassandra Davis, on the trip. They could even take the dog, Hannah. However, they didn't have room for me, his actual mate.

Miranda was the first to snap back to reality. She immediately assumed the role of a peacemaker and stepped forward, gently taking my wrist.

"Don't overthink it. We're not leaving you behind on purpose; we know how busy you are with work and didn't want to get in the way of your hustle. This is just an ordinary trip anyway. If there's anything you want, I'll buy it for you."

I lowered my gaze, broke free from her grasp, and responded apathetically, "That won't be necessary."

Miranda's expression stiffened, and her smile faded a little. Edmond's expression darkened in an instant, filled with displeasure. In his eyes, I was supposed to work myself to the bone and obediently accommodate his whole family.

"A family vacation is supposed to be a joyous occasion. We were considerate enough to let you stay home and rest because you work so hard, yet you're giving us attitude?" His tone was stern and patronizing.

I lifted my clear and cold gaze to meet his eyes. "I'm not giving anyone attitude. It just so happens that my schedule is completely full and I don't have time to go. So, go ahead and enjoy yourselves."

Edmond's brows relaxed. Obedience was the rule in this house.

"That's more like it." He nodded in approval and didn't spare me another glance.

Miranda let out a sigh of relief when she saw that. She raised her hand to adjust her elegant shawl. It was the latest designer piece that she had specifically dug out this morning.

She was busy counting the suitcases and checking her travel outfits. The whole time, she never once asked me what I wanted for dinner, let alone if I would be lonely staying at home all by myself.

In her eyes, I was supposed to stay behind and guard the empty house. I was expected to be quiet, obedient, and always on standby.

My sister-in-law, Rita Cross, had no intention of letting me off the hook. As she held her brand new sun hat, a smug smile hung on the corners of her lips. "Don't feel too sad, Bridget. Family is supposed to accommodate one another."

Then, she edged a bit closer, whispering words that pierced right through my heart. "But what can you do? You're destined to slave away for this family. Honestly, it's a relief you aren't going. It saves you from ruining everyone else's fun."

I looked up at her, my gaze sweeping over her new travel bag and custom hiking boots. Those were all gifts I had once given her.

Rita snickered before mocking me. "Besides, Cassandra is sweet and attentive. She can help my brother take care of all the little things during the trip—unlike you. You just bury yourself in work all day and refuse to spend even a little time with him. Taking her along is much more fun than taking you!"

I listened in silence. I didn't argue or explain myself, but my chest already felt painfully tight.

Only the rustling sounds of packing luggage remained in the room.

Miranda dug out the best imported cured meat in the house. She muttered to herself, worried that Cassandra and Rita might get hungry on the road. Yet, she had forgotten that I loved it too.

Edmond carefully packed the best sunscreen and reminded everyone to protect themselves from the sun. Yet, in the past, when I rushed about to make money and got sunburned, he never asked if I was okay.

Both of them remembered every single preference of everyone else in the family to a tee. Only my needs were always ignored.

Rita's face was full of anticipation for the trip. Then, in a scornful tone, she said, "You just stay home and focus on the grind. We're going to have a great time!"

Before I could respond, a flurry of footsteps came from the entryway. Leonard pushed the door open and walked in with the sunglasses and casual travel clothes he had just bought. Clearly, he had also prepared for this trip.

I walked straight up to him and asked softly, "Why aren't you taking me?"

Leonard's steps faltered, and a troubled look appeared on his face. He raised his hand and stroked my head out of habit.

"Why are you throwing a tantrum all of a sudden? You're a healer; you have patients who might need you at any moment. It's a long journey, and I'm afraid something will come up, and you won't be able to make it back in time."

His tone was gentle and sincere. He made it sound as though he was looking out for me. "My heart aches for you, and I don't want you running back and forth. That would be too exhausting. Wait for us at home like a good mate until we get back, okay?"

As I looked at him, my heart was heavy with disappointment. He wasn't afraid I would be tired. I had simply never been in his travel plans to begin with.

I didn't expose him, nor did I argue. After drinking in the lively scene in the living room, I turned around and walked back to my room alone.

Just then, my phone's screen lit up, and a notification from the bank popped up. "Dear customer, your family joint card has been charged 10,150 dollars for five round-trip business-class tickets to an island resort."

I stared blankly at the transaction record, completely dumbstruck. The Crosses were going on an island vacation, and they had charged it to my card.