The shirt struck my face with a sharp snap before tumbling to the floor.
“What is this?” Xavier barked, his eyes blazing at the crumpled garment. “Why isn’t this finished yet?”
I bent to pick it up, the blood from the cut on my palm seeping faintly through the bandage.
“I’m sorry,” I murmured. “I was caught up with the laundry, then cleaning… and the vase earlier—”
“Oh, still making excuses?” His voice rose. “Is that it, Liana? You want a France honeymoon but can’t even handle simple chores?”
He flung another bundle at me—white clothes speckled with faint yellow stains.
“And this?” he snapped. “Look at it! Do you know how expensive this designer set is? Do you even care?”
I stared at the mark, almost invisible, but in his eyes it was a disaster.
“I didn’t notice. I’ll fix it,” I whispered.
“God, Liana,” he groaned, pacing. “This is your only job. Your only job. You get comfort, luxury, everything handed to you, and the one thing I ask—keep the house in order—and that’s too much?”
Before I could respond, the front door swung open. A familiar voice rang out, sweet and sparkling.
“Xavier! Brother-in-law! Why are you yelling?” Juliette.
She glided in, radiant and sun-kissed from her trip, curls bouncing, arms full of designer bags and luggage with tags still dangling.
“Oh, look at this!” she chirped, setting down her gifts. “Spain was amazing. You’d have loved it, Xavier. I brought something for you.”
Xavier softened immediately. “Juliette, you didn’t have to—”
She held out a sleek box. “Custom pieces from Madrid. Only a few made. I thought of you.”
He opened it like a child with a new toy, grinning widely.
Then Juliette’s eyes landed on me, feigning concern. “Why were you yelling at my sister? She looks exhausted. Look at her hands—she’s clearly been working. Don’t worry about the shirt. I brought replacements.”
And just like that, I receded into the background.
The front door opened again.
“Juliette! My shining star!” my father boomed, arms loaded with gifts. “How was the trip? Tell me everything!”
She hugged him like the daughter he always wished I had been. “I closed the deal. It’s done!”
“Of course,” Henry beamed. “Best decision ever—bringing you into this family.”
They laughed, toasted water glasses, complimented each other in perfect rhythm. I stood in the corner like part of the furniture.
Xavier’s gaze snapped to me, irritation flaring. “Well? Why are you just standing there? Go make dinner for your sister. She brought gifts; the least you can do is cook.”
Juliette sauntered over with another box.
“Sis, I got you something too,” she said, smiling thinly. “Since you love cooking… an apron, matching mitts, and measuring cups. Cute, right? You can wear it while making dinner.”
I forced a tight nod. “Thanks.”
“Say it properly,” my father barked. “Where are your manners?”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Thank you, Juliette.”
“See?” Henry grunted. “Stop pampering her. She should show gratitude through action. Go—cook.”
So I cooked. I chopped, stirred, fried, cleaned, bleeding and aching. I did it as I always did—silently, without acknowledgment.
When I called them to the table, no one looked up.
Xavier was first. “Actually, don’t bother. We’re heading out.”
“What?”
“Juliette closed a huge deal. We’re celebrating at Florentina’s. That new luxury spot by the harbor.”
Juliette laughed. “You’ll love it, Xavier. Private balcony, stunning view.”
Then she looked at me. “Come with us, sis?”
Before I could answer, Xavier scoffed. “No. Liana doesn’t even understand the deal. She’ll be out of place. Doesn’t even have proper clothes.”
“She can borrow mine—” Juliette offered half-heartedly.
Xavier waved her off. “She’s staying. Behind on laundry anyway.”
And that was that. Juliette smiled, my father chuckled, and my husband kissed her hand like I didn’t exist.
I remained in the kitchen—steam curling around me, silence thick, the scent of food no one would eat.
After washing every plate, folding napkins, and mopping the floor, I sank onto the couch.
I opened my phone, desperate for escape.
A new post. From my son.
Joseph.
I clicked.
There they were—Florentina’s. Laughing. Drinking. Eating. Clinking glasses. My husband, my father, Juliette, my son. Smiling like a perfect family.
Without me.
I had cooked. Served. Loved.
And they had forgotten me. Again.
Tears fell quietly this time. Slow, steady, resigned. No sobs. No screams.
I let the ache spill from my eyes… knowing no one would ever notice.
