Of course, the expensive bottle of wine I had bought for the celebration had disappeared, swapped out for something from the house stock. I didn’t say anything, but I noticed.
Dinner was mostly quiet, aside from the occasional clink of silverware and my mother’s warm laughter. That was all that mattered, I just wanted her to enjoy her birthday.
Then Spencer finally arrived.
"Stella, Mom, sorry I’m late," he said, walking in with a neatly wrapped gift and a bouquet of flowers. He handed them to my mother with a smile before sliding into the seat beside me like he belonged there.
Spencer had no family, his parents had passed away when he was young, but he never let that define him. We had known each other since junior high and I used to invite him over all the time so he wouldn’t have to eat alone.
Back then, it was just me wanting to help him. Over time, that turned into something more and before we knew it, we were together.
"It’s not too late," Mom said warmly as she took the gift. "Sit down, have some soup. Work been keeping you busy?"
She had always treated Spencer like family. Long before we started dating, she had already accepted him as a son.
Spencer took the bowl of soup Alexis handed him, but the second he looked up at her, his brows knitted together. "Alexis, are you okay? You look upset. If something’s wrong, just say the word, I’ll help if I can."
That was just how Spencer was. Always kind, always thoughtful, always looking out for everyone.
Alexis shook her head, her eyes slightly red, like she was holding back tears. Then she glanced at my mother, then at me, like she was hoping someone would notice her suffering. "Thank you for asking, sir… I’m fine," she murmured, her voice small and pitiful.
I didn’t react, but in my head, I had already made my decision.
She had overstepped before, acting too familiar, treating herself like more than just an employee. But this was manipulative. I could ignore a few misplaced opinions, but I wouldn’t keep someone around who tried to stir up trouble in my home.
Her contract was up at the end of the month. She wouldn’t be staying.
Spencer took a few sips of soup, then seemed to remember something. He reached for the cake on the table, cutting a generous slice and placing it in front of Alexis.
"Oh, right," he said with an easy smile. "Today is your birthday, isn’t it? Happy birthday, Alexis."
That cake wasn’t just any cake, it was something I made especially for my mom, decorated with all her favorite fruits.
I didn’t mind sharing a slice, but before she even got the chance to blow out the candles or make a wish, a huge chunk had already been cut out. The once-perfect cake was now missing a big piece.
Alexis had been there the whole time. She knew exactly when the cake had been brought out. But instead of asking me or my mom, she just turned to Spencer with an over-the-top smile. "Oh my gosh, thank you! This is amazing! I’ve never had such a good cake before!" she gushed.
I clenched my jaw, trying to push down the growing frustration in my chest.
Mom must have noticed because she reached over and gave my hand a reassuring pat. "Let her take it," she said gently. "I’m trying to cut back on sweets anyway. You and I can make another one in a few days, it’ll be even better."
Alexis lit up like she had won the lottery. "Oh, that’s wonderful! Thank you, Madam. Thank you, Miss!"
I exhaled slowly, telling myself to let it go. This would all be over soon. Once her contract was up at the end of the month, I wouldn’t have to deal with her anymore.
Or so I thought.
That night, I woke up feeling thirsty and went downstairs to get some water. As I reached the staircase, I noticed the kitchen light was still on. Voices carried through the quiet house, clear as day.
I paused.
"Did you see that sports car?" Alexis scoffed. "How much do you think something like that costs? All this just for a birthday? Such a waste of money!"
I gritted my teeth. I had let the cake incident slide, but now she was running her mouth about my mom? I was about to step in when her voice turned even sharper, dripping with mockery.
"And what did I get? A piece of cake? Like I’m some beggar? Seriously, I don’t care! But listen, when you marry into that family, don’t let her throw money around like this!"
My stomach turned.
Then Ulrich chimed in, his tone just as bitter. "She’s just like her mother, burning money for no reason. What does an old woman need with a fancy sports car anyway? She might as well hand it over to me!"
And then, as if that wasn’t bad enough, he lowered his voice, like he was sharing some great advice. "Son, you’d be better off getting her pregnant as soon as possible."
