I Flew Economy Class with My Three Kids While My Husband and MIL Luxuriated in Business — Then Karma Turned the Tables

Every day, I woke up at dawn to wrangle three kids through crowded Christmas markets, snowy streets, and attractions not designed for toddlers. Lucy cried. Max complained.

Emily was a trooper, but even she was wearing thin.

Meanwhile, my phone kept lighting up with posts that felt like daggers.

Derek and Cynthia were at a private ski chalet, toasting with champagne.

Then at exclusive restaurants, plates piled with lobster.

Oh, and on mountain overlooks, looking blissful and free. While I couldn’t even get five minutes to shower.

Not once did Derek offer to take the kids. Not once did he ask if I needed a break.

I was invisible to him, and worse, I was starting to feel invisible to myself.

Then came the moment that changed everything.

On the last evening, I was in our cramped hotel room when Cynthia knocked.

I opened the door, Lucy on my hip, and she swept in like she owned the place. What she said next left me speechless.

“I hope you enjoyed the trip, Lauren,” she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness.

She pulled out a folded paper and placed it on the coffee table.

I was stunned. “What?”Continue reading…