“The part where you’re not one of us,” she replied instantly, her gaze locking onto mine. “You don’t share our lifestyle, our standards… our background. You were fortunate to marry Ethan, but that doesn’t mean you belong on a five-star cruise as if it’s nothing.”
I saw Ethan shift uncomfortably beside me.
“Mom, please…” he muttered under his breath.
“Ethan, sweetheart, you know this is for the best,” she said, her tone softening only for him. “Claire would feel overwhelmed. These trips require a certain… ease. Formal dinners, expectations. She wouldn’t be comfortable.”
It wasn’t about my comfort.
It was about her control.
I almost laughed—but swallowed it.
If only she knew.
Growing up, I had learned to stay quiet about my family. Not because I was ashamed, but because it was easier that way. People behave differently when they think you’re “ordinary.” I preferred to watch. To listen. To see who they really were.
“And have you already booked the tickets?” I asked, as if I were simply curious.
“Of course,” Margaret replied. “Balcony suites. Caribbean route. It’s very exclusive—not something just anyone can access.”
I smiled. This time, genuinely.
“That sounds wonderful. Which cruise line?”