I planned our family vacation with the hope that it would help us reconnect—just the three of us, taking a break after a difficult year. But what was meant to bring us closer turned into a nightmare that I’ll never forget.
Family vacations are meant to create lasting memories and strengthen bonds. At least, that’s what I believed. This time, however, what began as a cherished tradition quickly became one of the most painful experiences of my life.
Being a working mom is never easy, but I had always prided myself on managing both my career and family. My job kept me busy, often forcing me to work late into the night, well after dinner had been served and the house had quieted down. Despite the pressure, I always made sure my family had everything they needed.
My husband, Mark, had a stable job until he was laid off two years ago. Since then, he had been taking on odd jobs, but the financial responsibility had fallen mostly on me. I didn’t mind. After all, you do what’s necessary for your family, right?
However, recently, I’d started noticing a shift in our relationship. We were growing apart—not because of any one thing, but because of the distance that had developed between us. By the time I came home from work, Mark would already be asleep, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed.
I thought our annual vacation would help us reconnect. It had always been a tradition, and no matter how tight things got financially, we always made time for it. It was my way of ensuring we stayed close and created lasting memories. This year, I hoped it would be especially meaningful. Mark had been struggling to find work, and I thought a trip would lift his spirits.
“We really need this,” I told him one evening, exhausted from a long day. “Just a few days away, just the three of us.”
He hesitated. “But I don’t have a job yet, and—”
“No buts,” I interrupted. “I’ll take care of everything. We’ll figure it out. I know you’ll find something once you’ve had a chance to clear your head. Don’t worry, okay?”
He smiled, relieved. “Thanks for everything. I’m sure Eric will love it too.”
Eric, our 20-year-old son, was in college. Like many kids his age, he was often absorbed in his own world—parties, friends, social media. But when I told him about the trip, he seemed genuinely excited.
“Yeah, Mom, I’m in! Can’t wait to spend time with you guys.”
It warmed my heart to hear that enthusiasm.
The next day, however, Eric called with a request. “Mom, would it be okay if I brought my girlfriend, Jessica?” he asked.
His girlfriend? That was news to me.
“Uh, I guess so,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “What’s her name?”
“Jessica. She’s awesome. You’ll love her.”
I wasn’t sure how I felt about the idea. Our vacations had always been just the three of us, and adding someone new—someone I’d never met—felt strange. But Eric was so excited, and I didn’t want to spoil it for him. He told me they’d been dating for three months.
“Alright,” I said, “she’s welcome to join us.”
As the trip drew nearer, I threw myself into the planning. I wanted everything to be perfect.
Jessica arrived at the airport looking like she had stepped out of a magazine—her sleek outfit, perfect hair, and radiant smile immediately caught everyone’s attention, especially Mark’s. He seemed especially charmed by her, even offering to carry her suitcase and complimenting her shoes. I dismissed it as politeness, after all, she was Eric’s girlfriend. What could be wrong?
At first, Jessica seemed nice, but soon, small things began to feel off. During our first dinner together, I tried to bond with her.
“Jessica, have you ever watched Eric play basketball?” I asked.
Her eyes widened. “Basketball? We’ve never talked about that.”
I blinked. Basketball had been Eric’s passion for years. His social media was filled with team photos and game highlights. How could his girlfriend of three months not know about it? I glanced at Eric, who was busy texting, unaware of the awkward silence.
The next day, Eric suggested we try jet skiing. He was excited, but Jessica frowned. “I’m not really into water sports,” she said.
That didn’t sit right with me. Did Eric not know that? Why didn’t she seem to care? But I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it, so I stayed quiet.
Later, while we relaxed by the pool, I overheard Jessica asking Eric about his major. “Biology, right?” she said, giggling. “I can’t believe I keep forgetting that!”
I was stunned. She didn’t even know his major? It felt like she didn’t care about his life at all. Meanwhile, Eric was doting on her—getting her drinks, carrying her bag, even moving the sun lounger for her.
I tried to stay calm, telling myself that relationships could be complicated and maybe Jessica just needed time. But something felt off.
Halfway through the trip, while looking for sunscreen in Eric’s suitcase, I found a small velvet box. Curious, I opened it to reveal a beautiful diamond necklace. It looked expensive—far too extravagant for a college student like Eric.
I casually mentioned it that evening. “Eric, I found the necklace in your suitcase. It’s stunning, and I’m sure Jessica will love it.”
His eyes widened, and he stammered. “Yeah, I’ve been saving for a while. I thought it’d be a great gift for her. She deserves it.”
I smiled, though something didn’t sit right with me. I didn’t think Eric could afford something that expensive. I didn’t press him, but deep down, I knew there was more to this than he was letting on.
The following morning, I stayed in the suite while Mark had breakfast downstairs, and Eric and Jessica were by the pool. Eric’s phone buzzed on the counter, and out of habit, I glanced at it. My heart stopped when I read the text: +$500 to our deal. Thanks for covering up for me with the necklace.
The sender? Mark.
I grabbed Eric’s phone and unlocked it—his passcode was one I had seen him use before. What I discovered shattered everything. Mark and Eric had been plotting together. Jessica wasn’t Eric’s girlfriend—she was Mark’s mistress, and Eric had been covering for him. The necklace? Mark had bought it with my money.
I couldn’t believe what I was reading. How could Mark betray me like this? How could Eric go along with it?
That evening, I called everyone to dinner. I dressed carefully, choosing a nice dress and wearing the diamond necklace Mark had bought for his mistress. I wanted them to feel the weight of the truth.
When I walked into the restaurant, Jessica’s eyes lit up, but her smile faltered when she saw the necklace. “Mom, why are you wearing Jessica’s necklace?” Eric asked. “That’s her gift.”
“Oh really?” I replied, chuckling. “That’s odd, because your dad bought it—with my money.”
Mark turned pale. “What are you talking about?” he stammered.
I rolled my eyes. “Stop pretending, Mark.”
Then, I turned to Jessica. “I don’t know what he’s told you, but he’s been unemployed for years. I’ve been the one paying for everything—including this trip, the necklace, and even the money he promised Eric for his silence.”
Eric started to speak, but I cut him off. “I never thought my son could do something like this. I had no idea I was paying him to lie to me.”
I couldn’t take it anymore. I stood up and walked back to my room. The next day, I flew home alone. Mark and Eric both called, but I refused to answer.
A week later, I filed for divorce. Jessica disappeared when she realized Mark had no money, leaving him humiliated and alone.
As for Eric, we’re working on rebuilding our relationship. He made a mistake, but he’s still my son. I hope he grows up to understand that what Mark did was wrong, and that he will never follow in his father’s footsteps.