Isla and Chris’s anniversary getaway was supposed to be a dreamy escape—until her mother-in-law crashed the party. Evelyn booked the room next door, sabotaged every romantic plan, and whispered venom into Isla’s ears. But Evelyn had no clue that Isla was about to deliver a lesson she’d never forget.
Chris and I needed this trip.
After months of chaos—juggling demanding jobs, raising three kids, and living under the same roof as his mother Evelyn since the house fire—we finally had our first real break in what felt like forever. On top of it all, we were celebrating seven years of marriage.
No children. No responsibilities. Just us.
And for the first three days? Pure heaven.
We woke up late, wrapped in soft, hotel-luxury sheets. We had breakfast on our balcony, just the two of us, as the ocean waves clashed against the sand in perfect rhythm. Afternoons melted into sun-soaked lounging, cocktails, laughter, and kisses that made us feel twenty again.
For once, I had my husband all to myself.
Until she showed up.
I turned my head slowly, like in one of those horror movie scenes where the heroine realizes the monster is right behind her.
There she was.
Evelyn.
My mother-in-law.
“Isla! Chrissy!”
That unmistakable shrill voice I’d spent three months trying to escape.
She stood on the beach in a bright, floral explosion of a dress, massive sunglasses, and the most self-satisfied smile I’d ever seen.
“I thought you two might get lonely without me!” she trilled. “So I flew out!”
I couldn’t move. I couldn’t breathe.
Chris, on the other hand, nearly choked on his drink.
“Mom?! Are you serious? What are you doing here?”
She strolled over like she owned the resort, kicked off her sandals into the sand, and stretched.
“Last-minute ticket! I figured you two lovebirds could use a little sunshine and a little company. And honestly? I needed a break too. I deserve this.”
I felt my mouth go dry.
“Evelyn,” I managed, “where are the kids? Are they okay? Why are you here?”
She waved her hand like I was asking something silly.
“Oh, relax! The kids are with my friend Donna. She’s missed them so much. Her own grandkids live out of state—this is perfect for her.”
My jaw locked tight.
The same woman who begged us to take this trip to recharge… had just ditched our kids to follow us halfway across the Pacific?!
I looked at Chris. He looked like a man realizing he was tied to train tracks. Pale. Stunned.
I set my drink down. “What are you going to do about this?”
Chris sighed, rubbing his face. “She’s already here, Isla… what can we do? I’m sorry, honey. We’ll just have to deal with it.”
Something inside me cracked.
He was going to let her hijack our anniversary?
He was going to put me behind her—again?
Chris got up. “I’ll grab Mom a drink.”
And just like that… it started.
Evelyn leaned in close, a smirk on her lips.
“Isla, do you honestly think you’ve replaced me in Chris’s life?” she whispered. “Don’t fool yourself. I’m still the one he listens to.”
Even the ocean seemed to hush.
I had no words.
From then on, Evelyn made it her personal mission to destroy our vacation.
The romantic beach picnic?
She took the food basket to her room.
The sunset cruise?
Suddenly “dizzy,” Evelyn needed Chris to escort her back and “stay a while.”
Private dinner for two?
She “accidentally” called the hotel to change the reservation to a table for three.
Spa night?
“Nightmares,” she said. “I can’t sleep alone. Chris, come check on me?”
I was livid.
By the third night, when she knocked on our door again, I lost it.
“Chris,” I hissed, “don’t open it. I mean it.”
“But what if she—”
“I said don’t open that door.”
I had reached my limit.
So the next morning, I quietly made a phone call.
“Endless Horizons Excursions, Maui. How can we help you?”
“Hi,” I whispered in the bathroom. “I need your most intense, action-packed day experience. It’s not for me. It’s for my mother-in-law. She’s going to love it.”
“We’ve got just the thing. Full itinerary sent to your room. Just need her info and health details.”
When Evelyn woke up, she had a full schedule waiting.
6:00 AM – Sunrise hike, 10 miles, one water break.
9:00 AM – Volcano trek, no shade, full sun.
12:00 PM – Traditional hula dance class (nonstop, group setting).
3:00 PM – Hawaiian cooking workshop, three hours of prep and heat.
6:00 PM – Night safari through dense trails.
She knocked on our door at 7 AM, dripping with sweat and clutching her phone.
“Did you… sign me up for something?” she asked. “I think I missed a… hike?”
I gasped, hand on my heart.
“Oh no! Did you accidentally sign up for the adventure itinerary at check-in? That’s so weird.”
Chris blinked. “Do you want us to cancel?”
Evelyn paused.
She’d never admit weakness. Never back down.
She smiled stiffly.
“No… no, I’m good. I don’t want to waste the experience.”
Perfect.
By Day 3, she was silent.
By Day 4, she called me.
Her voice was cracked and hoarse.
“Isla… please make it stop. I just want to go home.”
Mission complete.
I booked her a flight out that afternoon.
As Chris helped her into the cab, I leaned close and whispered:
“Maybe I’m not number one in Chris’s life, Evelyn. But now you know—I’m not someone to mess with.”
Evelyn never pulled anything like that again.
