My in-laws spoiled our romantic honeymoon by joining us without permission, so I planned my revenge

I've always been more of a loner even when I was a kid my name is Isabella and I've always been good at keeping myself busy it's not that I'm antisocial or anything I just enjoy being by myself most of the time my mom bless her heart noticed early on that I liked to be independent instead of trying to change me she encouraged it in a positive way she introduced me to cooking when I was just tall enough to reach the kitchen counter I took it all in like a sponge mom didn't just teach me recipes

she taught me to really understand food we'd visit cafes and restaurants around town and she would explain each dish to me as I got older my interest in food grew even stronger I started reading articles by famous restaurant critics and realized that food was about more than just taste and texture it was about how it looked and the atmosphere of the place too one day I told my mom I wanted to write about food she looked proud and said then you better learn everything there is to know about it Emma so that's what I did

I enrolled in a culinary school to become an expert in cooking after graduating I didn't stop there I took journalism courses to improve my writing I wanted to make people feel like they could taste the food just by reading my words my first job as a restaurant critic was for a small local newspaper I wrote about a little American restaurant describing how the homemade pasta melted in my mouth and how the smell of garlic and basil made me feel like I was in a tuskin kitchen to my surprise people loved it my editor called me

the next day and said kid you've got a gift keep this up and you'll go far that's when I knew I had found my calling I worked for different newspapers and magazines gaining a reputation for honest and fun reviews the big change came when I started my own social media Pages suddenly I wasn't just writing for magazines I was connecting with food lovers from all over the world my followers grew and they were always excited to hear my thoughts on the latest food Trends and hidden restaurants one evening I was at a new Farm totable

restaurant called The Rustic Spoon sitting at a cozy table and taking notes for my review as I wrote about the atmosphere I noticed an older couple at the next table looking at me the woman was whispering to her husband and staring at me I smiled politely used to being recognized and went back to my notepad suddenly I heard her voice voice warm and excited excuse me you're Isabella Surman right the food critic I nodded and said that's me nice to meet you oh I'm such a fan she said excitedly I follow all your posts would

you would you like to join us for dinner I hesitated normally I like to eat alone when I'm working but their genuine enthusiasm made me think twice so I joined them at their table the woman introduced herself as Janet her husband as Larry and then pointed to a young man I had noticed before and this is our son Scott she added Scott looked up from his phone and smiled hey he said with a grin nice to meet you we quickly fell into easy conversation Janet and Larry were eager to hear about my recent travels while

Scott kept chiming in with funny remarks that had me laughing despite myself as the evening went on I found myself enjoying their company more than I expected Scott particular was very easy to talk to we discovered we both loved indie films and cheesy puns when it was time to leave Scott seemed a bit unsure and asked hey um would it be okay if I got your number you know in case I need restaurant recommendations or something I felt a little flutter in my stomach that had nothing to do with the food sure I said for

restaurant recommendations we started texting that same night at first it was just about food and restaurants but soon we were talking about everything our conversations became the highlight of my day a month later Scott asked me out on a real date and I said yes without hesitation our first date was at a quirky little beastro I'd been wanting to try sitting across from him I realized how comfortable I felt there was none of the awkwardness I usually expected from First Dates a year after we met Scott proposed it wasn't a big flashy event he knew

that wasn't my style instead he made me dinner a sweet attempt that ended with slightly burnt steak and lumpy mashed potatoes and asked me to marry him over dessert how could I say no to that after the wedding we moved into my apartment we were practical about our finances creating a joint account for shared expenses since I earned more I contributed more but we both felt it was fair living together revealed new things about Scott he had a habit of leaving dishes in the sink his clothes scattered everywhere and his toothpaste tube always uncapped coffee

mugs seemed to multiply on every surface I bit my tongue reminding myself that I wasn't perfect either it's just an adjustment period I told myself we'll find our Rhythm and slowly we did Scott started making more of an effort to clean up and I learned to relax my standards a bit it wasn't perfect but it was ours 5 months later it was time for our first vacation together standing in the airport with our luggage I felt a wave of excitement I turned to Scott ready to share my joy but noticed his eyes were fixed on

something behind me I turned around and saw Janet and Larry walking toward us with big smiles they only had small carry-on bags like they were going on a short trip instead of a week-long vacation surprise Janet said hugging Scott we couldn't let you three love birds have all the fun could we my heart sank this wasn't part of the plan I looked at Scott hoping he would explain but he avoided eye contact it's kind of a family tradition he muttered we always vacation together I forced a smile hiding my disappointment how nice I managed to

say but don't you need more luggage for a week-long trip Larry waved it off oh we'll just buy what we need when we get there no sense in dragging heavy suitcases around right the first few days of the vacation were a blur I focused on the positives the beautiful scenery the interesting new foods I discovered and the locals warm Hospitality but as the days went by I started to notice how much Janet and Larry spent they shopped like there was no tomorrow ate at the fanciest restaurants and never seemed to worry about the bill one

evening as we sat at another expensive restaurant I couldn't hold back my curiosity any longer I leaned over to Scott and whispered how can your parents afford all this aren't they retired Scott looked uncomfortable shifting in his seat they're uh just good with money he muttered suddenly very interested in the menu I wanted to ask more but at that moment Janet began telling a story about her Bridge Club putting an end to our conversation as the vacation came to an end I found myself eager to go home the day after we returned I decided to

check our joint account curious to see how much we had spent when I logged in my eyes went wide in shock the balance was much lower than I expected alarmingly low Scott can you come here for a minute I called my voice tense I turned the screen toward him care to explain this Scott's face went pale as he looked at the numbers I might have used our account to cover some of Mom and Dad's expenses Scott admitted quietly I took a deep breath trying to keep my anger under control Scott that was our money and

I contributed most of it you should have talked to me first I know I know he said reaching for my hand I'm sorry Nancy it won't happen again I promise a month went by and things slowly got back to normal Scott kept his word and didn't touch our joint account without discussing it with me first I tried to let go of what happened during the vacation and focused on my work and our life together one one cool Autumn evening Scott came home looking excited hey Nancy he said wrapping his arms around me from behind as

I stood at the kitchen counter cutting vegetables for dinner I've got an idea how about we go on an overnight picnic this weekend just the two of us a rented motor home and The Great Outdoors what do you say the idea sounded great and we spent the next few days getting ready for our little Adventure I packed a cooler with Gourmet Sandwiches homemade potato salad and a bottle of wine Scott took care of renting a small motor home and planning our route we arrived at the Campsite in the afternoon the place was beautiful surrounded by

Tall Pine trees and a Clear Lake Scott parked the motor home in our spot and we stepped outside to enjoy the fresh air that's when I saw at a familiar car pulling into the space next to ours Janet and Larry got out waving excitedly surprise Janet called out we thought thought we'd join you on your little getaway I turned to Scott hoping to see the same shock I felt on his face but instead he looked sheepish avoiding my eyes Scott I said my voice calm but firm did you tell them about our trip before Scott

could answer Janet came over and hugged me tightly isn't this exciting a family camping trip I forced a smile but I couldn't help noticing they showed up with no supplies no tent no food not even a change of clothes as the evening went on it was clear that our romantic getaway had turned into a family event Janet and Larry took over the conversation telling us stories about their past camping trips they also helped themselves to our food and wine leaving barely enough for Scott and me when it was time to sleep another issue came up

our small motor home wasn't built for five people and Scott turned to his mother and said you and Dad can take the bedroom Nancy and I will figure something out in the car so instead of enjoying a cozy night together in the motor home I found myself uncomfortably curled up in the back seat of our car while Scott snored softly in the front the next morning with blurry eyes and feeling stiff from our awkward sleeping Arrangements I suggested to Scott that we cut the trip short the drive home was tense filled with awkward small talk

and long periods of silence as soon as we arrived back at our apartment Scott's parents said a cheerful goodbye completely unaware of the strain their presence had caused once they were gone I turned to Scott we need to talk about this I said firmly he nodded looking resigned I know I'm sorry Nancy I should have told you they were coming it's not just that I sighed it's about boundaries Scott your parents can't keep showing up in our lives like this we need to set some ground rules Scott nodded slowly you're right I'll talk to them

a few days after we returned I was in the kitchen testing a new recipe when the doorbell rang to my surprise Janet and Larry were standing there with Bright Smiles as if the vacation mess had never happened Isabella dear Janet exclaimed giving me a quick hug as they walked in we need your expertise we were wondering if you could tell us which restaurants in the city have the most delicious food I was caught off off guard by the question well I said there are quite a few great places the French beastro downtown shait is fantastic

and Sakura Sushi and Thai cuisine on Third Avenue has some of the best sushi I've ever had why do you ask Janet's eyes lit up with excitement oh we thought we'd keep an eye out for any open events at these restaurants you know so we can go and eat for free I turned to Scott who had just walked into the room hoping he would back me up but he just Shrugged and said come on Nancy you've got to accept my parents as they are no use trying to change them I was speechless this felt like

crossing a line didn't it but before I could respond Janet and Larry thank me and left happily chatting about their plans to get free meals a few days later I Was preparing for a review of a new upscale American restaurant ban8 as usual I posted the details of my visit on social media letting my followers know when and where they could expect my next review that evening I arrived at ban 8 settled into my table with my notebook in hand ready to experience and evaluate the menu I had just opened the wine list when I

heard a familiar voice well hello there I looked up and saw Janet and Larry smiling as they sat down at my table without asking my heart sank Janet picked up a menu and announced loudly I'm Isabella's mother-in-law you know we're here to enjoy the free meal with her I felt my face heat up with embarrassment Janet I whispered please keep your voice down I'm here to work you can't just show up like this but Janet wasn't listening she raised her voice even more oh don't be silly dear everyone knows food critics eat for free why

shouldn't your family enjoy the perks too we have every right to be here I could feel the eyes of other diners on us and the head waiter was walking toward our table looking concerned this was getting out of control fast Janet Larry I said firmly but quietly this is your last warning if you don't leave right now I'll have no choice but to call security you're interrupting my work and causing a scene Janet's face Twisted with anger she stood up quickly her chair scraping against the floor well I never she shouted is this how you

treat family Isabella as she grabbed her purse she turned to me one last time her voice full of disappointment you know I think I made a big mistake I'm the one who told Scott to marry you I followed your Facebook page and thought now there's a girl who could help us enjoy the Finer Things in life I thought you'd take us to fancy restaurants for free maybe even help us out a little but I was wrong if this is how you treat family well we're not interested in being part of yours anymore with that Janet

stormed out of the restaurant Larry following behind her the silence that followed was deafening my hands were shaking as I reached for my phone and dialed Scott's number he answered on the third ring Scott I said my voice barely a whisper is it true did your mother really push you to marry me because she thought I'd provide for them there was a long pause on the other end of the line finally Scott sighed yes he admitted Mom saw your success and thought well you know how she is she insisted you'd be perfect for me for

us it felt like the ground had disappeared beneath me I hung up the phone and turned to the Head waiter who had been standing nearby I'm really sorry for the disturbance I said I won't be able to finish my review tonight please give my apologies to the chef as I gathered my things I pulled out my phone again and quickly typed a message to my followers explaining that due to unexpected events my review of bardi Sante would be postponed the drive home was a blur my mind racing to make sense of everything that had happened

when I walked through the door of our apartment Scott was waiting for me his face full of worry Nancy he began but I held up my hand to stop him why didn't you tell me I asked softly was I just away for your family to get what they wanted Scott's face fell and he reached for my hand this time I didn't pull away no Nancy no well yes it started with my mom's idea but I fell in love with you not your job not your connections just you I sank onto the couch suddenly feeling drained

Scott sat next to me his eyes full of hope I know I've made mistakes he said quietly I should have set boundaries with my parents a long time ago but Nancy I love you I want to make this right can we try to fix this I looked at him really looked at him despite everything I knew I still loved him as we sat there on the couch our hands intertwined I felt a small glimmer of hope maybe just maybe we could get through this and come out stronger the next couple of months passed peacefully Scott

worked on setting boundaries with his parents and I threw myself into my work trying to rebuild the trust in our relationship then the moment I had worked toward for years finally came my cookbook was published it was more sucess uccessful than I ever dreamed major newspapers and magazines praised it and it quickly became a bestseller on all the big online retailers one evening as I was scrolling through yet another glowing review Scott came home with a surprise let's celebrate your success he said his eyes sparkling with excitement I've planned a trip to that Charming City

you've always wanted to visit it has everything you love great restaurants historical sites beautiful nature and I booked us a room at that Boutique Hotel you've been eyeing I paused for a moment then asked the question that had been on my mind it's just us right your parents aren't coming Scott looked me straight in the eye I promise Nancy it's just us no parents no surprises the day of our trip arrived and we made our way to the train station Luggage in hand feeling hopeful about what was ahead my heart sank there they were Janet

and Larry waving enthusiastically I turned to Scott hoping this was just a bad coincidence but the guilty look on his face told me everything I'm sorry he mumbled avoiding my eyes I could not invite them mom found out about the trip in that moment something inside me broke all the promises all the efforts of the past months they meant nothing but I forced A Smile as Janet and Larry approached I noticed they only had a small purse between them no luggage where's your luggage I asked already knowing the answer Janet waved her hand dismissively oh

don't worry dear you'll handle everything won't you after all we're celebrating your success as the announcement for boarding came over the loudspeaker we made our way onto the train once everyone settled into their seats I stood up I'm just going to use the restroom before we leave I said grabbing my purse with my phone and documents inside I stepped off the train feeling the cool air of the platform on my face I stood there watching as the Train's doors closed as the whistle blew and as it slowly began to pull away from the station my

phone buzzed in my purse snapping me out of my thoughts Scott's name flashed on the screen I took a deep breath and answered Nancy where are you Scott's panicked voice came through we're not on the same path anymore Scott I replied my voice steadier than I felt I'm divorcing you I hung up before he could respond my hand shook as I opened my banking app and blocked Scott's access to our join account barely a minute passed before my phone rang again this time it was Janet I held the phone away from my ear as she

shouted insults and threats demanding that I pay for their trip and compensate them for emotional distress when she finally paused for breath I spoke calmly Janet I'm not afraid of your threat if you post any slander I won't hesitate to take legal action I blocked her number then Scotts and finally Larry's just to be sure taking a deep breath I called a cab and went home the weekend passed in a blur of emotions and practical tasks I packed Scott's belongings contacted a lawyer and drafted the divorce papers by Friday morning I felt drained but determined

the sound of a key turning in the lock made me tense Scott walked in looking disheveled and desperate Nancy please he said walking toward me with open arms I stepped back pointing to the suitcases by the door your things are packed it's time for you to go his face crumpled you don't mean that I've learned my lesson Scott said his voice desperate I had a huge fight with my parents on the trip I told them I'm not paying for them anymore I'm not even talking to them now please give me another chance I shook my

head and handed him the divorce papers it's too late Scott this isn't just about your parents it's about trust respect and the life I want to live we want different things and that's okay but I can't do this anymore after a long pause Scott nodded his shoulders slumping in defeat he picked up his suitcases and walked out closing the door behind him with a quiet click the next few weeks were hard but they were also freeing the divorce process went smoothly thanks to my careful records and Scott's acceptance of the situation I threw myself into

my work finding comfort in cooking and writing as things settled down I found myself alone again but it wasn't the loneliness I had once feared I started to enjoy the little things again trying new recipes spending peaceful evenings with a good book and connecting with my followers without the pressure of anyone's expectations one evening I sat on my balcony with a glass of wine looking out over the city I couldn't help but smile life hadn't gone the way I planned but maybe it turned out exactly how it was meant to I was Isabella again food

critic author and most importantly in control of my own life