The Butterfly Effect Caused by the Family's Unreasonable Behavior

I installed surveillance cameras in the bedrooms, living room and study. I wasn't just preventing them from stabbing me in the back. I needed evidence.

This morning, when I came out of the bedroom, Evelyn was already setting the table like she owned the place. She caught my eye, flashed a sweet smile, and said, "I whipped up some breakfast at home and brought a some over. Want some?"

I eyed the breakfast spread - fried chicken and waffles, cheeseburgers, even beef stew.

"Ms. Scott, don't bother next time. That's the maid's job," I said.

Evelyn's smile stiffened for a moment. Then she tucked a stray hair behind her ear, her face perfectly painting a picture of sorrow.

Ryan jumped to her defense immediately. "Scarlett, how can you say that? Evelyn was just being nice."

Meanwhile, Harry was scarfing down his food and complained, "Mom, you want to diet and wear fancy clothes, so you eat light. Why do we all have to stick to your oatmeal diet too? I'm over it!"

They seemed to have forgotten the whole light eating thing was all for Ryan's damn dream of being an Oscar winner.

Ryan had no self-control, so I had to manage his diet to help him stay in shape. We even went vegetarian to keep him happy.

Ryan was not getting any younger, and his acting wasn't getting any better. If he didn't stay in shape, no amount of money I throw at his career would help.

Then Emma butted in, "Yeah, Harry's growing, and Ryan needs good food to work hard. Evelyn made really good food. Scarlett, you might save on the maid and pay Evelyn instead."

I went straight to the study, printed two contracts, and slammed them down in front of Evelyn.

If Evelyn was so eager to be our maid, she'd have to sign on the dotted line.

One of the contracts was for tutoring. It spelled out that Evelyn had to boost Harry's scores by 20 points per subject, and I'd pay her 4,000 dollars a month.

The other one was for housekeeping. It listed her daily chores - cooking, washing dishes, laundry, and cleaning. I'd pay her another 6,000 dollars a month for that.

Evelyn bit her lip, looking offended. Her pen just hovered, unable to land on the paper.

An angelic bitch like Evelyn always knew how to stir one to pity. And it would always work.

Predictably, Ryan blasted me, "Why do you always have to make everything so serious? We all know Evelyn well enough. Making her sign contracts is just insulting. Home isn't your office, don't make it unbearable!"

I sneered at him and said, "First off, Evelyn's been here a day. How well do we know her, really? Plus, you're the ones who wanted her as both tutor and maid. I'm paying her for work, How is a fair contract an insult? That's ridiculous."

Ryan looked away, guilty and silent.

Evelyn, sensing the mood shift, quickly changed her approach. Tears streamed down her face as she wiped her eyes and turned to leave.

"If Ms. Abney doesn't want me here, I'll just leave," she said, her voice cracking perfectly.

Ryan saw his chance and lashed out at me. "Scarlett, you're going too far!"

Harry panicked as Evelyn walked out. "Mom, why do you have to be so tough on her?"

I couldn't believe Harry would defend an outsider. I was too upset to say any more.

Emma grabbed Evelyn's hand and shot me a dirty look.

"It's just a contract, Evelyn. Sign it, and I'll raise your pay," she said softly, winking at Evelyn.

I thought, "What a joke. She's promising raises with my money?" I internally rolled my eyes, finding the whole situation ridiculous.

After Evelyn signed, I grabbed the contracts and walked off.

Changing shoes at the entryway to leave, I overheard Ryan. "Come on, let's eat. Let her starve if she wants. She's always acting so high and mighty. I'm sick of it!"

Though I had long been disillusioned with Ryan, his words still stung.

All these years, he'd taken my sacrifices for granted, never acknowledging how hard it was for me.

His first love was upset, and he didn't hesitate to demean me, his own wife, to make her happy.

I walked back to the dining room barefoot, slamming my heels on the table. The loud clank silenced everyone.

Angrily, I said, "What do you mean I want to starve? Ryan, back when I was young, I drank with directors until I got a bleeding ulcer to get investments for you. Look at all this greasy food. What here can I even eat?"

Ryan used to promise that once he became a star, he'd focus on the family. I was foolish enough to believe him and worked tirelessly to support him.

Now, thinking about it just turned my stomach.

Before I walked out, I glanced at Ryan, his face greasy with food.

I thought, "A man can't be fed by two women. Go ahead, eat. Every bite you take just speeds up your downfall."