Chapter 3 - The Cruise to CaboWhile her family doubled over in laughter, Rachel pulled up her laptop screen.
"So since Dad saved twelve thousand dollars on roof labor thanks to the handyman," Rachel giggled, "we can officially book the seven-day VIP balcony suite for the Cabo cruise next month!"
Elaine clapped her hands in delight. "Oh, absolutely! The ten-thousand-dollar deposit went through this morning. Your father and I deserve a luxury getaway after dealing with all this stress."
Martin grinned, pouring himself a fresh glass of wine. "And Rachel, we bought your flight ticket too. No sense in leaving you behind."
Audrey stood frozen in the dark hallway, the horror settling deep into her chest.
Her parents hadn't been facing a financial emergency. They had twelve thousand dollars sitting in cash! They hadn't begged her to fix the roof because they couldn't afford a contractorâthey manipulated her into sweating in ninety-degree heat so they could spend their savings on a luxury tropical vacation for themselves and Rachel!
Audrey didn't burst into the room. She didn't shout. She didn't cry.
She turned around, walked quietly back upstairs to the master bathroom, packed her gear, stepped out the back door, and drove home in complete silence.
When she reached her own house, Daniel saw the dark, quiet look in her eyes.
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"Audrey... what happened?" Daniel asked softly.
Audrey set her keys on the counter. "Unload my tools from the truck, Daniel. I'm never going back to that house."
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