On Christmas Eve, My Husband Rated Me a Unsatisfactory Free Maid

Synopsis

On Christmas Eve, as the table was loaded with all the best dishes, my husband, David Carter, took out a printed document named the family annual performance evaluation form. David announced, "Mom, you've worked hard taking care of Ethan. Your performance is Exceeds Exceptionally. Your reward is a ten-thousand-dollar jewelry bracelet." His mother, Mary Carter, was grinning from ear to ear. David continued, "Ethan, you've worked hard practicing the piano. Your performance is Exceeds Expectations. Your reward is the latest tablet." Our son, Ethan Carter, cheered as he took the gift. I wiped my oily hands on my apron. I had handled all the housework and cared for David's paralyzed father, Samuel Carter, this year. In my eyes, even if no one noticed, I deserved some credit for all the effort I put in. David tossed a lightweight A4 sheet in front of me, with a cold expression on his face. "Your performance is Unsatisfactory. You haven't earned a single cent all year‑long; you're nothing but a drain on resources. "Here's your renewal contract. Your salary is still zero. Sign it, then go serve my dad his dinner right now." I stared at the words "free maid" printed on the contract, and my heart sank completely.