Chapter 1

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.

*****

On Christmas Eve, the sound of fireworks outside was deafening.

I staggered out of the kitchen with the last dish, roast turkey, my back aching so much that I could barely stand up straight.

All day long, I'd been washing, chopping, frying, cooking, and had to squeeze in time to turn David's bedridden father, Samuel, and change his diapers.

The table was loaded with twelve hearty dishes, each one looking and smelling amazing.

David sat at the head of the table, looking flushed and holding a few printed A4 sheets in his hand.

Mary and my eight-year-old son, Ethan, were already eager to grab their forks.

David cleared his throat and tapped the table like he was running a company meeting. "Wait, I have something to say. As usual, our family needs to hold an annual review and awards ceremony this year."

I took off my greasy apron and sat down on a stool nearby, feeling a bit of anticipation.

This year was tough, but I knew I gave it my all. Even if no one noticed, I deserved some credit for all the effort I put in.

David grabbed the first sheet, grinning from ear to ear. "Alright, Mom's up first.

"Mom, you really worked hard taking care of Ethan this year. Though it was mostly picking him up and dropping him off, you really put your heart into it.

"Performance rating: Exceeds Exceptionally. Reward: a ten-thousand-dollar jewelry bracelet."

Mary smiled brightly as she took the heavy jewelry bracelet, slipped it right onto her wrist, and showed it off with a shake. "Oh wow, David really knows how to care for me."

David picked up the second sheet and looked at Ethan, who was busy gnawing on a chicken leg. "Ethan made it through Level 3 piano this year.

"Sure, he only got an 80 in math on his finals, but there's still plenty of room for him to grow.

"Performance rating: Exceeds Expectations. Reward: the latest tablet."

"Dad, you're the best," Ethan cheered, grabbed the tablet, and jumped straight into his game. He didn't even bother with his food.

I nervously rubbed my hands and sat up straighter.

It was my turn.

This year, with Samuel paralyzed, I had to wipe him down, feed him, and clean up after him.

From dealing with relatives and friends to handling groceries and bills, I had to pinch every penny.

To save money, I switched to the cheapest stuff I could find at the drugstore for skincare.

David's smile suddenly disappeared.

He pulled out the last sheet and tossed it right onto the plates in front of me.

The paper slid down, and the words practically jumped out at me in bold font. [Family Annual Performance Evaluation Form.]

My name, Emily Taylor, was written in the name section, and in the performance rating, there was a glaring red "Unsatisfactory".

I froze. "David, what does this mean?"

David stared at me coldly, his gaze sharp with scrutiny and disdain. "Emily, take a good look at what you've actually done this year.

"You're a full-time housewife. You make zero. All you do is spend. Yeah, Dad's bedsores didn't come back, but that's the bare minimum you should be doing.

"Ethan's grades slipped, which means you weren't helping him as you should.

"There was still hair on the floor yesterday. Guess you didn't clean well enough.

"All things considered, your performance is Unsatisfactory. That's a fail."

Mary snarked from the side, "Exactly. Young people these days are so spoiled. What's the big deal about doing some housework, and you still expect a reward?"

David pulled another contract out of his folder and slapped it down on the table. "Given how poorly you performed this year, I was actually thinking about firing you.

"But since it's Christmas Eve, I'll give you a chance. Here's your renewal contract for next year. Your salary is still zero. Sign it, then go serve Dad his dinner. Everyone's hungry."

My hands were shaking as I picked up the contract.

It was all spelled out: [Party B (Emily Taylor) must be on call 24/7, taking care of everything for the Carter family, including meals, laundry, cleaning, errands, and looking after the father of Party A (David Carter).

"No pay, no benefits, and not a single day off."

In the fine print, it read: [If performance is unsatisfactory, Party A can end the marriage whenever he wants.]

Staring at this ridiculous free maid contract, I felt my blood run cold.

At that moment, my heart turned to ice.