My Mother-in-Law Selected a Mistress for My Husband

My mother-in-law brings a woman from the countryside. She looks like she's up to no good when she asks my husband and I to care for the woman.

My husband is a mama's boy through and through. His gaze darts around, and he doesn't object to his mother's words.

Is it a trend nowadays for people to serve mistresses on a silver platter?

It looks like I'll have to do my best in "caring" for them, then…

I crossed my arms over my chest and stared coldly at Karen Swift, my mother-in-law, as she piled bags and luggage at the doorway.

Behind her stood a dainty woman she had brought along.

"Johnny, let me introduce you. This is Lily White from our hometown. She's looking for work, and I brought her with me since I was already planning to visit. I figured you two could help take care of her," Karen said as she brushed past me and addressed Johnny Lane, who was behind me.

Lily kept her head down but glanced up just in time to catch me rolling my eyes at her. She froze, visibly shocked that I didn't bother to hide my disdain toward someone I'd just met.

"Who says we're willing to take care of her?" I said to Karen, my tone calm but my words sharp.

Karen finally turned to face me and reprimanded disapprovingly, "Why are you so rude? Lily's standing right there! Do you know how bad you're making us look?"

I retorted, "And did you think about how I would feel before bringing her here unannounced?"

"Alright, alright," Johnny interjected to defuse the tension. "Mom meant well. We're from the same hometown, and since we have a spare room, it's no big deal…"

His meaning was obvious, so I didn't refuse outright.

"Fine. Then let's rent her the room. The market rate is 1,500 dollars a month, but considering she's an acquaintance, I'll give her a discount. 1,000 dollars a month should be fair enough."

In their dreams I would let them exploit me under the guise of kindness.

Karen started shouting that I was money-hungry while Johnny tried to calm her down and pull her aside.

I didn't care who ended up footing the rent. They weren't getting to take advantage of me.

In the end, Johnny transferred the money to me as he didn't want to offend either party.

I scoffed and retreated to the bedroom, shutting the door firmly behind me. Once I was sure Johnny wouldn't come in, I called my best friend, Rosie Rivera.

"Karen actually brought that woman to my house," I said.

"Ugh, just as we expected," Rosie replied with disdain. "You set up the cameras, right?"

"Of course. Johnny didn't notice a thing."

A few days ago, while scrolling through my social media feed, I had stumbled upon Karen's latest update. It was a selfie of her and a young woman taken on a bus leaving their hometown.

Lily had both hands draped affectionately