When my mother-in-law, Jean, offered to take my kids for a week during their holiday break, I thought it was a harmless idea. I imagined it would be fun bonding time for her and a little breather for me. But I never expected the shocking discovery that would change everything.

Jean had promised to spoil the kids, but when I arrived to pick them up, they were covered in dirt and exhausted from working in her garden all week. They hadn’t played or had fun like I expected; instead, they’d been used as free labor.

I was furious and demanded to know where the money I gave her had gone. She confessed she hadn’t used it for food or activities, but for her own bills. I felt betrayed and devastated that she had taken advantage of my trust and my children.

I packed the kids up and left without looking back. As we drove away, Lucas asked if we’d ever come back, and I told him no, not until Grandma treated them the way they deserved. I couldn’t trust her anymore, and that was the end.