I Thought My Son Brought His New Girlfriend on Vacation – One Unexpected Text Revealed the Truth

I Had No Doubt My Son Brought His New Girlfriend on Our Family Trip – Until I Accidentally Saw a Text on His Phone

In the hopes of strengthening my relationship with my husband and son, I organized our family’s vacation. Rather, it brought me to a treachery that made our idyllic vacation into a nightmare. I will always remember what transpired there.

Vacations with your family are meant to strengthen your bonds, right? That was what I’d always thought, anyway.

This time, however, what began as a treasured family custom turned into the darkest period of my life.

It’s never been easy being a working mother, but I’ve always taken pride in striking a balance between job and family.

I occasionally get home from work so late that the lights have been turned down and dinner has been eaten.

I’ve always made sure my family has all they need, though.

Prior to being laid off a few years ago, my husband Mark also had a reliable work. He took on odd jobs here and there, helping out when he could, but I was responsible for the most of our household bills.

To be honest, it didn’t bother me. You do that for your family, don’t you?

However, I had recently become aware of the fractures.

Since Mark would usually be asleep by the time I got home from work, I felt like we were becoming more and more distant from one another.

But I didn’t give it much thought. I assumed we’d get back in touch during our yearly getaway.

Over the years, we have continued to take our yearly trip. Regardless of how difficult things got financially, we always made time to travel away for a few days.

I treasured it because I saw it as an opportunity to reestablish our family bond and create lifelong memories.

I wanted the trip to be especially memorable this year. Particularly since Mark has been having trouble finding a good job lately. I hoped this would lift his spirits.

“We need this,” I said to Mark one evening following an especially demanding workday. “A few days away from everything, just the three of us.”

“But I don’t have a job, and—”

“No buts,” I responded. “I’ll handle everything.” And when you return from the trip with a new perspective, I’m confident you’ll find employment. Please don’t worry.

“Okay,” he said with a smile. “We appreciate everything you do for us. Eric will also enjoy the vacation, I’m sure.

Eric, our 20-year-old son, is a college student. He is engrossed in his world of parties, friends, and social media, just like the majority of children his age. However, he seemed really delighted when I called him to let him know about our vacation plans.

He said, “Yeah, Mom, I’m in!” “Can’t wait to spend time with you guys.”

Hearing that made me happy.

However, Eric gave me a call back a day later with a request. “Mom, would it be okay if I brought my girlfriend along?”

His girlfriend? I was unaware of that.

I answered, “Uh, I guess so,” with hesitation. “What’s her name?”

“Jessica,” he said. “She’s fantastic. You’ll adore her.

I was unsure about my feelings regarding the concept. We had always taken our trips alone, so it felt weird to bring someone I had never met along. However, I didn’t want to stifle Eric’s excitement because he seemed so excited. He informed me that they had been dating for three months.

“Alright,” I finally said. “She’s welcome to join us.”

I started making plans as the vacation drew near. I desired perfection in everything.

I had no idea that this trip would not be about relaxation or connecting. One of my worst nightmares would come to pass.

Jessica, who appeared to have just walked out of a magazine, joined us at the airport. Everyone, including Mark, was instantly drawn to her elegant attire, immaculately done hair, and dazzling smile.

Pulling her suitcase and even praising her shoe selection, he appeared really enamored with her. I dismissed it as being courteous.

She was Eric’s girlfriend, after all. Was there anything to be concerned about?

Jessica initially came across as kind, but soon minor things began to feel strange.

On our first night together, I decided to try to get to know her over supper.

“Jessica, have you had a chance to see Eric play basketball yet?” I inquired.

After a moment of hesitation and widening eyes, she said, “Basketball? We’ve never discussed that.

I raised my eyebrows. For years, Eric had been passionate about basketball. Team pictures and game highlights were all over his social media accounts. How could his three-month girlfriend be unaware of that?

I looked at Eric, but he didn’t see because he was texting.

Eric proposed that we all attempt jet-skiing the following day. As he talked about how much fun it would be, his expression brightened, but Jessica scowled.

In her own words, “I’m not really into water sports,”

Hold on, didn’t Eric already know that? I pondered. That’s odd.

Eric’s enthusiasm wavered at that point, but he soon recovered and proposed that we take a tour of the attractions instead.

Later, when everyone was unwinding by the pool, I heard Jessica inquire about Eric’s major.

She giggled and added, “Biology, right?” “I can’t believe I keep forgetting that!”

A beat skipped in my chest. What was happening?

My son’s love for basketball was unknown to the young woman who claimed to be his girlfriend. She was unaware of his major. Furthermore, she didn’t even appear to be really eager to learn. What about Eric? He took over the sun lounger she disliked, carried her luggage, got her drinks, and showered her with affection all the time.

Tell yourself to calm down, Colleen. Avoid overanalyzing. Perhaps Jessica simply needed more time to get to know Eric because relationships are complex.

Something didn’t sit quite right, though.

I found a tiny velvet box in Eric’s suitcase while searching for sunscreen halfway through the journey. I opened it out of curiosity and discovered a gorgeous diamond necklace.

I couldn’t believe my son had purchased something so sophisticated for his girlfriend, and it looked quite expensive.

What was Eric’s strategy for saving money? I pondered.

Later that night, I mentioned it in passing.

“Eric, I found the necklace in your suitcase,” I laughed. “It’s beautiful, and I’m sure Jessica’s going to love it.”

He gave me a wide-eyed stare as though I had said something inappropriate.

“Yeah, I-I,” he said haltingly. “I have been saving for some time now. I thought I would get it for her because I, oh, really liked it. She does deserve it, after all.

“That’s amazing!” I pretended to smile. “I’m so proud of you!”

I wasn’t prepared to accept that my son, a frugal college student, could afford such a lavish purchase. My intuition told me that there was more to this necklace than he was revealing, but I chose not to pursue him.

Jessica’s lack of true interest, her disregard for Eric’s life, and now this mysterious necklace? The numbers didn’t add up.

The motel was quiet on the last morning of our journey. Downstairs, Mark was eating breakfast while Eric and Jessica relaxed by the swimming pool.

I remained in the suite, drinking coffee and attempting to avoid thinking too much about the circumstances.

At that moment, a notification chimed on Eric’s phone, which was charging on the counter.

A SMS message was sent. I looked at it without paying attention, but when I read it, my eyes grew wide.

+$500 to our offer, it said. I appreciate you using the jewelry to hide myself.

Who sent it? Mark. My spouse.

As my mind attempted to make the connection, my stomach fell. I quickly reached for Eric’s phone and typed in the passcode, which I knew from seeing him unlock it once.

I was compelled to see more, even though I knew it was wrong to pry into his privacy.

A network of treachery I could not have predicted was revealed by the message thread.

Jessica wasn’t Eric’s girlfriend, and Mark and Eric had been planning for weeks. She was the mistress of Mark.

In order for Mark to take her on the vacation without raising my suspicions, Eric had been feigning a romantic relationship with her. They had made a “deal” in which Mark promised Eric money in return for his quiet. What about the necklace? Mark had used my money to pay for it.

Dozens of questions came to me as I gazed at the screen.

How could I have been harmed by Mark? What about Eric? What made him agree to it? They believed they could deceive me in this way?

I was upset. I was devastated.

However, I knew I couldn’t ignore this.

I invited everyone to the hotel’s restaurant for supper that night. I took my time getting dressed, picking out a lovely dress and wearing it with the diamond necklace my husband had purchased for his mistress.

Even though I wanted to crumble on the inside, I wanted to appear strong and calm.

They turned to stare at me as soon as I entered the eatery. When Jessica saw that I was wearing her necklace, her eyes brightened, but her smile vanished.

“Mom, why are you wearing Jessica’s necklace?” Eric inquired. “That’s her gift.”

“Oh, really?” I laughed. “That’s strange. because your father used MY MONEY to purchase it.

Mark’s face went white.

“Wh-what are you talking about?” He stumbled. “What—”

I rolled my eyes and replied, “Stop acting like that, Mark.”

I then looked at Jessica. I’m not sure what my husband has told you, but he doesn’t have a job right now. He has been having trouble finding a good work ever since he was laid off years ago.

“But, I—”

“Shh!” I interrupted her. “Allow me to finish. You see, ever since he lost his job, I’ve been covering all of the expenses. Everything he promised Eric to go along with this sham, including the necklace, this vacation, and even the money.”

“I didn’t mean to, Mom. I mean—” Eric started.

I looked at Eric and said, “I never thought my son could do something like this,” as tears ran down my cheeks. “I had no idea I was paying my own son to lie to me.”

My final words to the three of them were that. I got to my feet and went back to my room.

I took a solo flight home the following day. I kept getting calls from Mark and Eric, but I didn’t pick them up.

I filed for divorce a week later. When Jessica saw that Mark was poor, she disappeared, leaving him alone and ashamed.

We’re trying to mend our friendship with Eric. Even if he made a mistake, he is still my son, and I hope he won’t do this again. I suppose he didn’t really care what his father wanted him to do; all he wanted was some cash. I hope he matures and realizes that Mark’s actions that day were completely inappropriate.