We Paid for My Stepdaughter’s Honeymoon, but She Called Us ‘Cheap’ — So We Taught Her a Lesson in Respect
Suppose a dream honeymoon isn’t as dreamy as it could be. What happens then? One unexpected phone call from my stepdaughter lay the groundwork for a lesson in appreciation that she had no idea was going to come her way.
It is the nature of life to take you by surprise, frequently at the most inopportune moments. I never in my wildest dreams expected that I would become a stepmother at the age of 45, much less to a young woman like Brooke. I fell in love with Gary, but it wasn’t just him that I fell in love with when I married him 10 years ago; it was the concept of family.
Even though we didn’t always agree with each other, I tried everything in my power to make Brooke feel that she was cared for. At the time, she was thirteen years old.
By the time she was twenty-three years old, Brooke had developed into a young woman who was not only ambitious and intelligent but also, if we are being completely honest, a little bit pampered. Her aspirations were lofty, and Gary and I did everything in our power to encourage and support her. We were there for her through everything, from her college tuition to her dream wedding. However, nothing could have adequately prepared me for the sequence of events that took place after her wedding.
For the wedding of Brooke and Mason, Gary and I had spared no cost in our preparations. The location was a vast vineyard that was adorned with glimmering fairy lights, the kind of pictures that would be featured on the front of a bridal magazine. Being able to witness Brooke’s bright grin as she walked down the aisle was well worth the exorbitant amount of money that was spent.
Following the wedding, we wanted to give them a gift that would be truly memorable: a honeymoon that they will never forget. While Gary and I were searching for the ideal villa in the Dominican Republic, we spent several weeks looking through various travel websites.
It met all of the requirements, including a private pool, breathtaking views of the ocean, and sufficient room to compete with a boutique resort. Despite the fact that it was more expensive than we had anticipated, we decided that it was our way of sending Brooke off to her new life with love.
I was in the process of pouring my coffee when I heard a buzzing sound on my phone the morning after they arrived. As soon as I saw Brooke’s name appear, I broke into a grin and responded with a joyful tone, “Hey, love! How is paradise doing?
She spoke in a harsh manner that was almost accusatory. “Dad is also present, is that correct? Put me on the speakerphone.
Although I frowned, I complied. “Of course. What exactly is going on?
“What’s wrong?” Gary asked through his mouth as he leaned over the table. I gave a shrug and then pressed the button for the speaker.
“What’s wrong?” As Brooke’s voice increased, it was clear that she was fuming with rage. “Look, Dad, I’m going to tell you what’s wrong. The villa in question. It is a very small thing!
Gary blinked his eyes. “Small? ” According to Brooke, it is more over eight hundred square meters.
She laughed it off. Exactly, sir. Not even close. Mason and I, on the other hand, had anticipated something that was more… spacious. What about the swimming pool? This is a humor. I am only able to play about three strokes before I reach the edge of the court.
Gary and I took a look at one other, and I noticed that his face was gradually going red. To reassure him, I gave him a handshake.
“And don’t even get me started on the beach!” She continued, her voice becoming more elevated with each word she spoke. It’s a walk of exactly five minutes total! Who is it that gives that to newlyweds? You weren’t able to find a place that had direct access to the beach,? With all sincerity, Dad, it seems as though you don’t care.
The muscles in Gary’s jaw clenched, but I gave his arm a light squeeze. “Brooke,” I began, maintaining a normal tone of voice, “we spent a significant amount of time selecting this villa.” The reviews are really positive. I was afraid you wouldn’t like it.”
To put it simply, you were mistaken. Is the sun shining here? This is not even close to being as golden as it appeared on Instagram. It seems as though everything is… unimpressive. It’s hard for me to accept that you guys are so greedy.
When Gary lost his cool, he slammed his hand down on the table. “Is it cheap? What is the total amount that we spent on our trip? Do you have any idea? Not to mention the wedding preparations! Brooke, you are displaying a lack of gratitude!
On the other end of the line, she let out a sharp huff. To tell you the truth, Dad? Get rid of it. It is obvious that you do not comprehend.”
The call was abruptly terminated, and the silence that followed was one of astonished silence. Gary walked around the kitchen while muttering something under his breath and clenching his hands. I find it hard to believe her. How is it that she treats us after everything that we have done for her, including her wedding and her honeymoon?
I interrupted him in a calm voice and placed my hand on his shoulder. “Hon,” I said. “We wouldn’t want to lose our composure over this. I have a thought about that.”
He halted his pace and fixed his gaze onto me. “What are you thinking?”
With a knowing smile, I gave him a little smile. Believe in me. Show her that gratitude is a two-way street by demonstrating it to her.
Next, I started making plans for the future.
In the event that Brooke desired to play the “cheap” card, I was ready to demonstrate to her what the true appearance of such a card meant.
After picking up my phone, I dialed the number for the management of the villa. My explanation of the circumstance was given when the receptionist answered the phone. Greetings, my name is Marianne. A luxurious villa was reserved for my husband and me to stay in on our honeymoon. We regret to inform you that there has been a change in the plans. I am obligated to cancel the remaining portion of the reservation and adjust the reservation’s status.
It seemed as though the woman on the other end was perplexed. What do you mean, ma’am? I do not comprehend. Would you be able to elaborate?”
“Yes,” I responded with a forceful voice. “Please find the room that is the most basic and unremarkable that you have available; there is no private pool, no chef, and there is no ocean view at all. “Do you really comprehend?”
“Yes, of course,” she finally said after a moment of hesitation. Within the adjacent hotel, we have a room that is of the basic level. Will that be successful?
A smirk grew across my face as I said, “That’s perfect,” and I believed it. Here is one more thing. I would appreciate it if you could let me know exactly when the guests are told of the change.
Once more, the manager seemed to pause. “That’s… unusual, but I’ll see what I can do.”
As I hung up the phone, Gary gave a head shake. “You’re ruthless.”
In response, I shrugged and replied, “I’m just sick and tired of being taken for granted.”
A few hours later, the phone call that I had been anticipating finally arrived. In order for Gary to hear, I took the phone and put it on speaker.
It was the voice that started off, “This is the villa management.” “It is with deep sadness that we must notify you that the reservation you currently have has been altered. It will be necessary for you to move into a regular room at the hotel that is located next door.
“What?!” Through the phone, Brooke’s voice could be heard shrieking. “It is apparent that there is a mistake! Currently, we are in the honeymoon suite. This was paid for by my father and my stepmother!
“I’m afraid there’s no mistake,” the manager communicated in a courteous manner. “The new booking reflects their updated request.”
There was a chill in Brooke’s voice. “Is this a revised request? It is unclear what you are referring about.
By covering my lips, I was able to stifle a laugh. While he was smiling from ear to ear, Gary was shaking his head.
After a few moments, I heard a buzzing sound on my phone, and I saw the name of Brooke flashing on the screen. My response was composed. “Hi, Brooke.”
“Marianne!” she yelled out in dismay. “What exactly is going on? At this very moment, we have received a phone call informing us that we will be relocated from our property to a dreadful hotel room! Fix this as soon as possible!
“Oh, that,” I said, impersonating surprise as I spoke. To begin, my dear, this property is not yours; it was reserved specifically for you. As a result of the fact that you considered it to be too “cheap,” I reasoned that a more modest location could be more suitable to meet your requirements. After all, your father and I would not want to look foolish in front of you by having such low expectations, would we agree?
It was with a voice that was breaking with agitation that she exclaimed, “You can’t be more serious!” “This place is a dump!”
“Is it?” With a casual tone, I responded to the question. Oh, yes, I am very sorry. Now, perhaps you will be able to appreciate what you already have. Gratitude to you, Brooke. “This is a very significant lesson.”
The screeches that she made could be heard from the distant seas. “Marianne, I can’t believe you’re going to treat me like this! Mason and I are unable to leave this place. Where is you, Dad?
Gary leaned toward the phone, where he had been silently listening to the conversation. This is enough, Brooke. Throughout the years, we have been there for you, providing you with the absolute best of everything. Do you intend to compensate us in this manner? How about expressing your dissatisfaction with the intensity of the sun and the size of a pool? Come of age.”
“Dad, I don’t require a lecture anymore. At this point, I am no longer a young girl! Brooke lost her temper.
“No,” Gary stated in a resolute manner. “What you desperately need is a dose of realism. The gift was just given to you by your stepmother.
A sigh of exasperation came out of her mouth. “You’re ruining my honeymoon!”
With a level head, I answered, “I believe you are the one who ruined it.” “When you decide to be grateful for what you have, maybe things will start looking brighter—even that ‘meh’ sun.”
I hung up after that was said. I cast a quick peek up at Gary, who was staring at me in complete and utter quiet.
“What?” With a raised eyebrow, I inquired again.
With a chuckle, he repeated, “Remind me to never get on your bad side,” and he continued.
The fact that Brooke did not communicate with us for the remainder of the week was, to tell you the truth, a relief. Her tone was low when she eventually called back after a long absence.
Greetings, Marianne. “Hello, Dad!”
Gary said, “Brooke,” with a wary tone. “How are you?”
Before giving her response, there was a brief silence. “I… I simply wanted to express my regret with you. due to the manner in which I behaved. Despite the fact that the hotel room was terrible, it opened my eyes to the amount of effort that both of you have put into everything that you have done for me. I guess you might say that I’ve been a touch… greedy.
As Gary’s voice became more kind, it remained forceful. “A little?”
“Okay, a lot,” she conceded, raising the volume of her voice. “I will perform more. I solemnly swear.”
When I looked across at Gary, he gave me a nod and grinned. I remarked to Brooke in a soft voice, “We are grateful for that.” “We just want you to understand the value of what you have—and the people who love you.”
She whispered, “I do now,” as she uttered it. “I am grateful for everything. It’s true.”
Gary placed his arm around my shoulder as soon as the call came to an end, and his face was one of relief and pride at the same time. “Well,” he replied in a low voice, “you really did it.” She seemed to have finally understood it.
I smiled and added, “We did it,” while leaning toward him. “We finished it.” “There are times when people simply require a wake-up call, or something as simple as a taste of their own medicine. Even the children in our family.”
Gary laughed, his tone becoming more lighthearted. “I’m just glad it didn’t blow up into something worse.”
I leaned my head against his shoulder and mumbled, “Me too,” as I did in response. As a result of the anxiety that had been building up for several days, I finally gave myself permission to breathe.
Do you have any thoughts? Were I able to learn a valuable lesson in appreciation through my method, or did I go beyond what was necessary?
