When I first arrived at my in-laws’ lavish estate, their dismissive glances made it clear they didn’t recognize me as their son’s new wife. Instead, they assumed I was just the help, treating me with cold indifference. I decided to play along, curious to see how long it would take them to realize their mistake.But what unfolded next was something none of us could have anticipated… I could not help but be a bit nervous about meeting my in-laws for the first time. Me and their son Anthony had been together for about 1,5 years now and I had spoken to his parents over the phone a lot. We had even FaceTimed on a couple of occasions. But seeing as they lived in another country, I had not yet been able to meet them face to face. But now that moment had finally arrived. His parents had wired over a large sum of money for me and Anthony to be able to travel to their home country of Japan. Here we were invited to stay at their large estate for as long as we wanted. I knew My in-laws were wealthy. But the fact that they owned an estate near Tokyo was a whole different level of wealth than I expected.  Right now, I was in the taxi on my way to the estate alone. Anthony had not seen his friends for a long time and they wanted to have a drink near the airport in Tokyo. I was invited to tag along but I knew my partner very well and was sure of the fact that they would be sitting at the bar for hours. And after a very long journey, I did not have the energy for that. So I headed straight to the estate. I expected to be so tired upon my arrival that I would want to get to bed instantly. But I did not even make it to the house and ended up sleeping the whole taxi ride over there. When We finally arrived at the estate, I felt a bit awake again. But of course, the nerves also kicked in. I had no more time to prepare for this first real meeting. I just hoped they would like me as much as they made out to over the phone… As I was walking to the front door, I suddenly realized I had not even texted my in-laws how late I would arrive. We had not even informed them that our plane had landed unless Anthony had thought about it. But who was I kidding, he would never remember those kinds of things. I knocked on the door hoping that they would understand I was too tired to remember… It took a little while for somebody to get to the door, but when it finally opened up I saw the confused face of Anothy’s father Hikaru. His confusion quickly turned to realization and just as I wanted to go in for a hug, he said: “ Finally! You must be the new maid. We have waited all day for you!” I could not help but be so caught off guard by this that I had no idea how to respond.  And I did not even really get a chance to respond. Hiraku immediately started to usher me into the room. He told me that his son and girlfriend were going to come by at some point today or tomorrow depending on their flight. He wanted the house in perfect condition when they arrived. I wanted to tell him who I really was but then he said something that made me change my mind for now Hiraku told me he wanted to show his son the life he was missing in Japan. He wanted to show him how good and perfect they had it here. He hoped to convince Anthony to return to Japan permanently after this visit. With or without “That American girlfriend of his”. He even revealed that that is why he hired an American cleaner. To symbolize the difference between the 2 nationalities.  I was of course completely caught off guard by these words. Hiraku clearly had a very different view of me than I thought. In his mind, I was the person that was keeping Anthony in America. Without me, he would probably already be home again. But I knew that was very far from the truth. Anthony was the one who even had doubts about going on vacation here! It was clear to me that Hiraku had no problem revealing a lot to his new American maid. And I figured that this was a very good way to learn even more about how him and his wife thought about my relationship with Anthony. And so I decided to play along for now. Hiraku brought me to a small room where I could put my things and prepare for work. He only gave me 10 minutes… Hiraku immediately started to rush me, showing his impatience and expecting perfection right away. “You only have ten minutes,” he barked, glancing at his watch. I barely had time to catch my breath. “Make sure everything is spotless before Anthony arrives,” he added, his tone leaving no room for argument. I nodded, feeling a knot of anxiety tighten in my stomach. This was going to be harder than I thought. He led me to the cleaning supplies, making it clear he wanted the entrance to be immaculate. The closet was packed with every cleaning tool imaginable. “Use these,” he instructed, handing me a feather duster and a mop. “The entrance needs to shine. No dust, no dirt, nothing,” he said sternly. I grabbed the supplies, already feeling the weight of his expectations pressing down on me. He instructed me to start in the hallway, aiming for a flawless first impression for his son and girlfriend. “This is the first place they’ll see,” Hiraku emphasized, pointing to the grand foyer. “It must be perfect.” I set to work, my heart pounding. Every step I took echoed in the vast, silent space. I could feel Hiraku’s eyes on me, judging every move. The pressure was almost unbearable. Hiraku watched my every move, commenting on every speck of dust and imperfection I missed. “You missed a spot,” he said sharply, pointing to a tiny smudge on the marble floor. I quickly wiped it away, feeling a flush of embarrassment. “This isn’t acceptable,” he muttered, shaking his head. His constant scrutiny was nerve-wracking. I tried to stay focused, but his critical eyes made it incredibly difficult. His scrutiny made me increasingly anxious, realizing this was going to be a tough day. My hands trembled as I scrubbed the floor, Hiraku’s stern face looming over me. “Faster,” he urged, tapping his foot impatiently. I quickened my pace, but the anxiety only grew. The enormity of the task ahead was overwhelming. Just when I thought things couldn’t get worse, I heard footsteps approaching—Monica, Anthony’s mother, had arrived. Monica, Anthony’s mother, finally arrived, her demeanor more intimidating than Hiraku’s. She swept into the hallway like a queen, her eyes narrowing as she took in the scene. “Who is this?” she demanded, her voice cold. Hiraku quickly explained, “The new maid.” Monica’s gaze shifted to me, and I felt a chill run down my spine. Her presence was even more daunting than I had imagined. Despite hoping for sympathy, Monica started cursing at me in Japanese when I was in her way. “Move it!” she snapped, her words sharp and biting. I stumbled to get out of her path, my cheeks burning with humiliation. She continued to berate me, her voice rising. “Useless,” she muttered, shaking her head. Any hope I had for kindness vanished instantly. This was turning into a nightmare. I eventually moved to the kitchen, hoping for a reprieve from their harsh treatment. The scent of food greeted me, a small comfort amidst the chaos. I leaned against the counter, trying to steady my breathing. The kitchen seemed like a safe haven compared to the tension-filled hallway. I busied myself with cleaning, hoping the task would distract me from the sting of Monica’s words. A cook was working there, providing a brief moment of respite from the in-laws. He glanced up as I entered, offering a nod of acknowledgment. “You must be the new help,” he said, his tone friendly. I managed a weak smile, grateful for the slight kindness. The cook moved efficiently, his presence a stark contrast to the hostility I’d just faced. For a moment, I felt a glimmer of relief. Monica and Hiraku left me alone with the cook, giving me a chance to gather myself. The kitchen felt peaceful in their absence. I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the anxiety. The cook, noticing my discomfort, handed me a glass of water. “Here, you look like you need this,” he said. I nodded gratefully, sipping the water. This brief solitude was a much-needed break from the relentless pressure. The cook and I struck up a conversation; his English was surprisingly good. “So, you’re new here?” he asked, chopping vegetables with practiced ease. I nodded, still trying to calm my nerves. “Yes, just arrived today,” I replied. He smiled, his eyes warm. “Don’t worry, the first day is always tough,” he said. His kind words eased my anxiety a bit, and I found myself opening up to him. I revealed to him that I was Anthony’s girlfriend, explaining my current predicament. “Actually, I’m not the maid,” I confessed, lowering my voice. “I’m Anthony’s girlfriend.” The cook’s eyes widened in surprise. “You’re kidding,” he said, setting down his knife. I shook my head. “They don’t recognize me. I’m playing along to understand what they really think about me,” I explained. His astonished expression quickly turned into a grin. He was surprised but found my situation amusing, creating an unexpected ally. “This is like a soap opera,” he chuckled, shaking his head. “You sure have guts.” His laughter was infectious, and I couldn’t help but smile. “Thanks,” I said, feeling a bit more at ease. “I’ll help you out,” he offered. “Keep you company in this crazy house.” His support was a welcome relief in this bizarre situation. The cook confided that Anthony’s parents despised me and wanted me out of their son’s life. “You should know,” he began, his tone serious, “they’re not fans of yours.” My heart sank. “They think you’re the reason Anthony won’t come back to Japan.” I sighed, the weight of his words heavy. “I had a feeling,” I admitted. “But hearing it still hurts.” He nodded, understanding my pain. I was shocked but not entirely surprised by their true feelings, which the cook made me promise to keep secret. “Don’t let on that you know,” he warned. “They’ll make your life even harder.” I nodded, appreciating his advice. “Thanks for telling me,” I said. “I’ll keep it to myself.” The cook gave me a reassuring smile. “Stay strong. You can handle this,” he encouraged. His words gave me a bit of hope amidst the chaos. I continued cleaning, trying to stay focused as Hiraku returned, displeased with my progress. “What have you been doing?” he demanded, glaring at the barely cleaned floor. I scrambled to explain, but he cut me off. “No excuses! This needs to be perfect by the time my son arrives,” he barked. His harsh tone made my hands shake. I bent down, scrubbing harder, hoping to meet his impossible standards. The cook and I exchanged a look, his expression confirming that this strictness was their norm. He gave me a small nod, silently communicating his sympathy. “Just keep going,” he whispered when Hiraku wasn’t looking. I nodded, appreciating his silent support. It was clear this was a daily occurrence for the staff here. I steeled myself, determined to get through the day without breaking down. Without a word from Anthony, I assumed he would be a while longer, adding to my stress. I glanced at my phone, hoping for a message, but there was nothing. My heart sank. The uncertainty of his return was making everything harder. I sighed and continued cleaning, trying to push my worries aside. The longer he took, the more anxious I became, fearing Hiraku’s wrath with each passing minute. I refrained from revealing my true identity, fearing how I would handle myself if Anthony showed up. What if he walked in and blew my cover? The thought made my stomach churn. I couldn’t imagine the chaos that would ensue. I decided to stay silent, focusing on the task at hand. The last thing I needed was for Hiraku and Monica to know the truth before I was ready. My frustration grew with every passing moment, realizing I couldn’t keep up this facade much longer. The constant scrutiny and harsh words were wearing me down. I felt trapped, my nerves fraying with each order barked my way. “This is impossible,” I muttered under my breath, scrubbing furiously. The weight of my situation was becoming unbearable. I knew I had to find a way out, but how? I considered leaving secretly but worried about what they would do with my belongings. If I slipped out now, I wouldn’t be able to get my things without raising suspicion. Plus, where would I go? Tokyo was vast and unfamiliar. The thought of leaving everything behind was daunting. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing mind. For now, I had to stay and figure out a better plan. I excused myself to the bathroom, desperately needing to contact Anthony. Locking the door behind me, I fumbled for my phone. My hands shook as I dialed his number, hoping he would pick up. The ringing seemed to last forever. “Please, Anthony,” I whispered, willing him to answer. I needed his help, his presence, anything to make this situation more bearable. My heart pounded as I waited. After several attempts, Anthony finally answered, but he was clearly drunk. “Hey, babe!” he slurred, laughter and loud music in the background. My heart sank. This was the worst possible timing. “Anthony, I need you to come here,” I pleaded, trying to keep my voice steady. But he just laughed again. “I’m having a great time! What’s the rush?” he said, oblivious to my desperation. My anger flared as he explained he was having too much fun with friends to leave. “Seriously, Anthony?” I snapped, my patience wearing thin. “I’m stuck here, and your parents think I’m the maid!” His laughter stopped, replaced by confusion. “Wait, what?” he mumbled, clearly not understanding the gravity of the situation. My frustration boiled over. “You need to come here now!” I demanded, but his nonchalant response only fueled my rage. I hung up, furious and feeling abandoned, realizing how much I needed him here. The sense of betrayal cut deep. I had always relied on Anthony, but now, when I needed him most, he was nowhere to be found. Tears of anger and frustration welled up in my eyes. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I had to face this alone, whether I liked it or not. Hiraku pounded on the door, urging me to hurry up; I hung up on Anthony. “What’s taking so long?” he shouted, his impatience evident. I wiped away my tears, took a deep breath, and opened the door. “Sorry, just needed a moment,” I said, trying to sound calm. Hiraku grumbled, “No more delays. Get back to work.” I nodded, my frustration simmering as I returned to the hallway. I resumed cleaning, questioning if Anthony would be better off without me in the US. Each stroke of the mop felt heavier as doubts crept in. Was I really holding him back? Hiraku’s harsh words echoed in my mind, amplifying my insecurities. Maybe they were right. Anthony seemed happier with his friends than dealing with this mess. My resolve started to waver as I cleaned in silence. With each passing moment, I considered packing up and returning to the States alone. The idea of escaping this hostile environment grew more appealing. I imagined booking a flight, leaving without a word, and starting fresh back home. The thought brought a mix of relief and sadness. Could I really leave Anthony behind? The decision weighed heavily on me, clouding my thoughts as I scrubbed the floor. My feelings of not belonging grew stronger as I weighed the options of staying or leaving. The more I thought about it, the more I felt like an outsider here. Hiraku’s and Monica’s disdain was palpable, and Anthony was absent when I needed him most. I sighed, the internal conflict tearing at me. Every moment here felt like a reminder that I didn’t fit into their world. The more time passed, the more I leaned towards leaving Japan and Anthony behind. The emotional toll was becoming too much. I could feel my resolve crumbling with every harsh glance and critical remark. Maybe it was time to accept that this wasn’t the life for me. I looked around the immaculate room, wondering if this was the end of my journey with Anthony. The decision loomed closer with each passing second. Hiraku announced I was almost done, directing me to clean one last room in the basement. “Just one more room,” he said, leading me down the stairs. His tone was clipped, giving me no room to argue. I followed him, my heart sinking. What more could they expect from me? The basement felt cold and unwelcoming, a perfect match for my growing unease. He called it his man cave, and I dreaded what I might find there. “This is my personal space,” Hiraku said, opening the door. The room was dimly lit, and a faint smell of stale air hit me. I hesitated, but Hiraku’s stern look pushed me forward. “Make sure it’s spotless,” he ordered. My mind raced with anxiety about what I might encounter in this secluded room. Hiraku followed me closely, making sure I didn’t miss a single step. His presence was suffocating. “Don’t forget the corners,” he instructed, pointing out spots I hadn’t even noticed. I nodded, trying to keep my composure. Every movement felt scrutinized, every second stretched into an eternity. The pressure was immense, and I just wanted to get it over with and leave this nightmare behind. As I entered, the door suddenly shut and locked behind me; I was trapped. Panic surged through me. “Hiraku!” I shouted, pounding on the door. The room was dark, and my heart raced. I rattled the handle, but it wouldn’t budge. “This can’t be happening,” I muttered, fear creeping in. The silence from the other side of the door was deafening. I was alone, locked in this unfamiliar place. I banged on the door and screamed, but Hiraku had left, leaving me locked in. My fists hurt from pounding, and my voice grew hoarse. “Let me out!” I yelled, but there was no response. Desperation set in as I realized he had no intention of freeing me anytime soon. I slumped against the door, tears welling up. The gravity of my situation weighed heavily on me. I looked around the room and saw a sign stating bad help would stay here overnight with no food. My heart sank as I read the words. This was more than just a threat; it was a reality for anyone who failed to meet Hiraku’s standards. The small, dimly lit room felt even more oppressive. I couldn’t believe I was trapped here, treated like a common servant. Realizing the severity of my situation, I screamed that I was Anthony’s girlfriend, hoping someone would hear. “I’m not the maid! I’m Anthony’s girlfriend!” I shouted, banging on the door. My voice echoed in the small space, but there was no response. Panic bubbled up inside me. I kept yelling, desperate for anyone to hear and come to my rescue. The silence that followed was deafening. Knowing my only hope was for Anthony to return and reveal the truth, I anxiously awaited his arrival. I paced the small room, wringing my hands. Every minute felt like an hour. I checked my phone, but there was no signal. “Please, Anthony, come back soon,” I whispered to myself, hoping he would sense my distress. The waiting was torturous, and my anxiety grew with each passing moment. I resolved to head straight to the airport once the door opened, unable to tolerate their treatment any longer. My mind was made up. As soon as I was free, I would pack my things and leave this place behind. The thought of returning to the States brought a sense of relief. I couldn’t stay here, not after everything that had happened. I deserved better than this. Desperation set in, but I held onto the hope that Anthony’s return would end this nightmare soon. I sat on the floor, hugging my knees to my chest. The darkness seemed to close in around me, but I refused to give up hope. “He’ll come back,” I told myself. “He has to.” The thought of seeing Anthony again, of explaining everything, kept me going. I just had to hold on a little longer. The old lock on the door was easier to pick than I thought; I managed to open it. My hands trembled as I worked the pin into the mechanism, but the door finally clicked open. Relief washed over me. I glanced back at the small, oppressive room, determined never to return. Freedom was just a step away, and I was ready to leave this nightmare behind. Just before stepping out, I heard the doorbell ring; Anthony must have arrived. My heart skipped a beat. I froze, my hand on the doorknob. Anthony was here. Maybe this was my chance to clear everything up. I listened intently, straining to hear the voices from upstairs. The tension was palpable, and I knew this moment could change everything. I stopped, wanting to hear how Anthony would handle himself with his father. Their voices grew louder as they moved closer to the door. “Where’s she?” Anthony slurred, clearly still under the influence. Hiraku’s voice was calm but firm. “She hasn’t arrived yet,” he lied. My blood boiled at his deceit. I inched closer, needing to hear every word, my heart pounding in my chest. Anthony drunkenly asked where I was, and Hiraku lied, saying I hadn’t arrived. “What do you mean she isn’t here?” Anthony demanded, his speech thick and slow. “I told you, she never showed up,” Hiraku repeated, his voice smooth and convincing. I clenched my fists, anger and frustration bubbling up. How could Hiraku lie so easily? Anthony needed to know the truth. I wondered if Anthony would discover I had been mistaken for the maid. Would he put the pieces together? Or would Hiraku’s lies cloud his judgment? I held my breath, waiting for Anthony’s next move. This was my chance to reveal everything, but I had to be careful. The stakes were high, and one wrong move could ruin everything. Anthony’s confusion grew, wondering why I hadn’t arrived and why I would lie. “It doesn’t make sense,” he muttered, rubbing his forehead. “She said she’d be here.” Hiraku shrugged, his face a mask of indifference. “Perhaps she changed her mind,” he suggested. Anthony frowned, clearly trying to piece it together. The uncertainty in his eyes was painful to watch. I felt a pang of sadness for him, despite everything. He drunkenly expressed enjoying his time away from me, which broke my heart. “Maybe it’s better this way,” he slurred, taking another swig of his drink. “We’ve had so much fun without her.” The words cut deep, sharper than any knife. Tears welled up, but I blinked them away, refusing to let him see me cry. My heart ached, but this was the final push I needed. Stepping out of the door, I shocked both Anthony and Hiraku, my silence speaking volumes. They turned, eyes wide with surprise. “What are you doing here?” Anthony stammered, his voice a mix of confusion and guilt. Hiraku’s face went pale, realizing his lie had been exposed. I stood tall, saying nothing, letting the weight of the moment settle. Their reactions told me everything I needed to know. I marched to the room to gather my things, ignoring their attempts to apologize. “Wait, we can explain,” Anthony pleaded, stumbling after me. Hiraku tried to intervene, but I brushed past him. “It’s too late,” I replied, my voice steady. I packed my bag quickly, my movements fueled by anger and hurt. They followed, their apologies falling on deaf ears. I had made up my mind. Their sudden realization of their mistakes didn’t change my decision to leave. “We were wrong,” Hiraku admitted, his voice uncharacteristically soft. Anthony reached out, desperation in his eyes. “Please, don’t go.” But their words meant nothing now. I had endured enough. I zipped up my bag, slung it over my shoulder, and headed for the door. The time for second chances had passed, and my path was clear. I left the estate, took a taxi to the airport, and booked the next flight home. As the taxi sped away, I felt a mixture of relief and sadness. The sprawling estate disappeared from view, and I focused on the future. At the airport, I booked the earliest flight back to the States. Sitting in the departure lounge, I took a deep breath, ready to start anew. Back in the States, I put Anthony’s things in storage, making my house my own again. The first thing I did was pack up his belongings. It felt like a necessary step to reclaim my space. As I sorted through his things, I felt a sense of closure. I arranged for storage and returned to my now Anthony-free home. It was liberating to finally have my space back. Moving on was easier than I thought; I soon found someone new and fell deeply in love. Life has a way of surprising you when you least expect it. I met someone who appreciated me for who I was. Our connection was immediate and genuine. The pain of the past began to fade as I embraced this new relationship. Happiness found me once again, stronger and more resilient. I met my new partner’s parents at the first chance, relieved they genuinely liked me. This time, I was nervous but hopeful. Their warmth and acceptance were a stark contrast to what I had experienced before. “It’s so nice to finally meet you,” his mother said with a genuine smile. The evening was filled with laughter and ease, and I felt a sense of belonging that had been missing. My experience with Anthony’s family was a lesson, but I found happiness in a more accepting relationship. Looking back, I realized how much I had grown. Anthony’s family had taught me the importance of being true to myself and seeking relationships where I was valued. In my new relationship, I found not just love, but also respect and acceptance. I had finally found my place, and it felt like home.