At my wedding, my mother-in-law called my shy mom “ugly,” and I couldn’t let it slide. My plan for revenge seemed perfect, but as the fallout began, I realized I might have crossed a line I couldn’t come back from.
I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my veil for the hundredth time. My hands were shaking — nerves, excitement, who knows? Mom came up behind me, her eyes misty.
“You look beautiful, Sophia,” she said softly.
I turned to face her, taking in her simple dark dress. “Thanks, Mom. You look lovely too.”
She fidgeted with the hem of her dress. “Are you sure it’s not too plain?”
“It’s perfect,” I assured her. “You’re perfect.”
Mom smiled, but I could see the uncertainty in her eyes. She’d always been shy, preferring to blend into the background.
At the reception, I was floating on cloud nine. Michael and I made our rounds, greeting guests and accepting congratulations. I noticed Mom standing alone by the punch bowl, looking uncomfortable.
I made my way over. “Having fun?”
She nodded, but her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Of course, dear. Your dress is stunning.”
As we left Mom’s house, I felt somewhat ashamed, but also relieved. Michael squeezed my hand.
“So, what now?” he asked.
I took a deep breath. “Now, I guess I need to make this right. Even if your mom doesn’t deserve it.”
He nodded. “We’ll do it together.”
The next day, we invited Vivian over. She swept into our apartment, her face a storm cloud.
“Well?” she demanded. “Are you going to fix those atrocious photos?”
I took a deep breath. “Vivian, I owe you an apology. I asked the photographer to edit those photos to make you look bad.”
Her eyes widened in shock, then narrowed in fury. “How dare you — ”
“I’m not finished,” I cut in. “I did it because I found out what you said about my mother at the wedding. Calling her ugly? That was cruel and uncalled for.”
Vivian’s mouth opened and closed like a fish. Michael stepped in.
He squeezed my hand. “Deal.”
I leaned back in my seat, thinking about the journey we’d been on. From a perfect wedding day to family drama and back again. It wasn’t easy, but maybe that’s what family was all about — the messy, complicated, beautiful reality of loving people, flaws and all.
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