The planning took months. I booked the venue, arranged catering, hired entertainment, and paid every bill, over $10,000 gone in a blink. It was all for my mother-in-law’s 60th birthday, a party her own kids barely acknowledged, let alone paid for. Still, I did it because I thought I was part of the family. But the day before the party, my husband told me I wasn’t welcome; his mom didn’t want “drama.” That’s when it hit me: I wasn’t family. I was just the ATM. So I made one phone call, and by morning, everything had already started to unravel...
As I sat on the sofa, my phone felt heavier in my hand with each passing second. I couldn't quite wrap my head around what was happening. The room was silent except for the ticking clock, making everything feel more surreal. I read the message again, hoping for some clarity that never came. 'You're not invited,' it said. My heart tightened, a mix of confusion and betrayal swirling inside me, which didn't make any sense.
Peter couldn’t sit still. He paced the room, throwing his hands up in the air every few steps. 'Look, Mia, it’s just what she wants,' he said, trying to justify the unjustifiable. 'Mom thinks it’s best if you don’t come.' My mind went blank, his words bouncing off me like rubber balls. 'And you’re okay with this?' I asked, barely recognizing my voice. His silence filled the room like a dense fog, leaving me without answers.