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. But today, I wanted her to shine.
“Come on,” I said, linking my arm with hers. “Let’s go knock ’em dead.”
The ceremony was a blur. Michael’s eyes locked on mine as I walked down the aisle, and before I knew it, we were saying “I do.” As we turned to face our guests, I caught sight of my new mother-in-law, Vivian, in her extravagant, bejeweled gown.
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.”
“Thanks, Mom. I — ”
“Well, well,” a voice cut in. Vivian appeared, champagne glass in hand. “Evelyn, dear, that’s certainly an… interesting choice of attire.”
Mom’s cheeks flushed. “Oh, thank you. Your dress is lovely too, Vivian.”
Vivian’s lips curled into a smirk. “Yes, well, some of us like to make an effort for important occasions.”
I opened my mouth to retaliate, but Mom squeezed my arm. “Sophia, why don’t you go dance with Michael? It’s your special day.”
Reluctantly, I left them, but kept an eye on Mom throughout the night. She seemed to grow smaller, retreating to the corners of the room.
***
The next morning, as Michael and I were having breakfast, my phone buzzed. It was my cousin, Jen.
“Hey, how’s the newlywed?” she asked.
“Great! Though I’m exhausted.”
“I bet. Listen, I need to tell you something…”
As Jen recounted what she’d overheard at the wedding, my blood began to boil. Vivian had called my mother ugly? To other guests?
“I’m so sorry, Sophia,” Jen said. “I didn’t want to ruin your night…”
“No, I’m glad you told me. Thanks, Jen.”
I hung up and turned to Michael, my hands shaking with anger. “Your mother called my mom ugly at our wedding.”
His face fell. “What? Are you sure?”
“Jen overheard her. Wow, I can’t believe this!”
Michael ran a hand through his hair. “Look, I’ll talk to her, okay? She shouldn’t have said that.”
But I was already formulating a plan. “No, I’ve got this.”