‘It’s Just A Meeting, My Son Said When I Didn’t Receive An Invitation To His Big Engagement Party. So I Transferred Back The $25k From The Honeymoon Fund And Updated The Flights I Had Arranged For Them.

At 55, she was only a few years younger than me, but presented a study in contrasts. Her carefully maintained appearance speaking of regular cosmetic procedures. Her clothing expressing the casual luxury of significant wealth.

“I’ll be direct,” she began after preliminary pleasantries. “James has told us about your reaction to the engagement party arrangements. I want to clear the air before this situation affects the wedding planning.”

“I appreciate your directness,” I responded, matching her tone.

“Though I’m curious why this conversation is happening now rather than before the engagement celebration.”

Margaret’s smile tightened almost imperceptibly. “The party was necessarily limited by venue capacity. We had obligations to Richard’s business associates and our social circle that couldn’t be overlooked.”

“Of course,” I said.

Not bothering to point out that venues with 200 guests could surely accommodate one more. Just as I had obligations to myself that couldn’t be overlooked when it came to providing funds for a honeymoon. Her carefully composed expression flickered.

“I understand you’re upset.”

“No,” I interrupted gently. “I’m not upset. Not anymore.”

“I’ve simply adjusted my expectations and priorities.”

“The funds I had set aside for James and Vanessa’s honeymoon have been reallocated to my own travel and life experiences.”

“My home is being sold so I can downsize to something that better suits my current needs.”

“These aren’t emotional reactions, Margaret.

They’re rational realignments.”

She studied me with new calculation, visibly reassessing the situation. “I see. And what would it take to realign things back to their original arrangement?”

“The wedding is only five months away, and the young couple had been counting on certain contributions.”

The transactional nature of her approach clarified everything.

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