My Daughter-In-Law Called Me “Too Involved.” When I Told My Son, He Said, “You Have To Apologize. My Marriage Has To Come First.” I Smiled And Replied, “Great. Now Handle Everything Yourselves.” I Canceled Their $65,000 Wedding, Took Back My House, And Sold The Car. Moments Later, I Heard A Loud Voice OUTSIDE MY DOOR…

I didn’t mean what I said yesterday. I was just trying to keep the peace.”

“By throwing me under the bus.”

“That’s not what I was doing—”

“Isn’t it?”

“When forced to choose between supporting your mother and appeasing your sister, you chose Sophia.”

“When asked to stand up for the woman who gave you everything, you told me to apologize for being called a pest.”

“That’s not keeping the peace, Ethan.”

“That’s cowardice.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, you’re not. You’re sorry you’re facing consequences.

There’s a difference.”

I stood up and walked to the front door, pressing my hand against the wood that separated us. On the other side, I could hear him crying—actually crying like he hadn’t done since he was a child. “You have 30 days to find somewhere else to live,” I said loudly enough for him to hear through the door.

“I suggest you use them wisely.”

“Mom, please.”

“Goodbye, Ethan.”

I walked away from the door and didn’t look back. By noon, my phone had rung 17 times. Sophia called six times.

Ethan called eight times. And Devon—Sophia’s fiancé—called three times. I didn’t answer any of them.

Instead, I drove to the country club for lunch. The maître d’ greeted me with his usual warm smile. “Mrs.

Hail, how lovely to see you. Will you be dining alone today?”

“Yes. At the usual table by the window.”

The dining room was full of the usual crowd—wealthy women my age discussing their children’s accomplishments and their husbands’ business deals.

I had been part of this world for over 30 years. I had helped plan their charity galas and attended their dinner parties. I had listened to them complain about ungrateful children and demanding spouses.

“Victoria.”

Margaret Weatherbee approached my table. Her face creased with concern. “I heard about the wedding.

Is everything all right?”

I smiled serenely. “Everything is perfect, Margaret. Sophia has decided she needs to take more responsibility for her own life.

Very mature of her, really.”

“But the invitations went out weeks ago.”

“Young people today change their minds so quickly. I’m sure everyone will understand.”

Margaret’s eyes narrowed slightly. She had known me long enough to recognize when I was hiding something.

But she was too polite to press. “Well, if there’s anything David and I can do to help—”

“Actually, there is something.”

“You mentioned that your nephew is looking for a rental property. I have a lovely house that just became available.

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