My son took the mic at the $19,000 wedding I paid for and thanked his mother-in-law as his “real mom.” The room froze. I didn’t say a word… until I delivered the moment he’ll regret forever.

“Moving? Where to? Why didn’t you tell me anything?”

I could hear Ashley in the background asking what was wrong.

“I didn’t think it was necessary to inform you. After all, as you made very clear at your wedding, I am not your real mother.”

There was an awkward silence.

“Mom, don’t be dramatic. You know I love you. It’s just that… well, Carol has been like a second mother to me.”

Those words confirmed what I already knew. To Ethan, I was replaceable.

“Ethan,” I said, “if you need me, my new number is with Mr. Miller. He has all my updated information.”

“Mr. Miller? Why do you have a lawyer? Mom, you’re scaring me.”

For the first time in months, I detected insecurity in his voice.

“I’m just putting my affairs in order, son. At 70 years old, it’s the responsible thing to do.”

I hung up before he could respond.

That afternoon, I settled into my new home. The penthouse was a dream come true. From the terrace, I could see the entire city spread out at my feet. The decorators had done an excellent job: elegant furniture, silk curtains, a kitchen equipped with state-of-the-art appliances. I poured myself a glass of French wine, a bottle that cost more than I used to spend on a week’s worth of groceries, and sat in my new living room.

For the first time in decades, I felt in control of my life. No more living and waiting for scraps of affection from Ethan. No more accepting humiliation from Ashley. No more being invisible to Carol.

On the third day in my new apartment, my phone rang. It was an unknown number.

“Stephanie, this is Carol, Ashley’s mom.”

Continue reading…