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.

The party continued. Ethan and Ashley danced their first dance as husband and wife. Carol recorded them on her phone, emotional like a proud grandmother. I remained seated, watching my son live the most important day of his life without even acknowledging my presence.

Around midnight, I decided to leave. I went over to Ethan to say goodbye.

“I’m leaving, son. It was a beautiful wedding.”

He barely looked up from his conversation with Ashley’s friends.

“Oh, yeah. Thanks for coming.”

As if I were just any other guest. As if I hadn’t financed every detail of the celebration.

Ashley intercepted me on my way to the exit.

“Stephanie, before you go, I wanted to ask you a favor.”

My heart filled with hope. Maybe she wanted to thank me. Maybe she wanted to acknowledge my sacrifice.

“Ethan and I are planning to buy a house after the honeymoon. Something big with a yard in an exclusive neighborhood. We know you have some more savings put away.”

I froze.

“Ashley, I just spent all my savings on this wedding.”

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