Moments before Amy and Andrew are about to say their vows in front of a church full of their closest friends and family, Andrew's mother appears, pounding at the church doors. When she's let in, there's an interesting guest on her arm.
As I stood at the altar, waiting for the pastor to allow Andrew and me to begin our vows, I finally felt at peace.
It had taken a lot to get here. My future mother-in-law, Ellen, didn't like me, even though I respected her completely. She had raised Andrew and his brothers alone, working long hours in a clothing factory.
When Andrew introduced me to her, Ellen was lovely. But after he proposed, she changed completely.
To be honest, it was a miracle that Andrew and I were actually getting married. Ellen put me through hell. She snooped in my closet one evening and searched my Facebook account for incriminating messages.
She did it all.
Andrew squeezed my hand — a reassurance that he was right there, bringing me back to the present. If anything, I should have been the one to reassure him. His mother hadn't bothered to turn up at our wedding.
Bride and groom at altar | Source: Pexels
As if on cue, we heard someone pounding at the church doors.
"Let me in!" Ellen's voice rang loud and clear as she continued to bang on the doors.
"You've got to be kidding me," Andrew sighed.
And that was how my mother-in-law entered my wedding.
It was straight out of a daytime drama.
While she had always been a thorn in my side, I didn't think she would take matters this far. Andrew's brothers hurried to the door and opened it, letting their mother in.
She was red-faced, and her hair had fallen out of place. Beside her was Michelle, Andrew's ex-girlfriend. The person Ellen always dreamed Andrew would end up with.
Church door from outside | Source: Unsplash
The gasps from our guests were audible, a wave of whispers washing over the church as Ellen pulled Michelle down the aisle.
I locked eyes with my mother, who had no clue what was going on.
Who is that? she mouthed to me.
"Why is she here?" I whispered to Andrew, my heart racing.
Before he could answer, Ellen's voice cut through the murmurs, sharp and clear.
"Pastor Richard," she called out. "Have you performed the ceremony yet?"
The pastor shook his head.
"Not to completion," he said slowly, choosing his words carefully. "It's time for the vows."
Person holding a Bible | Source: Pexels
Ellen nodded. She looked at Michelle and beamed at her, still holding onto her hand.
"Andrew," Ellen said, loud enough for everyone to hear. "I thought that you should have a choice in who you're marrying. It's not too late to change your mind."
The entire church stood still. Every guest held their breath. I looked at my mother again — her mouth was wide in shock.
Ellen's audacity left me speechless.
Andrew let go of my hand abruptly and stepped forward.
"Mom," he began firmly. "What are you doing?"
"I'm saving you from Amy," she said coldly. "She'll never make you happy. She earns too little but wants a lavish life. That will drag you down, son. Michelle is here, ready to take you back."
People holding hands | Source: Pixabay
Andrew's gaze shifted from his mother to his ex-girlfriend, resting on her for a moment.
"I love Amy," he said loudly. "She's the woman I'm spending my life with. You need to accept that, Mom. Or you can leave. But remember, if you leave, I don't think you can be a part of our lives again."
I sighed. That was what I needed to hear. I needed Andrew to stand up to Ellen for me. Otherwise, I didn't know how I was going to exist in their family.
Ellen's face went through a series of emotions — anger, disbelief, and finally, resignation.
"Andrew," she said. "I just wanted the best for you."
Michelle, who had been silent, finally spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Ellen," she said. "I never wanted to come between them. I'm sorry."
And with that, she left, leaving a stunned silence in her wake.
Person walking away | Source: Pexels
My mother-in-law took her seat, beside my mother, who looked livid.
Andrew returned to my side, his touch reassuring as he placed his arm around my waist.
Later, at the reception, Ellen approached us before our first dance.
"I'm sorry," she said, her eyes never quite meeting ours.
Andrew nodded, the tension easing slightly.
"We'll work through this, Mom," he said. "But it has to be with respect for my choices. And respect for my wife."
When our song began to play, Andrew steered me to the dance floor.
I wanted to believe that everything was going to be okay. I loved him, and I loved our life together. But I knew I wouldn't be able to look at Ellen the same way. Even if Andrew forgave her, I didn't think I would be able to.
Couple having their first dance | Source: Unsplash
Would you have continued the wedding ceremony?
Here's another story for you. My son went from being a young husband and father to a cheater and absent father. When my grandson was born with Down Syndrome, Mike took it upon himself to ruin his relationship with Tommy's mother, Jane. And then he left. Only for me to find out that he was marrying again.