My son took the microphone at his $19,000 wedding, which I paid for, and thanked his mother-in-law, calling her his “real mother.” A deathly silence fell over the room. I didn’t say a word… until I caused a moment he’ll regret for the rest of his life.

The change in tactics was obvious. He could no longer pretend it was just a family misunderstanding. Now he knew he was dealing with a woman with the resources to do whatever she wanted.

“You’re right,” I agreed. “You need time for the same thing, especially since there’s more news.”

I took another document out of my bag.

“I’ve decided to move to Europe. I’ve already bought an apartment in Barcelona.”

The three faces expressed horror.

“I’m leaving in two weeks.”

“You can’t leave,” Ethan shouted. “This is your home. Your family is here.”

The desperation in her voice was palpable.

“Ethan,” I replied, “my home is where I’m respected. My family are the people who value me. Apparently, that’s not the case here.”

Ashley clung to Ethan’s arm.

“Tell him not to leave. Tell him we’ll do whatever it takes.”

It was pathetic to see how money changed her attitude towards me. The same woman who had told me she didn’t need much money was now begging me not to leave.

“There’s only one thing that would make me reconsider this decision,” I said slowly.

The three of them leaned forward, filled with hope.

“I want Ethan to apologize publicly. I want him to record a video explaining exactly what he did wrong at the wedding and why he regrets it, and to post it on social media.”

Ethan zbladł.

Public recording? That would be humiliating.

The irony was perfect. He had publicly humiliated me. But now that it was his turn, the humiliation suddenly became intolerable.

—Exactly —I replied—. Now you understand how I felt.

Carol intervened quickly.

“That’s reasonable. Ethan can make this movie.”

But Ethan shook his head.

“I can’t do this. My friends, my coworkers, everyone will see it.”

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