When Alexandra’s mother-in-law arrived at her wedding in a white dress, insisting she deserved attention, Alexandra expected chaos. But her husband had a plan to turn things around in a way no one expected.
“These flowers have to be perfect,” Linda said, arranging them with exaggerated care. “After all, it’s a big day for the family.”
An elderly woman surrounded by flowers | Source: Pexels
An elderly woman surrounded by flowers | Source: Pexels
I sat at the dining table, sipping my tea and trying to stay calm.
My father smiled at her. “Linda has an eye for this kind of thing,” he said.
I forced a smile. “They look good, Linda,” I replied.
A young woman | Source: Midjourney
A young woman | Source: Midjourney
My stepmother, Linda, came into my life when I was ten years old, after my mother passed away. She loved being the center of attention, and today was no exception.
She tended the flowers, making sure every petal was in the right place. Her movements were spectacular, as if she were on stage. I wondered what role she would try to play at the wedding.
An elderly woman taking a photo with flowers | Source: Pexels
An elderly woman taking a photo with flowers | Source: Pexels
“Are you excited about the wedding, Dad?” I asked, hoping to change the subject.
He nodded, his eyes shining. “Very excited, Alexandra. It’s going to be a wonderful day.”
Linda added, “Yes, and everything has to be perfect. It’s not every day we have such a big event.”
Wedding Arrangements | Source: Midjourney
Wedding Arrangements | Source: Midjourney
I nodded, but my mind was elsewhere. I knew Linda would find a way to make the day center around her. She always did.
I remembered birthdays and holidays where she would make sure she was the star of the show, leaving me in the shadows.
As Linda continued to tend to the flowers, my anxiety grew. I wanted to enjoy the wedding, but with Linda around, it was always a challenge.
An elderly woman | Source: Midjourney
An elderly woman | Source: Midjourney
“Do you need help, Linda?” I asked her, trying to be polite.
She shook her head. “No, no, my dear. I have everything under control.”
“Okay,” I said, forcing a smile. “I’m going, Dad. I have to go somewhere.”
An elderly woman confidently taking a photo | Source: Midjourney
An elderly woman confidently taking a photo | Source: Midjourney
I met Sarah, my best friend and maid of honor, at the wedding planner’s office.
“Why does the bride look so sad?” she asked, hugging me.
“I guess I’m just nervous.”
“Don’t be; you’re going to have the best day! Now come on, we’re late.”
Two friends share a hug | Source: Pexels
Two friends share a hug | Source: Pexels
We entered the office of Grace, the wedding planner.
“Well, uh, your mother-in-law asked to sit in the front row and insisted on making a speech during the reception, Alexandra,” she said, looking up from her notes.
I was stunned. Linda and I had talked about it. How could she?
A worried woman | Source: Pexels
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