“You No Longer Have a Mother,” Cried the Mother-in-Law

Peter had always been a devoted son. His mother, Ariana, had raised him single-handedly after his father’s untimely death, and their bond was unbreakable—or so he thought. As Peter grew into a successful architect, he made sure his mother was cared for and happy. He often expressed his gratitude, telling her she was the best mother anyone could ask for.

When Peter met Zoey, he was smitten. She was vibrant, intelligent, and seemed to understand him in a way no one else did. After a whirlwind romance, Peter decided Zoey was the one. He proposed, and she joyfully accepted. The only step left was introducing her to his mother, a moment he anticipated with a mix of excitement and anxiety.

The day arrived, and Peter could sense the tension the moment he opened the door to his childhood home, with Zoey by his side. Ariana greeted them warmly, but her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. Dinner was a quiet affair, with Ariana asking Zoey polite, yet pointed questions. Peter tried to lighten the mood, reminiscing about his childhood and praising his mother’s sacrifices and love.

As they were clearing the table, Ariana’s demeanor shifted. “You know, Peter,” she began, her voice trembling slightly, “hearing you talk about the past… it makes me realize how much I’ve given up for you. And now, you’re ready to start a new life with someone else.”

Peter was taken aback. “Mom, Zoey is wonderful. I thought you’d be happy for me.”

Ariana’s eyes welled up with tears. “I am, but it’s hard. It feels like I’m losing you. You say I’m the best, but if that were true, wouldn’t you want to keep me closer?”

Before Peter could reply, the doorbell rang. It was Zoey’s parents, Vincent and David, who had come to meet Ariana and celebrate the engagement. The evening grew more strained as Ariana’s mood darkened.

After dinner, as Zoey and her parents were about to leave, Ariana pulled Peter aside. “Remember, you no longer have a mother,” she whispered bitterly, her voice breaking. “You’ve chosen your new family over me.”

Stunned, Peter watched as his mother retreated to her room, leaving him to say goodbye to Zoey and her parents alone. The drive back to his apartment was silent. Zoey, sensing the tension, didn’t press him for details.

Over the next few weeks, Peter’s attempts to reconcile with Ariana were met with coldness. She refused to attend their wedding, and slowly, their once unbreakable bond frayed and tore. Peter was left grappling with the loss of his mother’s presence in his life, a void that no amount of success or love could fill.

The wedding was bittersweet. As Peter stood beside Zoey, promising to cherish her all his days, his heart ached for his mother. He realized then that some wounds might never fully heal, and the cost of moving forward was sometimes greater than anticipated.