Oh, you wont believe what happened at my weddingit turned into an absolute circus! Everything started even before the ceremony. My mother-in-law, Margaret, decided that since shes single and “still young and gorgeous,” she deserved to be my maid of honour. I tried to argue, but for my fiancé Olivers sake, I gave in. “Whats the worst that could happen?” I thought. “Its just tradition, after all.”
But then the worst *did* happen.
Margaret showed up in a long white dress. *White!* The kind of dress youd expect the *bride* to wear. At one point, she literally snatched my bouquet out of my hands and stood next to me like *she* was the one everyone should be staring at. I was fighting back tears and flat-out refused to take photos with her.
And then came the real disaster.
We were at the altar in St. Pauls, saying our vows, when the vicar asked, “If anyone knows of any reason why these two should not be joined in marriage, let them speak now.”
And Margaret *raised her hand.*
“I object,” she announced, loud enough for the whole church to hear. “Hes my only son, and Im not handing him over to another woman. Oliver, darling, lets just go home. Why do you even need this wedding?”
The guests gaspedsome even giggled. Oliver froze, completely lost for words. I was *fuming,* but in that moment, I came up with the perfect way to shut her down.
Keeping my cool, I turned to her and said, loud and clear, “Mum, have you forgotten your medication again? The doctor *warned* youif you skip a dose, you start getting confused. Let me get you some water, and youll feel better. This *is* our wedding, after all! Im your daughter-in-law, and thats your son. Dont you remember me?”
Then, to the guests, I added, “Im so sorryshes been unwell lately and doesnt always realise what shes saying. Father, please carry on. She doesnt mean any of this.”
“But Im *not* ill!” Margaret protested.
“Of course youre not,” I said gently. “You just missed your pills. Itll all be fine once youve had them.”
She went quiet, shuffled back to her seat, and the ceremony carried on. We got married, and in that moment, I learned something: sometimes, youve got to play a little dirty to protect your happiness.