For three years, my in-laws treated me like an outsider. I didn’t have the pedigree or the wealth they thought their son deserved. So when my father-in-law surprised me with a luxury spa weekend, I thought maybe they were finally accepting me.
Halfway to the resort, my elderly neighbor called in a panic: “Jennifer, turn back! It’s a setup!” My heart raced as I sped home. When I walked through the unlocked door, I froze—candles, wine, and rose petals were everywhere.
And standing in the middle of it all was my mother-in-law… with my husband’s ex. It turned out my in-laws had lied, telling his ex that we were separated and trying to push me out of the picture. But when my husband came home and discovered their scheme, he did what I never expected—he told them to get out of our house and out of our lives.
For the first time, I realized I didn’t need their approval. My husband had chosen me—and that was enough. Later, he rebooked the spa weekend, but this time it was just for the two of us.
And as we drove there together, I finally felt like I belonged exactly where I was meant to be.
