At my anniversary, my mother-in-law raised her glass: «To the daughter of a cleaning lady who got married successfully!» My husband was choking with laughter and filming it on his phone. My mother stood up and said three words, after which my mother-in-law turned pale…

Steven pulled out his phone, snapping photos of the empty room. “Sending these to Mom,” he explained. “She wanted to see the setup.”

Anna swallowed a sigh. Even now, Margaret loomed over them. Anna’s colleagues arrived first, a lively group with balloons and a big gift box. Olivia, her closest work friend, hugged her. “God, you look stunning!” she exclaimed, admiring Anna’s dress. “Like a sea goddess!”

Guests trickled in after. High school friends with spouses, distant cousins, college buddies. Anna greeted each with a genuine smile, guiding them to tables, thanking them for their congratulations. At six-thirty, Ellen arrived. She entered hesitantly, scanning the luxurious setting, clearly out of her element. She wore a simple navy dress, hair in a neat bun, minimal makeup on a face marked by years of hard work.

“Mom!” Anna rushed to her, embracing her. “You look beautiful!” Ellen smiled shyly. “New dress from the department store. Not too plain for a place like this?”

“It’s perfect!” Anna assured, taking her arm. “Come, I’m seating you next to me.” Ellen pulled a small box from her purse. “Here, sweetie, not gold, but from the heart.”

Inside was a silver bracelet with a tiny angel charm. “To protect you,” Ellen explained. Anna’s eyes stung. She knew this gift cost her mother months of scrimping.

“Thank you, Mom,” she whispered, fastening it on her wrist. “I’ll never take it off.”

By seven, the room was nearly full. Only Margaret was missing, her absence like the calm before a storm. “Where’s your mom?” Anna asked Steven as waiters served appetizers.

He shrugged. “She said she’d be here any minute. You know she likes to make an entrance.”

As if on cue, the doors swung open, and Margaret swept in. She wore a deep burgundy gown embroidered with beads, a chunky necklace, and an elaborate updo with a gem-studded hairpin. She paused at the entrance, letting everyone take in her appearance.

“Steven!” she called, arms wide. Steven jumped up, leaving Anna, and hurried to his mother. He hugged her, kissed her cheek, and took her arm.

“Mom, you look amazing!” he said admiringly. “New dress?” “Yes, for such an occasion,” Margaret purred, letting him lead her through the room. “I wanted to match the event’s caliber.”

She nodded to acquaintances, greeted those she knew, and ignored the rest. Her gaze flicked to Ellen, lingered briefly, and moved on, as if she were furniture. Approaching Anna, Margaret barely brushed her cheek with a kiss. “Happy birthday, dear. You didn’t forget my special menu, did you? I’m on a diet.”

“Of course,” Anna replied, forcing a smile as her face tensed. “It’s all arranged.”

Margaret strode to the table and, without waiting for an invitation, took the chair next to Anna’s reserved spot. “Steven, sit by me!” she commanded, patting the chair beside her. Steven nodded, not glancing at his wife, and sat between his mother and a friend. Anna had to sit on Margaret’s other side, sandwiched between her and her own mother. Margaret immediately began inspecting the room like a seasoned auditor.

She adjusted the tablecloth, nudged a glass a fraction, and shook her head at the floral centerpiece. “Interesting choice of flowers,” she said loudly enough for nearby tables to hear. “In my day, orchids were standard for serious events.”

Anna took a deep breath. “I love peonies and lisianthus. They’re delicate and elegant.”

“Of course,” Margaret replied. “Everyone has their taste. By the way, the menu here is outrageously expensive. Steven showed me the list. Are you sure you can afford this?”

Steven, chatting with his friend, missed the jab. “I work and can afford a nice party once a year,” Anna said firmly. Margaret smiled thinly.

“Naturally, I’m just concerned about your budget. You’re still saving for a house.” Anna and Steven had rented their apartment for two years, saving for a down payment. Margaret knew this was a sore spot. Thankfully, the musicians started playing, and the emcee announced the evening’s start. Anna shot him a grateful smile. Perfect timing.

Waiters served appetizers, and champagne flowed. The emcee, a young man in a bow tie named Max, introduced himself and gave the first toast to the birthday girl. “Dear guests! We’re here to celebrate Anna’s milestone. Thirty is when a woman blooms fully, blending youth with wisdom.” Guests applauded, raising glasses.

Anna smiled, feeling the tension ease. The night was just beginning, and she could soak in the warmth of friends. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Margaret scrutinizing her separate salad plate. “Is this salmon?” she asked the waiter. “I requested trout. Salmon’s glycemic index is too high for my diet.”

The young waiter glanced at Anna, unsure. “I’ll check with the kitchen, ma’am.” “Please do,” Margaret snapped, pushing the plate away. “And bring me still water, not bottled, in a pitcher with ice and a lemon slice.”

Ellen, watching the exchange, whispered to Anna, “Don’t mind her, sweetie. Enjoy your party.” Anna squeezed her mother’s hand. Ellen was her anchor, always calm, never causing trouble, supportive without fanfare.

After appetizers, the first gifts came. Colleagues gave Anna a spa voucher and roses. Olivia, speaking for the office, gave a heartfelt speech about Anna’s kindness and how lucky they were to work with her. High school friends gifted luxury skincare and a scrapbook of school memories, sparking nostalgia. Steven sat by his mother, leaning in to whisper and laugh with her. He barely looked at his wife, as if her birthday was just an excuse to hang out with friends and his mom…