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…

“No,” Anna said firmly. “I spent three months planning this night. I won’t let Margaret steal my celebration.”

She walked to the musicians and asked them to play. Then she turned to the emcee. “Max, let’s keep the program going. We haven’t cut the cake.”

Max, hiding his surprise, nodded. “Absolutely, Anna! Ladies and gentlemen, time for the sweetest part of the evening.”

Waiters wheeled out a grand cake with lit candles. The band struck up “Happy Birthday.” Guests, hesitant at first, then with growing enthusiasm, sang along. Anna stood before the cake, staring at the flickering flames. They reflected the past two years—hopes, disappointments, pain, humiliations.

And now, the climax. “Make a wish,” Ellen whispered beside her. Anna closed her eyes.

What could she wish for? Steven’s return? A magical fix? Margaret’s disappearance? No. None of that. She opened her eyes, took a deep breath, and blew out the candles in one determined puff.

Guests clapped. “What’d you wish for?” Olivia asked as waiters sliced the cake.

Anna smiled, this time for real. “Freedom. I wished for freedom.”

The room’s atmosphere gradually thawed. Guests returned to tables, speaking softly but without the earlier tension. Anna mingled, thanking people for coming, accepting belated congratulations. She moved mechanically, part of her still reeling, but another part, long suppressed, finally breathing free. Ellen sat quietly, watching her daughter.

When Anna returned, Ellen took her hand. “Mom,” Anna said softly, “you didn’t have to…”

“I did,” Ellen interrupted gently. “I stayed quiet too long, watching you wilt in this marriage. Now everyone knows.”

“And what?” Ellen shrugged. “Truth beats lies, sweetie. Always.”

Anna studied her mother, this simple woman who’d worked tirelessly to give her an education, who never complained, who endured disdain from people like Margaret. “You’re incredible,” Anna said quietly. “I’ve never seen you so… fierce.”

Ellen smiled softly. “It was time. I couldn’t watch that woman tear you down anymore. Especially using my job as a weapon.”

“You’re not ashamed of your work, are you?” Anna asked suddenly.

“Never,” Ellen said firmly. “I’m proud I gave you a good life with my own hands. I may clean floors, but you got a degree, a good job. That’s my greatest win.”

Anna hugged her tightly, tears welling. “Thank you for everything.”

The party continued for another hour. Guests left gradually, bidding Anna warm goodbyes. Their eyes held sympathy but also respect. She hadn’t crumbled or fled in tears; she’d held her ground. When the last guest departed, Anna and Ellen remained in the empty room. Waiters cleared dishes, musicians packed up.

“Come to my place,” Ellen offered. “I don’t want you alone tonight.”

Anna shook her head. “No, Mom. I’m going home. I need to think.”

“Sure?” Ellen asked, concerned. “What if Steven comes back?”

“He won’t,” Anna said confidently. “Not tonight. He’s busy consoling his mommy.”

Ellen sighed. “Fine. Call me when you get home. Anytime.”

Anna agreed, hugged her mother goodbye, and called a cab. In the backseat, watching the city lights flash by, she realized tonight truly marked a new chapter. Not as planned, but maybe as it needed to be.

The driver, an older man with kind eyes, glanced at her in the rearview mirror. “Celebrating something? You’re dressed so elegantly.”

Anna met his gaze and smiled. “Yeah. Tonight, I’m celebrating my liberation.”..