At my sister’s wedding, she mocked me in her speech: «My sister is a single mother, unwanted by anyone.» The room laughed. My mom added, «She’s a used product!» Then the groom stood up and grabbed the mic. The room froze…

Still, deep down, I hoped they’d eventually see me, not just as a single mom, but as someone worth loving. Maybe that’s why, when I got Vivian’s wedding invitation, I said yes, even though I wasn’t part of the bridal party, even though my name was spelled wrong on the RSVP card, even though I had to rent my dress and do my own hair in the bathroom mirror while Luca practiced smiling in his little tie. I told myself it was foreclosure, that maybe, just maybe, this was my family’s way of extending a quiet olive branch.

The venue was beautiful, white roses everywhere, gold-accented tableware, a string quartet playing in the distance. Vivian looked like she belonged in a bridal magazine. She was all smiles and sparkle, basking in every compliment and camera flash.

When she passed me, her smile faltered. You made it, she said, like she hadn’t expected me to. She looked down at Luca and added, he’s getting big.

No hug, no warmth, just small talk, then back to the spotlight. Judith didn’t acknowledge me at all. She walked past me like I was one of the servers, but Luca was glowing.

He thought the chandelier looked like a spaceship. He whispered that Vivian looked like a princess, and when I saw how happy he was just being there, I decided to stay for the reception, even though I could feel that familiar ache of not belonging settle in my chest. I found our table, table nine near the back by the restrooms.

I laughed to myself, fitting. We ate our salads. I helped Luca with his tie when he got chocolate mousse on it.

I avoided eye contact with my mother and tried not to listen when I heard my name whispered across clinking glasses. Then the speeches started, and I realized this night wasn’t gonna be about family unity or forgiveness. It was going to be another stage for Vivian to shine, and I was about to become her punchline.

It started the way most wedding speeches do, warm, sugary, just a touch over-rehearsed. Vivian stood up with perfect posture, holding a champagne flute in her freshly manicured hand. Her dress shimmered under the reception lights, and the room instantly hushed in anticipation.

She smiled, pausing just long enough for everyone to settle. I wanna thank all of you for being here, she began. It’s the happiest day of my life, and I’m surrounded by the people who mean everything to me.

I watched from the back table, trying to convince myself that I was included in that sentence. Luca was perched on the edge of his chair beside me, kicking his legs, completely enchanted by the whole fairy tale of it. Vivian continued, speaking sweetly about her new husband Callum, about love, timing, and fate.

I relaxed a little. Maybe, just maybe, this speech wouldn’t turn into something cruel. Then she shifted.

And of course, she said with a sly smile, I wanna give a shout out to my big sister, Alara. You’ve always been such a strong example. The spotlight moved.

I could feel eyes turning toward me. I sat up a little straighter. I smiled politely.

Vivian continued, her voice light but pointed. She’s the bravest woman I know. She raised a child on her own.

No husband, no partner, just her and, well, whoever was kind enough to babysit. The room chuckled. My stomach tightened.

But seriously, she added, it’s incredible how she’s managed. A single mom, unwanted by anyone, but still showing up. Laughter, real, loud, unfiltered laughter.

I felt the breath leave my body. My cheeks flushed hot. My hands froze around the napkin in my lap.

I glanced at Luca. He was frowning, confused, glancing around like he was trying to understand why people were laughing at his mom. Then came the worst part.

My mother, Judith, laughed louder than anyone. She leaned toward her tablemates and added, just loud enough to carry. She’s a used product, but she still polishes up well.

Another wave of laughter, the kind that didn’t even try to hide its cruelty. My vision blurred for a second. It felt like being slapped, except no one had touched me.

Everyone just laughed around me like it was normal, like it was acceptable to mock a woman who had spent nearly a decade working herself to the bone to raise her son with dignity and warmth, like being alone made me less. I looked down at Luca. His smile had vanished.

He leaned into me, whispering, why did she say that? What does she mean? I wanted to answer, but I couldn’t find the words. I couldn’t protect him from this moment. I couldn’t shield him from the way our family saw me.

That kind of pain doesn’t hide well. My heart raced. I looked around the room for an exit, for someone who might step in, someone who might say, enough…