I wasn’t invited to my daughter’s wedding in Paris — the same wedding I helped pay for…

Mom, he said, stepping inside before I could speak. Why aren’t you answering your phone? Emily’s freaking out. I shut the door calmly.

Hello to you too. He sighed, already pacing. She says you’re not coming to the wedding now, that you’re being difficult.

I laughed, difficult. For not attending a wedding I was uninvited from? He shifted uncomfortably. Andrew’s parents are footing most of the bill, mom, you know how traditional they are.

I raised an eyebrow. Traditional? I already paid $30,000. I was about to give $50,000 more.

That’s not tradition, that’s a B-out. He froze. Wait, you were sending another $50? Was, I said, sipping my wine.

But not anymore. Luke’s face went pale. Mom, they’re counting on that.

The venue, the food, the… Not my problem anymore, I said evenly. His voice rose. Of course it’s your problem, she’s your daughter.

And I’m her mother, I said quietly. A mother who was told to stay home and watch from a screen. He ran his hands through his hair, visibly agitated, you always make everything about yourself.

And that was it. That was the moment something inside me finally gave way. Get out of my house.

What? You heard me Luke, get out. Mom? No, I said, firm but soft. I’ve given everything I had, and I’m done being the villain in a story I wrote with love.

Luke stood there for a second longer, then turned and walked out. The door clicked behind him quietly, but it felt louder than any slam. I stood in the middle of my living room, heart pounding and realized something startling.

I didn’t feel guilty. I felt free. The next morning I woke up to 43 missed calls, and a string of frantic messages from Emily.

They started with passive-aggressive, aggressive guilt. Mom, we need to talk. Why are you doing this? This is childish.

Then the tone shifted. The venue just called. The payment didn’t go through.

We’re going to lose everything if we don’t pay by tomorrow. Andrew’s parents are furious. They said this proves they were right about you…