Our wedding reception should have been one of the happiest evenings of my life.

The venue was decorated with delicate white flowers, warm candlelight, and beautifully arranged tables.

Our friends were laughing.

Our families were celebrating.

I remember looking across the room at Ethan and thinking I had never been happier.

Then my mother stood to make a toast.

She lifted her champagne glass.

“To the newlyweds,” she began.

I smiled.

For one brief moment, I hoped she was finally going to say something kind.

Instead, she looked directly at Ethan.

“Personally, I give this marriage a year,” she announced. “Ethan, sweetheart, my daughter deserves someone who can provide much more than you ever will.”

The room fell silent.

A few guests exchanged uncomfortable glances.

Someone laughed nervously.

I felt my face burn.

My husband, however, remained composed.

He raised his glass slightly.

“Thank you, Linda,” he replied. “I won’t forget those words.”