I thought Leander was my perfect match, his love like a warm summer breeze. But his parents were a storm cloud I couldn’t shake. When they snubbed me in public, the hurt drove me to settle the score at our wedding rehearsal dinner. I never expected my daring move would turn everything upside down.
I’m Avalon, a biologist in my early thirties, content with a simple life despite my family’s hidden wealth. Leander and I had been engaged for a year, our love a steady glow that brightened my world. But his parents, Hestia and Orson, were always distant. Their forced smiles and cutting remarks made me feel like an outsider, leaving me wondering what I’d done to earn their scorn.
Last week, I was shopping for wedding decor when I spotted Hestia and Orson at an upscale restaurant, chatting with a young woman I didn’t recognize. Hoping to warm things up, I waved with a bright smile. But their expressions soured, and they turned away like I was invisible. The sting hit me like a punch, and I was done taking it.
That evening, I vented to my best friend, Tamsin, over coffee at my apartment. My hands trembled as I clutched my mug, anger spilling over.
“They just… ignored me!” I fumed, my voice quivering. “I waved like a fool, and they smirked, Tamsin—smirked!—then looked away like I was nothing. Who do they think they are?”
Tamsin’s eyes blazed with indignation. “That’s not just rude, Avalon. It’s vicious.”
I sank back, my chair groaning. “I’ve been racking my brain over why they despise me. I’m so over it.”
She leaned forward, her tone sharp. “They probably think you’re not worthy of their darling Leander. Total elitists.”
“But why?” I said, my brow furrowing. “I don’t flaunt it, but I’ve got a solid career!”
“They don’t know that,” Tamsin said, softening. “Have you told them about your work?”
I shook my head, resentment bubbling. “They never asked. I wanted them to accept me for me, not my job or… you know.”
Tamsin nodded, aware of my family’s business. “So, what’s your next move?”
A cunning smile crept across my face, fueled by the spark of revenge. “The rehearsal dinner’s next week. They’re in for a surprise.”
“Oh, Avalon,” Tamsin laughed, her eyes sparkling. “What are you scheming?”
“Let’s just say,” I said, my voice low and determined, “they’re about to get a dose of their own medicine.”
Her eyebrow arched, half thrilled, half wary. “Careful. This could blow up in your face.”
“I know it’s bold,” I said, my pulse quickening with nerves and resolve. “But I’m done being their punching bag. They need to see who I really am.”
“And who’s that?” Tamsin teased, grinning.
I smirked. “A woman who’s about to school her future in-laws.”
The week flew by, and soon it was time for the rehearsal dinner. I kept my plan from Leander—I didn’t want to strain his bond with his parents. As we stepped into the restaurant’s cozy ambiance, my heart thrummed. Hestia and Orson were there, treating me like I was air.
“Avalon!” My parents, Aldric and Rowena, called out, their voices a balm in the strained atmosphere.
“Mom, Dad!” I hugged them tightly, their warmth easing my tension. “So happy you’re here.”
Hestia and Orson glanced over, their icy facades wavering slightly. I hid a smirk, feeling my plan take root.
Leander greeted my parents with his effortless charm. “Dr. and Dr. Whitmore, great to see you!”
“None of that, Leander,” my dad chuckled, clapping his shoulder. “It’s Aldric and Rowena.”
I caught Hestia and Orson whispering, stealing glances at us. Time to shine.
We approached their table, and Hestia flashed a plastic smile. “Hello, I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Hestia, Leander’s mother, and this is my husband, Orson.”
I stared blankly, relishing their discomfort. “Sorry, have we met?”
Their faces stiffened, the air electric. Orson faltered, “But… we’re Leander’s parents. You know us, Avalon.”
I kept up my puzzled act, my tone sugary. “Leander, love, have I met your parents?”
Leander looked baffled. “Avalon, what? You’ve met them.”
Hestia’s cheeks flushed. “Avalon, we’re sorry, we didn’t—”
I cut her off with a sly grin, my heart soaring with sweet retribution. “Just teasing! I know you love playing pretend, like last week at that restaurant.”
The silence was golden. Leander’s eyes flicked between us, confused. “What’s this about?”
I took a steadying breath, my voice calm but pointed. “Your parents treated me like a stranger when I waved last week. So I gave them a taste of it.”
Leander’s jaw tightened, his gaze locking on his parents. “Mom, Dad, is that true?”
Orson shifted, shame creeping in. “We… didn’t mean to upset you, Avalon.”
“Really?” I said, eyebrow raised. “Because it felt like a knife in the back.”
Hestia stepped closer, her voice unsteady. “Avalon, we were wrong. Please forgive us.”
I held their gaze, cool and composed. “So I’m good enough for Leander now that you’ve met my parents?”
They flinched, my words striking true. Leander touched my arm, his voice soft. “Avalon, what does that mean?”
I turned to him, my heart bare. “They’ve treated me like I’m beneath you since we met, Leander. I think they judged me for my low-key life, assuming I wasn’t enough for you.”
His eyes showed he got it, and he faced his parents, stern. “Is that true?”
Hestia twisted her hands, her voice low. “We misjudged you, Avalon. We didn’t know you and jumped to conclusions.”
“We’re truly sorry,” Orson added, eyes downcast. “Can we make this right?”
I sighed, my anger softening. “Thanks for the apologies, but my value isn’t tied to my family or career. It’s a shame it took this to make you see that.”
They nodded, visibly uneasy. Leander squeezed my hand. “I didn’t know, Avalon. I’m sorry.”
I squeezed back, feeling a warmth return. “It’s not on you.”
My mom spoke up, her tone gentle. “Why don’t we sit and start fresh?”
We sat, the mood still uneasy. Leander whispered, “You going to tell them about the company?”
I gave a small smile, still riding the high of my triumph. “Maybe. Let’s fix this first.”
The dinner began quietly. Hestia kept eyeing my parents, curious but cautious.
“So, Aldric,” she ventured, “what kind of doctor are you?”
My dad smiled. “Rowena and I are cardiologists. Mostly retired now.”
Orson’s brows shot up. “That’s… impressive. You’re fully retired?”
“Mostly,” my mom said. “We consult occasionally, but our company keeps us occupied.”
Hestia and Orson exchanged a look, sensing something big. Leander, ever sweet, didn’t catch the undercurrent.
“Avalon,” Orson said, attempting warmth, “Leander mentioned you’re a biologist. Tell us more.”
I sipped my wine, choosing my words carefully. “I manage a biotech lab. It’s part of my family’s business, where I hold a significant stake.”
Hestia nearly choked on her water, her eyes wide. “You… run a lab?”
I nodded, savoring their shock. “Yes. It’s Whitmore Biotech, founded by my parents after they scaled back on surgeries.”
Orson’s jaw dropped slightly. “Your family’s company?”
My dad nodded casually. “That’s the one. Rowena and I built it from the ground up.”
Hestia and Orson’s stunned expressions were priceless, their arrogance crumbling. Leander’s hand found mine under the table, his smile broad.
“We… had no idea,” Hestia stammered.
“You never asked,” I said coolly, with a touch of bite.
A heavy silence settled. Leander broke it with a light story. “Hey, remember when Avalon and I got lost on that camping trip?”
As he spun the tale, I caught my mom’s eye. Her subtle nod of pride warmed me, easing my earlier thrill of victory.
The evening softened, the tension melting into tentative warmth. As we left, Hestia pulled me aside, her expression earnest.
“Avalon, we can’t erase what we did,” she said quietly, “but I hope you’ll give us a chance to make it right.”
I met her gaze, my heart thawing. “I’m open to it, if you are.”
She nodded, relieved. “We are. Thank you for the wake-up call. We needed it.”
As Leander and I drove home, he glanced at me, his voice warm. “Wild night, huh?”
I laughed, the weight of weeks lifting. “You could say that.”
“You know,” he said, his eyes soft, “I love you more every day.”
I smiled, my heart full. “Me too, Leander. Me too.”
He paused, then said, “I’m sorry about my parents. I should’ve seen how they treated you.”
I shook my head. “They hid it around you. It’s not your fault.”
“Still,” he said, “I should’ve noticed. Why didn’t you tell me about your family’s company sooner?”
I sighed, my tone gentle. “I wanted you to love me for me, not my family’s wealth or status. I was waiting for the right moment.”
Leander nodded, his hand over mine. “I’d love you with nothing, Avalon. You know that, right?”
I laughed, feeling light. “I know. It’s why I love you.”
As we pulled into our driveway, Leander looked at me. “What’s next?”
I thought for a moment, my voice firm. “We move forward. Your parents know the truth and seem remorseful. I’m ready to give them a shot.”
He smiled, his face tender. “That’s my Avalon. Always taking the high road.”
I grinned back. “Someone’s got to keep this family in check.”
As we stepped into our home, a burden lifted from my shoulders. The path ahead might be rocky, but with Leander by my side, I was ready for anything—parents and all.
