Eleanor, who would later become Natalie’s mother-in-law, insisted on seating between Natalie and Adam during their wedding. This seemed like just another ridiculous demand in a lengthy pattern of control that Natalie had been subjected to. On the other hand, nobody anticipated Natalie’s answer.

during the time that I gave in to Eleanor’s ludicrous demand to seat between me and her son during our wedding, I saw the smug look that she was wearing about herself. She was certain that she had triumphed. As I usually did, she believed that I would give up.

However, not at this moment. This time, I was prepared with a strategy.

Immediately after I announced my engagement to Adam, I realized that I would not only be marrying him, but I would also be marrying his mother. This is Eleanor. Naturally, she was a powerful force. She was the sort of lady who never missed a hair appointment, never apologized, and never, ever gave up control of her life.

There was a connection between Adam and his mother that went so far as to constitute emotionally suffocating area. He was the object of her affection in a manner that was less maternal and more… territorial.

As soon as we made the announcement that we were engaged, she seized control. She seemed to be under the impression that she was the bride.

It was during our visit with the florist that she made the remark, “Oh, Natalie, lilies are just too plain for a wedding.” The rose is a more refined flower. Oh, honey, don’t you think that Adam is a rose lover?

There was no sign of Adam looking up from his phone. “Sure,” he said under his breath.

I mustered up a grin. My advice to me was to choose your fights.

On the other hand, it wasn’t simply the flowers.

During the process of trying on dresses, she looked at me with a critical expression and said, “Oh, sweetie, are you sure you want to wear something that is so… fitted?” It does not have a lot of empathy. You don’t want to give the impression that you are uneasy up there.

I tried to laugh it off by laughing, but the fact was that I was bubbling over with anger on the inside.

I made a wholehearted effort to be patient. I went so far as to ask her over for dinner and prepare Adam’s favorite lasagna from scratch in the hopes of winning her over.

Adam smiled as he took a single mouthful he had. ‘Nat, this is just incredible.’

Eleanor said, “Well,” as she placed her fork down with a clink, “lasagna isn’t rocket science.”

Adam was oblivious to the tone she used. But I did it.

After some time had passed, she was waiting for me in the kitchen, where I was cleaning up.

She leaned down close to Natalie and whispered, “Look, Natalie.” When it comes to a guy like Adam, a gorgeous face and a lasagna that is at least edible are not enough. Marriage requires a lot of effort. Are you certain that you are willing to take on this challenge?

It made me want to shout. As an alternative, I gave Eleanor a warm smile and thanked her for the counsel she had given me.

It did not come to an end. While we were in the process of booking venue visits, she inadvertently “accidentally” planned a spa weekend for her and Adam on the same weekend.

“Oh! ” I had no idea that you had plans,” she complimented in a kind tone. However, is it not possible for Adam to set aside a day for his mother?

Naturally, he accompanied her on her journey.

Nevertheless, I never ever expected that she would perform a prank on the day of the real wedding.

The sun was shining, the temperature was pleasant, and the morning was full of hope. My intention was to take pleasure in it. However, the moment Eleanor got out of the vehicle, I realized that the situation was not quite finished.

She was dressed in a rhinestone-studded white lace gown that reached the floor. It is a train. Pearls are used. She gave off the impression that she had just stepped out of a wedding magazine.

I had the momentary impression that perhaps she had misidentified my attire as being the same as hers.

“Adam, my darling sister!” While she was walking directly by me, she smiled. What do you think about your appearance?

She gave him a peck on the cheek and then straightened his tie up.

“Natalie, don’t you think he looks tremendous?” She inquired without even looking in my direction.

“He does,” I said to him. I am sure that you are proud.

Her response was, “Oh, I am.” It has always been him that I have prioritized.

Despite having my teeth clamped, I grinned. She was asserting her authority in front of an audience, and this was her method.

At the time that we arrived at the reception, I was prepared to put it all in the past. However, Eleanor’s reappearance occurred just as Adam and I were ready to take our seats at the head table.

At that moment, she grabbed a chair from another table, dragged it noisily across the floor, and pushed it between Adam and me. Yes, she wedged it.

She responded with a gleaming “There!” It is now possible for me to sit near to my youngster. On a day that is so momentous, I would not want to miss even a single moment with him!

The group of visitors became quiet. A few people let out a gasp. As I waited for Adam to take action, I couldn’t help but gaze at him.

He just shrugged his shoulders. All is well, sweetheart. Simply said, it’s a chair.”

That’s all it is?

I stated to Eleanor in a calm voice, “This is the table reserved for the bride and groom.”

She said with a huff, “Oh, don’t be so sensitive.” “I’m the most important woman in his life—and I always will be. You need to show respect for it.”

And that’s when it dawned on me. Reason wasn’t going to be enough to convince her that I was serious about being heard by her.

I had to defeat her at her own game in order to win.

Are you aware of anything, Eleanor? Sweetly, I remarked. You have every single point correct. Let’s do it this way, shall we?

Her eyes glowed with the feeling of victory. As she basked in the glory of her win, she reclined back in the seat that she had taken.

Adam, on the other hand, refused to notice. Enjoying the company of friends while drinking champagne and smiling for photographs. Despite the fact that I was smiling, my mind was already busy with other things.

After rising from my seat, I spoke the words, “Excuse me for a moment.”

My departure was unnoticed by any of them.

While I was in the corridor, I took out my phone and phoned the number for the bakery.

“Hello, my name is Natalie, and I am the bride from the wedding that took place at the Crestwood Estate at three o’clock.” I need to make an alteration to the cake at the very last minute.

A brief pause transpired. With a wary tone, the speaker said, “Uh… okay?”

Both the picture and the instructions will be sent to you. This is of utmost significance. Can you make it happen?”

I was given a yes after a short moment of doubt.

I strolled back in after sending them what they need, leaving a big gratuity, and then leaving.

By the time I got back, Eleanor had already begun telling the whole table tales about Adam’s youth at a volume that was very loud.

It was then time for the first dance.

Eleanor swooped in just as Adam extended his hand to me, and before I could accept it, she grabbed it.

“Oh, Adam, let’s show them how it’s done!” it said. The statement was made as she drew him closer to the dance floor.

I was left standing there beside her.

Among the visitors, there was a murmur circulating. There was a lady who said, “Isn’t the first dance supposed to be with the bride?”

All I did was grin. Let them be perplexed. I will not stop her from digging the hole.

Adam returned with an embarrassed expression after the dance.

“I’m sorry about that,” he communicated.

“It’s fine,” I responded to her.

The cake was finally sliced, and then it was finally time to cut it.

It became darker outside. The three-tiered dessert, which was illuminated with sparklers, was brought in by my bridesmaids.

Eleanor smiled as the audience applauded her performance. Until she got a good look at the top tier.

A halt occurred in her.

Adam, dressed in his tuxedo, and Eleanor, dressed in her pearl necklace and rhinestone outfit, stood arm in arm. In place of a bride and groom topper, there were two figurines that were constructed just for the occasion.

As a group, everyone in the room let out a collective gasp.

I proceeded to seize the microphone.

“Eleanor, Adam,” I murmured with a grin on my face. “I wanted to use this opportunity to honor the profound connection that exists between the two of you. You are, without a doubt, the most romantic pair of the evening. So, if you could, please cut the cake jointly.

All over the room, laughter could be heard. As I gave Eleanor the knife, her eyes fluttered about in a dazed manner.

I told them, “Go ahead and do it.” “Everyone observing,” she said.

Her hands shook with fear.

She said, “This is not appropriate,” while clenching her teeth tightly together.

Inappropriate, you say? I repeated myself. Eleanor, please try to tone down your sensitivity. You are, after all, the most significant woman in his life. You have been telling me that, hasn’t that been the case?

There is more laughing. Some of the visitors applauded. Embarrassed, her pals turned their heads away.

One more time, I leaned very close to the microphone. “Now, if you kindly excuse me, I have more important things to do than compete for attention on the day of my wedding,” she said.

The reception was over when I turned around, collected my bridesmaids, and then left the venue.

I could hear the voices increasing louder behind me, as well as the sound of glasses clinking and chairs sliding. I did not turn around to look back.

It was necessary for us to wipe tears from our cheeks since we were laughing so hard by the time we arrived at the limo.

A toast was made to our independence as champagne was burst.

All of them were aware of the reasons I had disappeared.

Simply because I did leave. On the next morning, I decided to rescind the marriage license.

What’s up, Adam? He pleaded with me. He said that he was unaware of how severe the situation had become. It was said that we could solve it.

On the other hand, I was finished.

There are no regrets. There is no room for doubt.

Just relief—and the knowledge that Eleanor finally received the attention she always sought.

As for me? My life was restored to me.