“You Simply Don’t Understand Our World,” My Daughter’s Fiancé Smirked At The Engagement Party. I Didn’t Argue. I Just Smiled… And Made One Call To My Lawyer. Within Days, He Lost His Biggest Client. He Learned Too Late Who I Really Was.

There it was, not even subtle anymore. “I appreciate your concern,” I said carefully. “But I meant what I said.

I want to contribute to my daughter’s wedding.”

Dererick’s smile tightened. “Of course, of course. Every little bit helps.

I was thinking maybe you could cover the flowers. Emma loves peonyies and they’re quite expensive, but I’m sure we could find a reasonable alternative that fits your budget.”

Every little bit helps. Cover the flowers.

Reasonable alternative. I looked past him to where Emma was talking with Patricia, and I saw it—that slight slump in her shoulders, that practiced smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. She was trying so hard to fit into this world, to be what Derek wanted, to become someone her mother might not even recognize.

“Derek,” I said quietly. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Do you love my daughter?”

He blinked, caught off guard. “Of course I do.

Why would you ask that?”

“Because in your father’s entire speech, he never once mentioned her family, where she comes from, who raised her. And you… you look at her like she’s a prize you won, not a person you love.”

His face went cold. “I think you’ve misunderstood.”

“Have I?

You don’t ask about her mother. You don’t ask about her childhood. You don’t ask what matters to her.

You just assume she’ll be happy with ice sculptures and expensive flowers and a wedding designed to impress your colleagues.”

“With all due respect, Thomas…” Dererick’s voice dropped low, dangerous. “You don’t know anything about what Emma and I have, about our relationship, about our world.”

“Our world,” I repeated, meaning not mine. “I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to.”

People were starting to notice now, to turn, to watch.

Continue reading…