Still, Eleanor convinced herself that one difficult day was a small price to pay for her son’s happiness.

That belief would soon prove mistaken.

The Morning of the Wedding

On the morning of the wedding, the hotel ballroom looked magnificent.

White roses covered the tables. Crystal decorations caught the light from the chandeliers. A string orchestra rehearsed near the stage while servers arranged rows of champagne glasses.

Eleanor arrived early.

She checked that the caterer had received the final payment schedule. She confirmed the flowers had been delivered and made sure the venue manager had her contact information.

Everything was ready.

She wore her best navy-blue dress, a simple pearl necklace, and the small gold earrings her husband had given her years earlier.

She looked at herself in the mirror and smiled.

Today, she thought, she would see her son married.

Whatever Victoria thought of her, Eleanor could put it aside for one afternoon.

One Last Attempt to Be Welcomed

When she arrived at the bridal suite, she found Victoria surrounded by bridesmaids, makeup artists, and photographers.

Victoria was wearing a magnificent white gown.

Eleanor stood at the doorway.

“You look beautiful, dear.”

Victoria glanced at her through the mirror.

“Thank you. Did you need something?”

“I just wanted to see you before the ceremony. I brought something for you.”

Eleanor held out the small jewelry box containing her mother’s bracelet.

Victoria’s expression hardened.

“I told you I wasn’t wearing that.”

“I know. I just thought—”

“Can we not do this today?”

The room fell quiet.

Eleanor lowered the box.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Victoria stood up, careful not to disturb her dress.

“Honestly, Eleanor, you always do this. You always need to make everything about you.”

One of the bridesmaids looked away.

Eleanor stared at Victoria, unable to understand how a small gift had turned into an argument.