William and Emily were getting married. Guests had been arriving since morning—fancy outfits, champagne, music, everything you’d expect. William’s mum, Margaret Thompson, had come down two days before the wedding to meet the bride’s parents and help with preparations.
“Mum, you look absolutely stunning,” William smiled, greeting her at the door. “Almost like you’re in love,” he joked.
Then he noticed her cheeks flush and her gaze drop. He was surprised but didn’t say anything.
The next day, the wedding day itself, an old friend of William’s late father—Richard Blackwood—showed up. With him was a man in his mid-forties, tall, well-dressed in an expensive suit, someone William didn’t recognise.
“William, this is my cousin, Anthony,” Richard introduced. “He works with me now—knows tech like the back of his hand.”
William shook his hand and caught his mother staring at Anthony with an expression he’d never seen before. It was like she’d been waiting for this moment forever. Her eyes softened in a way that couldn’t be mistaken. And suddenly, it all clicked.
His mum was in love. With Anthony.
He stepped away, annoyed. His wedding day, and his mum was wrapped up in some romance? With a man nearly ten years younger than her?
“Mum,” he pulled her aside later. “Did you invite him?”
“Yes. I’m sorry if it’s awkward, but… I wanted him here.”
“Do you even hear how this sounds? Dad’s been gone less than a year, and you’re already—”
“I didn’t ask your permission, William. I just want to be happy. I stayed silent for years. Your dad… he was a good man, but not always faithful. I endured it so you could grow up with a father. Now let me live.”
He was still processing that when Richard came over.
“Don’t be angry with your mum. I’ve known for years how hard it was for her. She stayed quiet for you. Now she’s got a chance. And trust me, Anthony’s a decent bloke. He respects her.”
William said nothing. It stung. But he was 29. He’d chosen who to share his life with—why couldn’t his mum do the same?
Later, Anthony approached him.
“I get why you’re upset. But I love your mum. Honestly. It’s not about age. I’m not after money or property—I’ve worked my whole life. But with her… I’m happy.”
William studied him. Firm gaze, steady voice—no boy, just a man.
“Fine. Just don’t hurt her. I won’t forgive you if you do,” he muttered, shaking his hand.
The wedding was perfect. Guests danced till late. Margaret glowed, laughing like she’d been given a second chance. Two months later, Anthony proposed, and by then, William wasn’t even surprised.
He even said, “If Mum’s happy, then I made the right call letting you stay that day.”
And it all worked out. William and Emily had a son, and his grandmother and “new grandad” adored him like their own.
