“I Never Invited You! – The Daughter-in-Law’s Voice Broke. – I Didn’t Ask You to Come!”

Author Wanda MirandaReading 10 minViews 1

I didnt invite any guests! Emilys voice finally cracked. I didnt ask for you to come!

Matthew was standing in the kitchen, fully absorbed in whisking together a pasta sauce. He gripped a whisk in one hand, an open cookbook in the other, and his face bore the intensity of a man trying to solve advanced mathematics by smell alone.

The aroma of garlic, tomatoes and basil engulfed the flat, mingling charmingly with the gentle whiff of vanilla candles that Emily had placed all around the sitting room.

I think its working, he called over his shoulder to his wife, who was busy slicing cheese for the salad. At least it hasnt curdled.

Emily smiled back, her brown hair piled carelessly atop her head, her large hazel eyes reflecting the warm kitchen light. She looked at him as if hed just performed a minor miracle.

Youre the cleverest, love, she said, wandering over to give him a hug around his waist. It smells marvellous. Just like that bistro in Bath.

Thats the aim! Just picture it: peace, soft music, dinner by candlelight No phone, no guests. Just us.

The idea to celebrate her birthday in private had been mutual. After weeks of relentless family pop-ins, they were desperate for an evening that belonged just to them.

Emily had splurged on her favourite wine, and Matthew had taken the afternoon off work to cook dinner himself.

When the table had been set and everything was prepped, Emily started up some light jazz on the speaker.

Happy birthday, darling, said Matthew, raising his glass. May this year give you nothing but happiness and a bit of bloody peace.

Thank you, sweetheart, Emily clinked glasses with him.

The wine had a lovely tartness. Emily closed her eyes, savouring the moment. Shed been looking forward to this evening for weeks.

And then, right at the peak of their blissful silence, the door buzzer let out a shrill, urgent croak. Matthews brow furrowed in confusion.

Who on earth could that be? Were not expecting anyone.

Emily shrugged, though a tightness had already knotted in her chest. A queasy premonition prickled her skin. Matthew walked over to the intercom.

Yes? he inquired.

A familiar, buoyant voice boomed in reply, echoing down the hall.

Matty, its us! Open up, weve brought goodies! Were here to wish birthday greetings!

Matthews face fell, and he shot a desperate look to Emily.

Mum? he whispered. What are you doing here?

What do you mean, what am I doing? Ive come to give my favourite daughter-in-law a birthday cuddle! Its blowing a gale out here, let us in!

Matthew silently pressed the entry button. The flat was immediately plunged into a heavy, awkward hush.

Your mum? Now? Emily murmured, her voice trembling.

Sorry, I she said shed just call

Before either could recover, a hard, overconfident knock rattled the doorno guest ever knocked quite so proprietorially.

Matthew drew a deep breath and opened the door. On the threshold stood his mother, Brenda White. She was a short, robust woman, sporting a brash lipstick and a no-nonsense bob. Shed swaddled herself in a rather garish shawl and was clutching a fogged-up plastic tub like it was the Holy Grail.

Well, at last! she crowed. Thought we’d freeze on your doorstep, like cats in November! Without so much as a nod, she barrelled past, already tackling her coat.

It was only then that Emily and Matthew realised she wasnt alone. The flat was quickly swarmed: Uncle Peter, Brendas brothera man-mountain in an old tracksuit holding a crate of orange squash; his wiry wife, Aunt Carol, balancing a massive homemade cake like shed trained at the circus; their twenty-year-old daughter Chloe, instantly glued to her phone; and two young children, who shrieked off down the corridor in search of chaos.

Mum, what is this? Matthew finally managed.

What do you mean? Brenda claimed three coat hooks for her shawl. Were family, arent we? Decided to surprise dear Emily! All for you, love! She swiveled to present Emily with the frosted tub. Here you go, homemade jellied beef. Matt always liked it.

Emily accepted the enormous tub, numb.

Thank you, Brenda, she managed. But we werent we werent expecting anyone

Oh, were not guests! Were your lot! Brenda boomed, already strutting through to the sitting room. Ooh, candles! How lovely, you little romantics!

Aunt Carol, meanwhile, dumped the colossal cake onto the table, shoving aside a vase of tulips and two glasses of wine in the process.

Happy birthday, Em! Its my own recipe, a proper Black Forest Gateau. Try a bite, youll love it!

The kids tore round the room, playing impromptu rugby with a cushion. One made a desperate tackle near the floor vase, and Emily dived to steady it, heart clattering.

Matthew snapped back to reality and attempted damage control.

Well, since youre here make yourselves comfy. Emily, shall we pop into the kitchen?

But Brenda had already seized the reins.

What for? Lets sit here, its much more civilised! Peter, shift the table, Carol, fetch the plates, Chlo, put that phone down and lend a hand!

Chloe huffed and meandered off towards the kitchen, screens never leaving her gaze. Any trace of romantic ambience had vanished like tea at a building site.

Within ten minutes, the table had been invaded by a medley of dishes: jellied beef, prawn cocktail, Aunt Carols attempt at coronation chicken, a suspicious bowl of pickled mushrooms and the Black Forest Gateau.

So, birthday girl, spill: hows tricks? Brenda settled herself on the sofa, eyes fixed on Emily. Still working at that insurance office? Is your boss behaving these days?

All fine, thanks, Emily mumbled, moving some lettuce around with her fork.

Chloe cant find a job anywhere, Brenda continued, clearly in full stride. All that university nonsense and nothing to show for it. Maybe you could put in a word at your place? Shes terribly bright, when she remembers to look up.

Emily could only nod mutely, ribcage tightening. Matthew, hunched miserably beside her, tried to keep the conversation alive, resorting to football with Uncle Peter, though it was obvious hed rather discuss tax returns with a bored gnome.

He threw Emily frequent apologetic glances, but he was utterly powerless. The children had eaten their bodyweight in cake and resumed their rampage.

The youngest, Jamie, discovered Emilys prized collection of miniature glass animals on a shelf.

Mum, look at the sparklies! he cried.

Careful, Jamie, theyre fragile! Emily lunged, but too late.

He tugged at a delicate glass swan. There was a sharp snapthe crystal shattered into glittering pieces all over the carpet.

A stunned silence enveloped the room. The last traces of jazz had been drowned by the pop of a candle.

Oh, blimey! Aunt Carol exclaimed. Jamie, what did I say! Leave things alone!

Oh, dont fuss, love, its just a bit of glass, Brenda chirped, waving her hand. Well toss it in the bin. The child didnt mean it.

Emily regarded her with a stony stare.

That was my grans. Shes gone now, you know.

Well, grans in a better place, heaven bless her, but living souls matter more, eh? Brenda declared. If you dont want anything broken, you shouldnt leave nice things out when your family visits.

That was it. Emily stood up sharply; the chair screeched in protest.

I didnt want any visitors! Her voice finally broke. I didnt invite you! Matthew and I wanted to spend this evening alone! Its my birthday, not a family reunion!

A deadly hush fell. Even the children froze, sensing the mood had curdled entirely.

Uncle Peter stared at his plate. Aunt Carols jaw hung open. Brenda flushed crimson.

Oh, really? her voice iced over. We came to celebrate, bearing gifts, cooking, and it turns out were not wanted? I cant visit my own sons house?

Mum, enough, Matthew finally stood. His patience had evaporated. Emilys right. Wed planned a peaceful evening for just us. You shouldnt barge in, unannounced, and bring half of Kent.

Barge in? Brenda squeaked. My own sons home? I carried you nine months! Nursed you through chickenpox! And now your wifes here, and suddenly Im on the blacklist?

Its not about Emily. Its about respecting our plans and our personal space!

A full-blown, fruitless row erupted. Brenda unleashed reproaches, Matthew pleaded, and the rest of the family sat, mouths firmly shut.

Emily couldnt take any more. She turned and slipped out of the living room.

From behind the closed bedroom door, she could still hear muffled squabbling, every word a fresh thud in her heart.

She had no idea how much time passedten minutes, maybe twenty. Gradually, the row subsided, replaced by an awkward hush.

A shuffle of feet, low voices, the muted clunk of the front door.

The bedroom door cracked open. Matthew entered quietly, looking completely done in.

Theyve gone, he mumbled. Emily, Im so sorry. I should have disconnected the intercom

But you didnt, Emily replied flatly. You could have stopped her!

Shes my mum She meant well.

For whom? Emily rounded on him, eyes aflame. Herself? To show off how marvellous she is as a mother and hostess? She ruined everything tonight, Matthew!

What could I do? Throw them out? Shed have started World War Three

And this wasnt a battle? Emily paced furiously. Shes always like this! Always making the decisions for uswhat we eat, where we go, how we live. And you always let her win

Emily moved to the window. Down in the carpark, she saw Brenda, the aunt, the uncle, the lot, shuffling into their car.

It looked like the storm had passed. But Emily knew better. It was just the eye of the hurricane.

I dont know what to do anymore, Matt, she whispered. I cant live in constant dread that your mother will show up, uninvited, with her casseroles and her opinions.

Ill talk to her. Properly. Explain this cant go on

Youve said that so many times. Nothing changes.

The perfect evening theyd worked for was now wreckage.

Im sorry, Matthew said again, quietly. Happy birthday, darling.

Emily closed her eyes. She was thirty-three, but felt about sixty.

Maybe we could carry on celebrating? Matthew ventured hopefully. Theres still loads left

I havent got the heart for it, Emily replied, hollow. Im exhausted. I just want to sleep.

She left for the bathroom, desperate to wash off the evening and tumble into bedinto dreams, she hoped, free from mother-in-laws and uninvited relatives.

Brenda retreated home in a stew of wounded pride, genuinely baffled about how she could possibly have spoiled anyones evening.

GRANDMA, MY GUARDIAN ANGEL Lena never remembered her parents. Her father left her mother when she was pregnant and vanished from their lives. Lena’s mother died of cancer when Lena was only one. It was her grandmother, Grandma Dorothy, who raised Lena, dedicating her life to her late daughter and granddaughter after losing her own husband young. From Lena’s earliest days, she and her grandmother shared a deep spiritual bond; Dorothy always seemed to know exactly what Lena needed, and between them, there was always complete understanding. Everyone loved Grandma Dorothy—neighbors and schoolteachers alike. She’d often attend school meetings with a basket of freshly baked scones, insisting “it’s not right to sit hungry after work.” Dorothy never gossiped and was always sought out for advice. Lena always felt so lucky to have such a wonderful nana. Lena’s own personal life was always on fast-forward—school, university, work—always in a hurry. She’d dated, but never met the right man, much to Dorothy’s concern. “Why are you still single, darling? Surely there’s a good man out there for a smart and beautiful girl like you?” Lena would laugh it off, though in her heart she knew it was time to settle down—she was 30, after all. Dorothy passed away unexpectedly—she simply didn’t wake up, her heart stopping in her sleep. Lena was lost; going through the motions, but never really present. At home, only her cat, Whiskers, awaited her; she felt terribly alone. One day, Lena was reading on a train when a well-dressed man sat opposite her. He introduced himself as Alex and began talking about books—a subject Lena could discuss for hours. When he invited her to continue their conversation at a nearby café, Lena happily agreed. From that day, their whirlwind romance began. They called and texted daily, though Alex was often busy with work and avoided discussing his past or family life. That didn’t bother Lena—she was happy at last. One weekend, Alex invited Lena to dinner at a restaurant, hinting the evening would be special—it was clear he planned to propose. Lena was overjoyed. That night, as she browsed dresses online, she dozed off and dreamt of her grandmother. Dorothy, in her favorite dress, sat beside her and gently stroked Lena’s hair. “Gran, how are you here? You’re gone…” “I’m always with you, love. I see everything, hear everything—even if you can’t,” Dorothy softly replied. “Don’t see that man again. I’m warning you, he’s no good. Trust your gran.” And with that, Dorothy faded away. Lena woke up deeply unsettled. Why would her grandmother say Alex was bad? Though she tried to brush it off as just a dream, the worry lingered as the ‘big day’ approached. On the night of the proposal, Lena arrived in her old favorite dress, distracted by her grandmother’s words. Alex noticed immediately and tried to cheer her up with jokes, but by the time he knelt and offered her the engagement ring, Lena saw Dorothy standing at the restaurant window—a sign she couldn’t ignore. “Sorry, Alex—I can’t,” she blurted, trembling. “But—why? What did I do?” “It’s not you, I just have to trust my gran,” Lena replied, then rushed outside. Alex chased after her, livid, shaking her by the shoulders and yelling derisively as he stormed off. Shocked, Lena turned to her old friend Andrew, now a police detective, for help investigating Alex. Days later, Andrew called: “Lena, I’m afraid your Alex is a con artist. He targets women, marries them, cons them out of their homes and money, then leaves. You dodged a bullet.” How could Gran have known? Miracles do happen. Thank you, Grandma, for never letting me go and keeping me safe from harm. As Lena walked home with groceries and cat food, she knew she wasn’t truly alone—her grandmother was always close, watching out for her. Some say the spirits of loved ones become guardian angels, guiding us away from harm—I’d like to believe it’s true.

— I Told You Not to Bring Your Children to the Wedding! The doors to the reception hall slowly opened, releasing a warm golden glow into the foyer. I stood there in my wedding dress, quietly holding the hem, doing my best to hide the trembling in my hands. The music played softly, guests smiled, waiters set out glasses of champagne… Everything was exactly as Artem and I had dreamed. Almost. As I steadied my breathing before our entrance, squealing brakes echoed from outside. Through the glass doors, I saw an old silver minivan pull up to the steps. The door flew open, and out tumbled a noisy crowd: Aunt Sally, her daughter and son-in-law… and five children already dashing circles around the car. A chill ran down my spine. “Not this…” I whispered. Artem stepped closer. “They came after all?” he asked, looking in the same direction. “Yes. And… with kids.” We stood in the doorway, ready to join our guests, when instead we froze—like two actors on opening night who’d just forgotten their lines. At that moment, I realised: if I didn’t hold it together now, the whole day would be ruined. But to understand how we ended up in this absurd situation, you need to go back a few weeks. When Artem and I decided to get married, we knew one thing for sure: it would be a small, intimate, cosy celebration. Just 40 guests, live jazz, warm lighting, and a relaxed mood. And—no children. Not because we dislike kids. We just wanted a peaceful evening without little feet thundering about, shrieks, trampoline mishaps, spilled juice, and other people’s parenting dramas. All our friends understood. My parents were fine with it. Artem’s parents were a little surprised at first, but quickly accepted it. The extended family, however… First to call was Aunt Sally—a woman whose voice volume seems coded in her DNA. “Ina!” she began, skipping any greeting. “What’s this I hear about no kids at your wedding? Are you serious?” “Yes, Sally,” I calmly replied. “We want a quiet evening, so the adults can relax.” “Relax from children?!” she exploded, as if I’d suggested banning babies nationwide. “Don’t you know we’re a close family? We always do everything together!” “This is our day. We’re not making anyone come, but that’s the rule.” Silence. Heavy as granite. “Well, fine then. We won’t come,” she snapped, and hung up. I stared at my phone, feeling like I’d just pressed the big red button that triggers a disaster. Three days later, Artem came home with a troubled look. “Ina… We need to talk,” he said, taking off his coat. “What’s wrong?” “Katya’s in tears. She says it’s an insult to the family. That her three children aren’t some sort of delinquents, but real people. And if they’re not invited, neither she, her husband, nor his parents will come.” “So, minus five people?” “Eight,” he corrected, sitting down wearily. “They think we’re breaking tradition.” I laughed—hysterically, nervously, with a tinge of desperation. “Tradition? You mean the one where kids knock over trays of food at weddings?” Artem cracked a smile. “Don’t say that to them. They’re already fuming.” But the campaign didn’t end there. A week later, we went to a family dinner at his parents’ house. And that’s where a surprise awaited me. His grandmother—gentle, quiet Mrs. Parker, who usually prays not to get involved in family drama—suddenly spoke up. “Children are a blessing,” she gently scolded. “A wedding without them feels… empty.” I was about to respond, but Artem’s mother jumped in. “Oh, Mum, that’s enough!” she sighed, leaning back. “Kids at weddings are chaos. You’ve always complained about the noise. Remember how many times we had to catch little ones under the tables?” “But family should be together!” “And family should respect the couple’s wishes,” his mum calmly replied. I wanted to stand and applaud. But Gran just shook her head. “I still think it’s wrong.” And I realised: the conflict had turned into a full-blown family saga—Game of Thrones-level drama. And we were the crowned couple they were all trying to overthrow. The knockout punch came soon after. Another call. It’s Uncle Michael—generally the calmest, most laid-back, “this doesn’t concern me” type. “Ina, hello,” he began gently. “There’s just… we thought—my wife and I—why no kids? They’re part of the family. We always bring them to weddings.” “Michael,” I sighed, “we just want a quiet evening. No one’s banned from coming…” “Yes, yes, I get it. But look, my wife says if our kids aren’t allowed, neither is she. And I’ll be with her.” I closed my eyes. Two more gone. By now, our guest list was thinner than a Vogue model. Artem sat next to me and hugged my shoulders. “We’re doing the right thing,” he whispered. “Otherwise, it’s not really our wedding.” But the pressure kept coming. Gran would hint that “it’ll feel dead without children’s laughter.” Katya would post a dramatic message in the family group chat: “So sad that some people don’t want children at their celebrations…” And finally—the wedding day. That minivan pulled up to the steps. The children leapt out first, stamping across the cobblestones like they’d rehearsed a parade. Aunt Sally followed, adjusting her hair. “I’m going to lose it…” I muttered. Artem squeezed my hand. “Don’t worry. We’ll handle it.” We stepped forward. Aunt Sally was waiting at the top of the stairs. “Well, hello, newlyweds!” she announced, arms outstretched. “Sorry we’re late. But we had to come. We’re family! We just couldn’t leave the kids. But they’ll keep quiet. We won’t stay long.” “Quiet?” Artem murmured, watching the children already peeking under the wedding arch. I took a deep breath. “Sally… We agreed,” I said calmly and clearly. “There would be no children. You knew that.” “But weddings are…” she started. Then Gran spoke up. “We came to congratulate you,” she said evenly. “But children are family. It’s wrong to exclude them.” “Mrs. Parker,” I replied gently, “we really value you being here. Honestly. But this is our choice. If that’s not respected, we’ll have to ask—” I never finished. “Mum!” Artem’s mother suddenly called, coming out of the hall. “Stop spoiling their day. Adults celebrate—children stay home. That’s it. Let’s go.” Gran faltered. Sally froze. Even the children fell quiet—picking up on the mood shift. Sally sniffed. “Well… alright. We didn’t want to fight. Just thought it was best.” “You don’t have to leave,” I told her. “But the children do need to go home.” Katya rolled her eyes. Her husband sighed. Two minutes of silence—then they quietly walked the kids back to the car. Katya’s husband got in and drove them home, leaving the adults. For the first time—by choice. When we entered the hall, it was perfect—candlelight, jazz, a gentle buzz of conversation. Friends raised their glasses, gentlemen cleared the way, a waiter handed us champagne. And I knew: we’d done the right thing. Artem bent down to me. “So, wife… Looks like we won.” “Looks like it,” I smiled. The evening was wonderful. We danced our first dance with no children weaving between our feet. No one shouted, no desserts crashed to the floor, no cartoons blared on phones. Guests chatted, laughed, enjoyed the music. A few hours later, Gran approached us. “Ina, Artem…” she said gently. “I was wrong. Tonight has been… lovely. Really lovely. Without all the commotion.” I smiled warmly. “Thank you, Mrs. Parker.” “It’s just…” she sighed. “Old folks cling to old ways. But I see now—you knew best.” Those words meant more than any toast that night. At the very end of the celebration, Aunt Sally came over, clutching her glass like a shield. “Ina…” she lowered her voice. “I was too harsh. Sorry. It’s just, we’ve always done things as a family. But tonight… it’s beautiful. So peaceful. Grown-up.” “Thank you for coming,” I replied honestly. “We so rarely get time as adults. Tonight… I finally felt like a person again,” she confessed. “Almost makes me wish I’d thought of it sooner.” We hugged. Weeks of tension finally melted away. When the evening ended, Artem and I stepped outside under the soft glow of the streetlights. He took off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders. “So, what did you think of our wedding?” he asked. “It was perfect,” I said. “Because it was ours.” “And because we stood our ground.” I nodded. Yes, that was the most important thing. Family matters. Traditions, too. But having your boundaries respected matters just as much. And when a bride and groom say “no children,” it’s not a whim. It’s their right. And as it turns out, even the oldest family habits can change—if you make it clear your decision is final. This wedding taught everyone a lesson—especially us: sometimes, to save the day, you have to be able to say “no.” And that “no” is what makes a truly happy celebration.

I Told You Not to Bring Your Kids to the Wedding! The doors of the reception hall slowly opened, warm golden light spilled into the foyer. I stood there in my wedding dress, clutching the hem, trying not to show the tremble in my hands. Soft jazz was playing, guests were smiling, waiters were arranging champagne glasses… Everything was exactly as Artem and I had dreamed. Almost. As I tried to steady my breathing before entering, brakes screeched outside. Through the glass doors, I saw a battered silver people carrier pull up. The door slid open and out tumbled a chaotic crowd: Auntie Gail, her daughter with husband… and five children already racing around the car. I went cold. “Not this…” I whispered. Artem stepped closer. “They actually came?” he asked, looking in the same direction. “Yes. And… with the kids.” We stood in the doorway, ready to greet our guests — or rather, frozen like two actors who’ve forgotten their lines on opening night. And that’s when it hit me: if I lose my nerve now, the entire day will fall apart. But, to explain how we got to this mess, let’s go back a few weeks. When Artem and I decided to have a wedding, we knew one thing: it would be quiet, intimate, cosy. Just 40 guests, live jazz, soft lights, a warm vibe. And — no children. Not because we’re “anti-kid.” We just dreamed of an evening without sprints, shrieks, trampoline accidents, spilled juice, and someone else’s parenting drama. All our friends understood. So did my parents. Artem’s parents were surprised, but accepted it quickly. It was the distant relatives… Auntie Gail was the first to call — her voice volume is genetically built-in. “Inna!” she began, no greeting. “What’s this about children not being allowed at your wedding? Are you serious?” “Yes, Gail,” I answered calmly. “We want a quiet evening, so the grown-ups can relax.” “Relax from children?!” She was so scandalized it was as if I’d called for a ban on babies across the country. “You do realise we’re a close family?! We do everything together!” “It’s our day. No one has to come, but that’s the rule.” A pause. Heavy as granite. “Well, fine. We just won’t come,” she snapped, then hung up. I sat there, phone in hand, feeling like I’d just pressed the big red button for family disaster. Three days later, Artem came home with a grim face. “Inna… Can we talk?” he said, taking off his coat. “What happened?” “Katya’s in tears. Says it’s an insult to the family. Her three kids aren’t wild monsters — they are people. And if they can’t come, neither will she, her husband, or his parents.” “So that’s five down?” “Eight,” he corrected wearily, sinking onto the couch. “They say we’ve broken tradition.” I just laughed — that crazy, teary laugh. “Tradition? Of bringing children to weddings just to knock trays out of waiters’ hands?” Artem smirked too. “Don’t say that to them. They’re already on the brink.” The onslaught didn’t stop there. A week later, we went to his parents’ house for Sunday dinner. That’s when I got a surprise. His nan — usually quiet, hoping no one drags her into anything — found her voice. “Children are a blessing,” she said, reproachful. “Without them, a wedding feels… empty.” I was about to answer, but Artem’s mum beat me to it. “Mum, enough!” she sighed, leaning back. “Children at weddings are chaos. You always complain about the noise. How many times have we dragged little runners out from under tables?” “But families are meant to be together!” “Families should respect the wishes of the bride and groom,” she replied, calm. I wanted to applaud. Nan just shook her head. “I still think it’s wrong.” I realised then: our conflict had become a family saga worthy of “Game of Thrones.” And we were the king and queen under siege. The knockout came a few days later. Phone call. Artem’s uncle, Michael. He’s the calmest man alive, never troubled. “Inna, hello,” he began gently. “Look, we’ve been thinking… Why can’t children come? They’re part of the family. We’ve always come to weddings together.” “Michael,” I sighed, “we just want a peaceful evening. No one is forced to attend…” “Yes, yes, I know. But Olya says if her children can’t go, then neither will she. And I’m with her.” Eyes closed. Two more down. By now our guest list was on a strict crash diet — 15 relatives down. Artem sat with me, arm around my shoulder. “We’re doing the right thing,” he whispered. “Otherwise, it won’t feel like our wedding.” But the pressure kept coming. Nan dropped hints: “Without children’s laughter, it’ll all feel lifeless.” Katya wrote a dramatic family group chat post: “It’s sad when some people don’t want children at their celebrations…” And then — the day itself. The people carrier stopped at the steps. The children tumbled out, stomping like a military parade. Auntie Gail followed, adjusting her curls. “I’m going to lose my mind…” I whispered. Artem squeezed my hand. “It’ll be fine. We’ll handle it.” Out we went. Auntie Gail stood arms wide. “Well, hello, newlyweds!” she announced. “Sorry we’re late. We decided to come. We’re family! There was no one to leave the kids with, but they’ll be quiet. We won’t stay long.” “Quiet?” Artem breathed, eyeing the kids peeking under the wedding arch. Deep breath. “Gail… We agreed,” I said firmly. “No children. You knew this in advance.” “But it’s a wedding…” she started. Nan intervened. “We’re here to congratulate you,” she said. “But children are family. Separating us isn’t right.” “Mrs. Paterson,” I replied softly, “we appreciate you coming. Truly. But this is our choice. If it isn’t respected — we’ll have to ask…” I didn’t finish. “MUM!” Artem’s mum said sharply, appearing at the door. “Stop spoiling their day. Grown-ups celebrate — children stay home. End of. Let’s go.” Nan faltered. Gail froze. Even the kids fell quiet, sensing the change. Gail sniffled. “Well… alright. We didn’t want to start a fight. Just thought it’d be best.” “You don’t have to leave,” I said, honestly. “But the kids must go home.” Katya rolled her eyes. Her husband sighed. After a tense silence, they led the kids out to the car. Katya’s husband drove them home. The adults stayed. For the first time — by choice. When we entered the hall, it was perfect: candlelight, jazz, soft laughter. Our friends raised glasses, the gentlemen made space, the waiter brought champagne. That’s when I knew: we’d done the right thing. Artem leaned in: “So, my wife… Looks like we did it.” “Looks like it,” I smiled. The evening was magical. Our first dance wasn’t interrupted by children underfoot. No shrieking, no cupcakes smashed, no cartoons blaring on phones. Guests talked, laughed, enjoyed the music. Later, Nan approached us. “Inna, Artem…” she said quietly. “I was wrong. Today… is lovely. Peaceful.” I smiled warmly. “Thank you, Mrs. Paterson.” “I just… Old people hang onto habits. But I see you knew what you were doing.” Those words meant more than every toast combined. Near the end, Auntie Gail came over, clutching a glass like a shield. “Inna…” her voice was softer. “I overreacted. I’m sorry. It’s just… it’s always the way we’ve done it. But today was… beautiful. Quiet. Grown-up.” “Thank you for coming,” I replied, sincerely. “We rarely get to relax without the kids. Today… I felt like myself again,” she admitted. “Strange I never thought of it before.” We hugged. Weeks of tension melted away. When the evening ended, Artem and I stepped outside, under lamplight. He slipped off his jacket and wrapped it round my shoulders. “So, how was our wedding?” he asked. “It was perfect,” I said. “Because it was ours.” “And because we stood our ground.” I nodded. That was it, really. Family is important. So is tradition. But so is respecting boundaries. When the bride and groom say “no children,” it’s not a whim — it’s their right. And even the squeakiest family wheels can adjust — once you make it clear the decision is final. This wedding was a lesson for everyone — especially us: sometimes, to save a celebration, you have to say “no.” And that “no” is what truly makes it a happy day.