From the moment I married Jake, his mother Sharon made it clear she didn’t accept me. Her subtle jabs about how I looked hurt deeply, but I kept quiet for Jake’s sake.

When I became pregnant, Sharon suddenly took over, organizing a gender reveal dinner she called “small,” but I sensed something wasn’t right.

On the night of the reveal, the house was crowded with over 25 guests far from the intimate gathering I had expected. Sharon welcomed me warmly, yet the large crowd and her forced enthusiasm made me uneasy. Jake noticed too and quietly confronted his mom, but she dismissed his concerns.

Then came the toast, and instead of celebrating, Sharon publicly mocked my nose, comparing it to hers and hoping the baby wouldn’t inherit it. Awkward laughter filled the room, but Jake stood up for me with a heartfelt speech about love and respect, condemning his mother’s cruelty.

We left right after, feeling relieved and united. Jake promised to shield me and our daughter from any toxicity, no matter what. Though it pains me to keep Sharon at a distance, I know our family’s peace and safety must always come first.