For a moment, silence hung heavy in the air, as though the walls themselves were holding their breath.

My mother-in-law’s expression shifted, surprise flickering across her features, as if my words had struck a chord she hadn’t expected.

I continued, “I love your son with all my heart, and we are building a life together. I hope we can find a way to coexist peacefully, for his sake and for ours.”

My husband finally found his voice, siding with me for the first time in the ongoing struggle. “Mom, enough is enough. We both love you, but we need you to respect our marriage.”