From the first time I met Robert’s mother, Elizabeth, I knew she would challenge me. She had always meddled in Robert’s life, dictating his friends, hobbies, and education. She planned his path to perfection.

When Robert and I decided to marry, Elizabeth was unhappy. “My son deserves a woman who knows her place,” she often remarked, glaring at me. She believed a wife should cook, clean, and cater to her husband’s every need. I had dreams of becoming a software engineer, ambitions beyond our home.

One afternoon, Elizabeth called me to her estate and slid a check across the table. “Seventy-five thousand dollars,” she said flatly. “Leave my son alone.” Shocked and amused, I accepted the check without a word.

When I got home, Robert and I devised a plan. A week later, Robert introduced his new girlfriend at a family gathering. Jessica seemed perfect to Elizabeth, but soon showed materialistic ambitions. Elizabeth eventually realized her mistake and accepted our marriage.