When Emma fell for a teacher who didn’t have much wealth, her parents presented her with a difficult ultimatum: him or them.
On her wedding day, their seats remained empty, but her grandpa stood by her side. Ten years later, at his funeral, her long – estranged parents showed up seeking forgiveness, yet not for the reasons she’d hoped.
In our pleasant suburban abode, my parents used to jest about one day living in a grand mansion. But by the time I reached high school, it was no longer amusing. I came to realize that every decision they made revolved around attempting to ascend the social ladder.
My mom even sized up my friends based on their parents’ financial status. I’ll never forget her reaction when I brought Bianca over for a science project. She remarked, “She’s not worthy of you,” and scoffed at Bianca’s attire and hairstyle. That’s when I recognized how narrow – minded they were.
Then I met Liam during my college years.
“A teacher?” My mom nearly choked on her champagne when I informed her about him. “Teachers are wonderful, but they’re not, well, you know.”
I knew precisely what she meant, but this time I didn’t let it faze me. Liam’s passion for teaching made him extraordinary. He proposed to me with his grandmother’s ring in the community garden where we had our first date, and I said yes before he could finish his proposal.
My parents’ response was frigid.
“Not that teacher!” my father exclaimed angrily. “He can’t support you or us! You’re ruining your future!”
“If you marry him,” my mom added sternly, “we’ll cut you off. It’s him or us.”
