Jessica was getting ready to walk down the aisle, excitement and nerves bubbling inside her. The wedding theme was old-school glamour, so she had hired professionals for hair and makeup to match the elegant vibe. Wanting to treat her loved ones, she handed out $350 to her mother, mother-in-law, and bridesmaids, covering their beauty expenses.

Just as Jessica was having the final touches done to her hair, her mother-in-law, Carol, barged into the room, looking furious. “Jessica, we need to talk,” she demanded.

Jessica turned, startled. “What’s wrong, Carol?”

Carol thrust a bill towards her. “I just got my hair, makeup, and dress bill. You need to pay for this.”

Jessica felt a lump form in her throat. “But I already gave you money for that.”

“That was for the basics,” Carol snapped. “This bill includes extra services and a more expensive dress I chose.”

Before Jessica could respond, her own mother, Susan, who had been helping with final preparations, stepped in. “What is going on here?”

“Your daughter needs to pay for my extra expenses,” Carol insisted, her voice dripping with entitlement.

Susan’s eyes narrowed. “Jessica already paid for your hair, makeup, and dress. Why are you demanding more money?”

Carol crossed her arms. “Because it’s not enough. I upgraded my dress and got extra services. It’s her wedding, so she should cover it.”

Susan stepped closer, her protective instincts kicking in. “Carol, Jessica has been more than generous. It’s not her responsibility to pay for your upgrades. If you wanted something extra, you should have paid for it yourself.”

Carol opened her mouth to argue, but Susan cut her off. “This is Jessica’s day. How dare you try to ruin it with your demands? If you can’t be grateful for what she’s already done, maybe you shouldn’t be here at all.”

Jessica watched in awe as her mother stood up for her. Tears welled in her eyes, not from sadness but from gratitude. She had always known her mother was strong, but seeing her in action was a different experience.

Carol glared at Susan, but the older woman didn’t back down. “This is supposed to be a joyous occasion, not a battlefield. If you can’t respect that, you need to leave.”

With a huff, Carol turned on her heel and stormed out of the room. Jessica let out a breath she didn’t realize she had been holding. “Thank you, Mom,” she whispered.

Susan smiled, her expression softening. “Of course, sweetheart. No one messes with my daughter.”

The tension in the room dissolved, replaced with a sense of solidarity and love. The bridesmaids, who had been watching the exchange silently, began to buzz with supportive chatter, their admiration for Susan clear.

The rest of the preparations went smoothly, and as Jessica walked down the aisle, she felt more supported than ever. Her mother’s fierce defense gave her the strength to focus on what truly mattered—marrying the love of her life.

Liam’s eyes lit up as he saw her, and Jessica knew that no matter what obstacles they faced, they would always have each other and the unwavering support of those who truly cared for them.

Later, at the reception, Susan pulled Jessica aside. “I know today has been a rollercoaster, but I want you to remember something.”

“What is it, Mom?” Jessica asked, smiling.

“No matter what challenges come your way, you are never alone. Family stands by each other through thick and thin. And you, my dear, have a family that loves you more than anything.”

Jessica hugged her mother tightly, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude. “I love you, Mom.”

“I love you too, Jessica. Now go enjoy your wedding. You’ve earned it.”

And with that, Jessica rejoined the celebration, her heart full and her spirits high, knowing that with the love and support of her family, she could face anything.