The day my brother remarried. My mother invited my ex-sister-in-law who was said to be “infertile” to witness. When she appeared, my mother could not stand still, because next to her was also
Today was the wedding day of my brother Joaquin. From early morning, the house in Quezon City was bustling with laughter and guests coming and going. My mother wore a red terno with butterfly sleeves, embroidered with sampaguita flowers, her face was radiant but her eyes still shone with an inexplicable joy. Everyone thought my mother was happy because her son had a new wife, but I knew she was triumphant because she had invited a “special” guest – my ex-sister-in-law.

My ex-sister-in-law’s name was Lara. Three years ago, she was forced by her mother and Joaquin to divorce because she could not have children. Even though she sought treatment everywhere, took all kinds of Chinese and Vietnamese medicine, she was still kicked out of the house in humiliation. At that time, my mother was even more cruel: “Get lost, if you are useless, don’t even dream of being a daughter-in-law in this house.”

I love my sister so much. She is gentle, capable, and takes good care of her family. But in front of her mother’s wishes and her brother’s indifferent silence, she could only wipe away her tears, sign the divorce papers, and move away in the rainy night.

My mother was still bitter because she left so easily, without begging to be saved. So when Joaquin was about to get married, she immediately asked someone to send her an invitation, just to “show off” that her son had finally married someone else to carry on the family line — like a slap to the person she once considered “useless”.

The wedding took place solemnly in a hotel lobby in Makati. Near noon, everyone was in an uproar when a black Mercedes stopped in front of the gate. The driver quickly opened the door. I was stunned — Lara stepped out, arm in arm with a tall, dignified man, wearing a perfectly tailored black suit, and a calm demeanor. All eyes immediately turned to them.

My mother was standing there receiving guests. As soon as she saw Lara, she smiled faintly and spoke sarcastically….

— Oh, Lara. Are you free to attend the wedding?

Lara smiled calmly, bowing to my mother. The man beside her spoke in a warm but cold voice:

— Is this your ex-mother-in-law?

My mother paused. Before she could react, he turned to everyone and said clearly:

— Let me introduce myself, I am Rafael, Lara’s husband. My husband and I came to congratulate you today. By the way, we also have good news to share… Lara, tell me.

Lara smiled, her eyes as bright as dawn:

— Yes. I’m three months pregnant. The doctor said the fetus is healthy, my husband and I are very happy.

The entire banquet hall fell silent. I saw my mother’s hands tremble, her face pale. Joaquin stood on stage, wearing a barong Tagalog made of piña fabric, looking down in shock. The new bride looked at her husband in confusion, not understanding what was happening.

Rafael gently placed his hand on his wife’s back, protecting her as if he was afraid she would get tired. He tilted his head and whispered something, making Lara giggle. That smile was so different from her old resignation — now it was full of confidence and peace.

My mother held onto the chair, her voice trembling:

— Are you… are you really pregnant?

Lara calmly said:

— Yes. The doctor said my health is completely normal; if I didn’t have children before, it must have been my fate. Now I’ve found happiness and a family that truly loves me — where I don’t have to prove anything.

After saying that, Lara turned to her husband. The two of them nodded slightly and left together, with everyone looking at them in amazement. As they passed me, Lara smiled — her eyes were gentle but strong. My nose stung. The woman who had been pushed out of the house as a failure was now radiant and loved.

The party continued, but the atmosphere was heavy. My mother sat there, her eyes lifeless. Joaquin was silent the whole time, no longer smiling exaggeratedly. I knew that at that moment, he and his mother understood: the person they looked down on the most was the one living a more fulfilling life than anyone else.

And perhaps, that was the most beautiful answer to all the pain Lara had ever experienced.