On this beautiful spring day, Sarah decided to step out of her apartment and take a walk in the park near a small lake. It was the perfect spot to escape the hustle of city life and enjoy nature, allowing her soul to truly rest. The air was filled with the freshness of spring, birds were singing, and the lake’s water shimmered with rainbow hues under the sunlight.

Sarah happily fed the ducks, which eagerly swam toward her for treats. She closed her eyes slightly and instantly felt the warm rays of the sun gently caressing her face. It was pure bliss.

At the same time, on the other side of the park, a handsome young man named Ethan was strolling. He had been watching Sarah for a while, unable to take his eyes off her effortless beauty and the calm way she interacted with her surroundings. Simply breathtaking.

His heart raced as he finally mustered the courage to approach her. Taking a few steps, Ethan stopped near Sarah and, gathering all his bravery, spoke. “Hello, miss!” he began with a smile.

“Please don’t think I’m being forward. I just couldn’t help myself. You look so at peace here, surrounded by this natural beauty.

It’d be a shame not to say hello!” Sarah turned to him, surprised, but her expression quickly softened. She returned a smile, feeling a pleasant flutter of excitement. And so, the casual meeting of Sarah and Ethan began, which, as they would later realize, marked the start of something big and meaningful in their lives.

The young couple walked together, talked, smiled, and blushed when their eyes met. The air was filled with a subtle scent of romance. Sarah liked this confident and driven guy, and after this encounter, they developed a warm relationship.

Months of romantic walks, movie dates, and dinners followed, and soon Ethan suggested introducing Sarah to his parents. Sarah was nervous—this was the first time a relationship had gone this far. But, oh my, what do you do when meeting your boyfriend’s parents? How do you act? She wore her best dress, applied light makeup, and picked up a delicious, beautifully decorated cake on the way.

After work, Ethan picked her up, and they drove to his parents’ house. At the doorstep, they were greeted by Michael Thompson. He welcomed them with a smile.

“Come in, Sarah!” I’m thrilled to finally meet my son’s girlfriend, who I’ve heard so many great things about. But Elizabeth Thompson, Ethan’s mother, wasn’t as warm toward her potential daughter-in-law. She glared at Sarah from head to toe, saying nothing.

With a scornful grimace, she grabbed Ethan by the arm and practically dragged him to the kitchen, leaving Sarah bewildered at the doorstep. “Son, listen to your mother. Who did you bring into our home? Where did you find her? Does she make a living on the streets?” she scolded, not mincing words. “Have you even looked at her? Or are you so blinded by love?” Red lips, red nails, and that dress—so revealing you don’t even need to bend over.

“What did I do to deserve this punishment?” It’s like she’s not a teacher but some stripper straight from a nightclub. Elizabeth spoke so loudly and sharply that everyone nearby could hear, especially Sarah, standing just steps away. She couldn’t help but hear every insult hurled at her.

With each harsh word, tears welled up in Sarah’s eyes. She couldn’t fathom what had triggered such a reaction from her future mother-in-law. Checking herself for reassurance, Sarah found nothing that could justify such outrage.

Her nails were neatly trimmed and coated with a subtle red polish, nothing flashy. Her dress, though slightly above the knee, was buttoned up, emphasizing its modesty. Her long blonde hair was neatly tied into an elegant bun, adding sophistication to her look.

Sarah couldn’t figure out what in her appearance or behavior had so enraged Elizabeth Thompson. Then she heard her beloved’s voice. “Mom, stop it right now! What’s with this tantrum?” Ethan defended her.

“I bought that dress for Sarah myself. Her nails and makeup are perfectly fine. What did you expect, that I’d bring home a nun? Don’t talk about my fiancée like that, or we’re going to have a serious problem.”

Her future mother-in-law snapped back with even more venom. “Ethan, don’t you dare argue with your mother. I only want what’s best for you, and this girl with her red nails is clearly not it.

Tell me, son, couldn’t you date a normal girl? Someone with a modest appearance. Don’t you see that girls like her, who are too beautiful, won’t stay faithful? Mark my words, dear.

Look at our neighbor’s daughter, Megan. Such a sweet girl, and an excellent homemaker.

Sure, she’s not as striking, but she’d be a loyal and devoted wife. Not like this red-lipped floozy.

Elizabeth didn’t finish her rant before Ethan cut her off sharply. “Enough, Mom. You don’t know Sarah at all to say such things about her.

She’s the best thing in my life. Got it? Tell your Megan to stop flirting with me every chance she gets, because my heart’s taken. Pass that along.

I know you well enough. You’ve been pushing Megan on me since high school.

Stop playing matchmaker. I love Sarah. If you keep badmouthing her, our relationship will suffer.

I’m the one who’ll live with her, not you.” Hearing Ethan stand up for her, Sarah felt a bit calmer. He loved her, so everything was fine.

After what she’d overheard, she wanted to bolt from the house. But her beloved was on her side, so they’d be okay. Sarah smiled and, in her mind, even shook a tiny fist at his mother.

No matter how hard she tried to tear them apart, that old snake wouldn’t succeed. Six months later, despite Elizabeth Thompson’s protests, the couple tied the knot. Standing in a flowing white wedding gown, Sarah was overjoyed, ignoring her new mother-in-law’s scorching glares.

When guests gave toasts congratulating the couple, the groom’s mother stood with a glass of champagne and suddenly said, “I wish you happiness, son. I hope, despite your choice, you’ll recognize true love.” Guests whispered about her cryptic words, but the lively wedding host quickly turned it into a joke.

After the thrilling and unforgettable wedding, Sarah and her husband moved into a three-bedroom apartment, a true family heirloom. It once belonged to Ethan’s grandmother, who had gifted it to her beloved grandson during her lifetime. Now, this cozy space became their shared home, where they began building their nest.

Day by day, the apartment filled with warmth and comfort, its walls adorned with shared photos, every corner infused with love and care. Sarah and Ethan poured their hearts into making this place a true home, where every detail reflected their happiness. A year later, their lives gained new meaning when Sarah gave birth to their first child.

It was an emotional moment for the young family, and Ethan, brimming with joy and pride, suggested naming their son Noah, after his late grandfather, a name that meant so much to him. Sarah happily agreed, as she loved the name Noah too. She even recalled a favorite college professor with the same name.

Hearing this, her mother-in-law smirked wickedly and, as usual, dragged Ethan to the kitchen, where she began whispering venom. “Your Sarah definitely cheated on you with that kid! I’m telling you, son!” And she cheated with that favorite professor of hers. No wonder she loves that name so much.

You saw how she smiled, remembering that guy. It’s obvious to anyone. So, son, you need to be very careful and watchful.

If I were you, I’d double-check if that kid is yours, just to be safe. Or you’ll soon be hitting the ceiling with horns.” “Mom, have you lost your mind?” Ethan gasped, stunned by her words.

“How can you even say that? That’s your own grandson! My wife is faithful. I don’t doubt her.” Offended by her son’s disbelief, Elizabeth Thompson hissed one last time.

“We’ll see if that’s my grandson. You’ll regret not listening to me. You’ll suffer with that red-lipped hussy.”

Time passed quietly. The young family built their life in love and harmony. The couple raised their son, surrounding him with warmth and care.

But their bliss had one exception. Elizabeth Thompson couldn’t accept her son’s choice. Determined to break up the newlyweds, she stopped at nothing.

Elizabeth began her schemes by trying to discredit Sarah as a homemaker. She often visited under the guise of helping or chatting. But her visits always brought trouble.

One day, while Sarah was cooking lunch, her mother-in-law secretly oversalted the soup, making it inedible. Another time, when Sarah decided to treat the family to a homemade cake, Elizabeth quietly opened the oven mid-bake, ruining it. Sarah was deeply upset by these failures.

Elizabeth smirked smugly, telling everyone Sarah couldn’t keep a home or cook. But despite her mother-in-law’s efforts to sabotage their relationship, the couple continued to love and support each other. They knew true family harmony was built on mutual respect and understanding, not cooking skills.

But one event threatened Sarah’s family life. Though her mother-in-law wasn’t directly to blame, the consequences were severe. Sarah was soon attending a high school reunion.

It had been 10 years since graduation, and she was eager to see how her old classmates’ lives had turned out. The reunion was planned without partners, so Ethan, taking time off work, stayed home with little Noah. The evening at a restaurant was fun, and Sarah returned home cheerful, slightly tipsy, and well past midnight.