It was a heartbreaking announcement to make. My in-laws could hardly believe that there were parents who would not attend their own daughter’s wedding. They were silent for a while after hearing my story.

On such an important day, the moment I felt the heavy atmosphere, my mother-in-law took my hand. Immediately, my father-in-law placed his hand on top of ours.

“Do you remember that your family is here? Don’t make this day a sad one. Come on, why don’t you smile?” said my mother-in-law warmly.

And I couldn’t help but tear up.

“Maryanne, I’m here as your husband, so please stop saying the family isn’t attending,” Scott said, as he tenderly stroked my head.

Seeing me start to cry, my in-laws and Scott hurried to cheer me up, saying, “Don’t cry. You’re the bride, and your makeup will run,” even though they were joking.

Then my mother-in-law looked at me intently and said, “Maryanne, it might be tough with your family back home, but this new life you’re starting should be a wonderful beginning. Let’s build your own family.”

Though I was feeling abandoned, my mother-in-law firmly embraced me. Scott and my father-in-law followed suit.

I told myself, it’s okay. Just like my mother-in-law said, this is supposed to be a new beginning.

I vowed to build my own happy family, and that day, I officially got married with Scott.

15 years have passed.

During that time, my husband and I had a daughter and two sons. My a capable daughter, who can handle anything, keeps an eye on her two Mischief loving brothers who mess up the house sometimes.

The sound of my own voice yelling, “Stop it now,” surprises even me.

Scott’s job was going well. We bought a house, and we were living a stable life. But then unexpected visitors appeared.

It was none other than my father, mother, and sister.

After marriage, I had kept my distance from my family and hadn’t given them my new address. However, they somehow found our house and showed up unexpectedly.

Of course, the words that came out from me when they appeared were not a warm greeting like long time no see, but, “What do you want?”

“I have a favor to ask of you,” my sister said.

My parents also said, “It’s something only you can do for us,” as they looked at me sincerely.

What’s going on? What could they possibly need from me after 15 years of distance?

Half in anticipation and half in fear, I remained silent as my mother spoke up.

“We want you to give Scott to your sister.”

Both Scott and I were shocked by her words.

“Wait a minute. Why do you mean I need to give Scott away?” When I asked this sharply, both my parents turned away, looking guilty.

Only my sister remained smug and proud.

“She’s still single, and she’s turning 42 this year.”

“And that’s a problem because?”

I couldn’t grasp the logic in my father’s words. Scott showed the same confusion.

“Actually, the company she worked for recently went under, and she’s currently unemployed.”

“That’s tough.”

“We worry about your sister’s future, being single and jobless. We hope you understand. Since you are sisters, you should feel the same.”

I silently countered their serious looks with no, I don’t think so in my mind.

Curious about what they would say next, I was frustrated with my my father’s slow speech. I held back unnecessary comments, eager to hurry his response.

“She’s always liked Scott, and she’s still alone because of that. You’ve enjoyed your marriage with Scott, haven’t you? Could you please let your sister have him for the rest of her life?”

“What do you mean?”

Seeing their reactions, Scott seemed lost for words as well. Meanwhile, my parents were pleading, “Please,” and my sister maintained her Hotty demeanor. She seemed certain she would get Scott.

Given that my parents always catered to her desires, it’s no wonder she believed it. But this was an outrageous request.