I was the sole person at the farthest table in the room, which felt like an island in a sea of joy. I saw my only son’s wedding without me. I couldn’t help but think about how I had ended up here, all by myself. Louise is the name of my daughter. I’m 42 years old, and for the last 23 years, I’ve been raising my son Michael on my own. He left me with nothing but a broken heart and a life growing inside me as soon as he found out I was pregnant. I gave my son all he needed, even if it wasn’t easy. He needed love, education, and a strong sense of right and wrong.
I was quite proud of Michael when he became a great lawyer. At his well-known law practice, he met Chloe, a young woman from a wealthy, traditional family. From the first time I saw her, I felt a chilly knot of unease in my stomach. She would stare at me up and down, as she was looking at worn clothes in a department store. She would notice my outfit and decent shoes. She always said things that made it clear how much she didn’t like them.
“So, Louise, did you ever think about getting married again?” She would say with a sickly sweet smile during our awkward family dinners, “It must be so hard to live like that.” Another favorite was, “Michael says you never got over being left alone while you were pregnant.” “How awful that happened, right? Some women just can’t keep a man.”
I would always smile pleasantly and tightly, even though I could feel the wrath rising in my throat. “I was happy to take care of Michael.” Not everyone needs a partner to feel whole.
“Of course, of course,” she would say, her smile full of poison. “It’s what all the single women say to get some sleep.”
Michael didn’t appear to care about the harsh things others were saying about him. He was crazy about Chloe, and I didn’t want to be the nosy mom who ruined her son’s fun. I forced my anxieties aside, bit my tongue, and tried to get closer to her, even though every part of me told me to keep away.
I was shocked to learn that I was virtually completely left out of the wedding plans. Beatrice and Chloe were in charge of everything and made all the decisions. When I kindly offered to help with the flowers or the invitations, people looked at me like they didn’t care.
“Don’t worry about it, Louise,” Beatrice would say, her voice exactly matching her daughter’s snobbishness. “We’re responsible for everything.” You have a lot to worry about on your own. We also want a classy wedding, you know, with a certain level of quality.
They were very clear about what they meant: as a single mother from a working-class background, I didn’t have the class to help with the beautiful, high-society wedding they were planning.
The rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding was the first big blow. Chloe got everyone together to speak about where the tables would go during the reception. “And Louise, you’ll be at table 15, over there in the corner,” she continued, pointing to the seating chart with a well-groomed nail.
I took a quick look at the graph. Table 15 was almost hidden from view at the entrance to the facilities. It was the farthest away from the main stage. It was, for all intents and purposes, the table of those who had been cast out of society. The melancholy glances on the faces of the other visitors made my skin feel like it was being pricked by tiny needles.
“Wouldn’t it be better if she sat at the main table?” Michael asked, his love-struck state bursting through with a note of apprehension. “She is my mother, after all.”
Chloe gave me that trained, gleaming smile that I knew so well. “Sweetheart, the main table is for couples only.” We thought it would be better for your mom to be near other people who are going through the same thing. Then she spoke more quietly, but not so quietly that I couldn’t hear. “We don’t want her to look like a lost puppy in the official pictures, do we?”
Michael thought about it for a moment, and a small fight broke out on his face. But, like always, he gave in. I knew at that time that the wedding would mark the beginning of a life in which my son would always side with his wife, no matter how cruel it was.
I attempted to make myself feel better the morning before the big day. I wore the navy blue dress I had bought specifically for this occasion. It was a simple but elegant sheath that cost more than I could really afford. I made sure I looked great. The hair and cosmetics were perfect. I don’t want Chloe to see me lose.
I had to concede that the wedding itself was beautiful. The chapel was full of white and gold flowers, and my child looked beautiful at the altar. I cried when he said his vows because I was proud of the man he had become and afraid for the family he was joining.
But the real embarrassment began at the reception. When I came to the lovely ballroom at the Mountain Ridge Resort, one of Chloe’s bridesmaids greeted me with a nasty sneer. “Here is your table, Mrs. Louise,” she said, pointing to a small table in the rear of the room that looked mournful. Chloe thought you would feel better if you weren’t the center of attention. A lot of the time, single women of a particular age don’t fit in at these kinds of gatherings.
I sat down and looked at the folks at my table. There was an old great-aunt who wouldn’t stop talking about her pets, a distant cousin of Chloe’s who was already drunk, and two uninteresting teens who spent the whole night looking at their phones. No one spoke to me.
From my lonely spot, I could see Chloe gliding around the visitors like a queen. She would pause every now and then to say something to me and then laugh in a cruel way. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that people were talking about me.
I heard her remark “Poor Louise” to a group of people who were near my table. She said it loud enough for me to hear on purpose. “Can you imagine being pregnant and alone and never being able to find a partner again? Michael took care of himself most of the time. She was too busy crying in the corners, poor woman.
The most embarrassing part was when Chloe introduced everyone. She took the microphone, and the sequins on her dress sparkled in the light of the chandeliers. “And of course, I can’t forget to mention Michael’s mother,” she said, pointing to me in my corner. Louise raised Michael all by herself. What a warrior! She was always busy with work and her son, so she never had time to find another love, right? Or maybe no man wanted to deal with a woman who had “baggage.”
Everyone in the room turned to look at me. Some stared at me with pity, while others gave me the smug smile I knew so well. I waved and smiled, but I felt guilty.
“But who knows? Today might be your lucky day! Chloe kept chatting, and her voice sounded phony happy. “Some of our uncles are single, but most of them are looking for someone a little younger. Sorry, Louise.”
People were laughing in the hall. Michael looked worried, but he didn’t say anything. At that moment, something inside me broke. I had given my life to my son, and now he was letting his wife make me look bad in front of everyone. I was ready to grab my purse and leave when I felt someone pull out the empty chair next to me.
I looked up and saw a man in his forties wearing a dark gray suit that showed off his large shoulders. He had a strong, good-looking face with brown eyes that looked right through you and a grin that felt true, which is rare in that area.
He sat next to me and said, “Pretend you’re with me,” like it was the most normal thing in the world.
For a while, I didn’t say anything as I stared at him in shock.
“I saw what just happened,” he continued in a kind, compassionate voice. “No one should be treated that way, especially not the mother of the groom.”
I said, “I don’t even know you,” still being careful.
He grinned, and his smile reached his eyes. “I’m Arthur, Chloe’s father’s childhood friend, but I don’t agree with the family’s values.” And you must be Louise, the amazing mother who raised that smart lawyer all by herself.
I felt something peculiar in my chest, a mix of amazement and gratitude for this stranger who seemed to know what Chloe was doing. “Why are you doing this?” “Why?” “I asked.
Arthur shrugged. “Let’s just say I really don’t like people who use their power to humiliate others.” He smiled playfully and said, “Besides, it would be a great honor to be considered the companion of the most beautiful woman at this party.”
The way he talked to me so honestly and directly made me feel beautiful for the first time that night. I looked at him for a long time, thinking about what I should do. Should I keep sitting alone and taking in the shame? Or should I let this nice stranger help me and maybe, just maybe, give Chloe a taste of her own medicine?
“Okay,” I finally responded. “What’s the plan?” “”
Arthur’s smile got broader. “First, we’ll give them something to really talk about.” He kissed my palm lightly and kept his eyes on mine. “Do you trust me?”
I did, but I can’t say why. And that’s how the night that would change my life forever began.
The effect happened almost right away. Several well-known guests stared at Arthur with recognition, which showed that he was important. Chloe was soon watching us from the other side of the room, her perfectly made-up face conveying both rage and perplexity.
I whispered to Arthur, “She is watching us.”
“Great,” he remarked with a wink. “Let’s put on a show for her.”
Arthur began to act like we had been dating for a long time. He poured me champagne, leaned in to hear what I was saying, and laughed at my jokes like he actually cared. But the most shocking thing was that he really wanted to know.
“Wow,” he remarked, really astonished, when I told him about my small business in interior design. “So, you started your own business in interior design?”
“Yes, I started with small tasks when Michael went to college. I needed something to do when the house was empty,” I answered, surprised at how simple it was to talk about my life with this stranger.
“That’s great, Louise.” Raising a son on your own is a huge accomplishment, but launching a business at the same time? You’re incredible. His compliments were sincere and not at all condescending, which was a nice change. People saw me as someone who could help others, not as someone who needed help.
As we talked, I saw that other people were starting to gaze at us. The “loser’s table” suddenly appeared like the most fun place in the room. Teenagers even stopped using their phones.
“Who is he?” I heard one of Chloe’s aunts question another aunt. “I’ve never seen Louise with anyone else.”
The other guy remarked, “That’s Arthur Monroe,” in a hushed voice out of respect. “He owns that chain of luxury hotels. What is he doing with her?”
The rumor spread quickly. Arthur Monroe. The name immediately made sense. I had read about him in business magazines. He was a businessman who made his own money and was known for being private about his personal life and doing good things for others. He looked like my date in every way that mattered.
I asked in a low voice, “You’re Arthur Monroe, right?”
He smiled, although he was a little embarrassed. “I did it,” but that’s not important right now. The main issue is that Chloe looks like she is going to choke on her champagne.
I turned to look at her. Chloe genuinely did look astonished. They were both looking at us while she angrily whispered to her mom. Michael, who was next to her, looked just as confused. Chloe’s face, which had a nice mix of bewilderment, anger, and yes, jealousy, made me feel better about my bruised pride.
Chloe didn’t wait long to get involved. She came over to our table with a phony smile on her face. She responded in a strangely high voice, “Louise, I didn’t know you knew Arthur.” “You never told me you knew someone so famous!” What a great surprise!
Arthur stood up straight and gently touched my back, which made me shiver a little. He murmured sweetly, “Chloe, congratulations on the wedding,” but there was a tinge of coldness in his eyes.
“Thanks. But I’m curious. How do you two know each other?” She never talked about… “Anyone in her life,” she said with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “We always thought she was too lonely to have friends.”
Arthur said before I could answer. “Don’t you think that some of the best stories are the ones we keep to ourselves?” “Your relationship doesn’t have to be public to be valuable.
Chloe was quiet for a moment after hearing the polite but pointed comment. She blinked, which showed that she wasn’t used to being told no. “Of course,” she said, getting better. “I hope you’re having fun at the party, even if you’re in this corner.” “Unfortunately, we had to set up the tables by status, and…” she stopped, “well, you know what I mean.”
“By status?” “Arthur asked with a phony expression of innocence. “Then it’s strange that you put Louise here. I would say her status is quite high because she is smart, classy, and raised a great son by herself. Unless, of course, you measure people by more shallow standards.
Chloe’s cheeks turned bright red. “I didn’t mean to…” I mean, it was just a matter of logistics.
Arthur smiled and said, “Actually, we were just thinking about dancing.” The music is great. By the way, who did your decorating? Louise’s work on her interior design projects has been amazing. “Maybe you should hire her to work on your new house.” He reached out to me, and I took it without thinking.
As we walked to the dance floor, I could feel Chloe’s angry eyes on my back. I loved every second of that small victory.
I said, “She’s angry,” and tried not to smile.
“That’s just the beginning,” Arthur replied, and then he led me to the middle of the floor. “Do you know how to dance?” “”
I said, “It’s been so long that I don’t even remember,” and all of a sudden I was worried.
“Don’t worry.” “Just do what I say.”
And I did. Arthur was a terrific dancer, and soon we were moving around the floor like we’d been dancing together for years. The band was playing a slow, romantic song, and the way he held me around the waist made me feel safe and cherished in a way I hadn’t felt in years.
I remarked, “Everyone is watching,” yet at the same time I felt strong and vulnerable.
“Let them watch,” he muttered, his voice low and thundering in my ear. “They’re finally seeing what they should have seen all along: an amazing woman who should be honored, not hidden.”
I saw the official wedding photographer coming up to us while we were dancing. He was plainly intrigued in the odd couple who were suddenly taking over the dance floor. “Do you mind?” he inquired, handing out his camera.
“Not at all,” Arthur murmured as he pulled me closer. “Don’t you think, my dear, that these times should be remembered forever?”
I smiled for real at the camera, knowing that those images would be in Michael and Chloe’s official wedding album forever. This is a lasting record of the night when the “pathetic spinster” took the spotlight from one of the most popular men in the room.
Arthur held on to my hand long after the music stopped. Instead, he brought me back to the table and stood in a way that made it easy for everyone to see us. For the rest of the night, I could tell that the vibe in the room had changed. The same guests who had looked at me with pity earlier now looked at me with intrigue, and even jealousy. Chloe’s aunts, who had looked down on me before, now tried to get closer to find out more about my “relationship” with Arthur.
“How long have you two been friends?” one of them inquired, trying not to sound too interested.
“Long enough,” Arthur remarked, giving me a sly look.
The silent revenge was better than I could have ever imagined. But when the bouquet was thrown, everything changed. “All the single ladies, come to the dance floor!” “That’s what the DJ stated.
I stayed in my seat since I didn’t want to take part.
Chloe cried, “Hey!” in a phony happy voice, “Come on, Louise!” “Who knows? It could be your lucky day! “Maybe you’ll finally get a man after all these years.”
Arthur jumped in before I could say anything. “Actually,” he said in a calm voice that everyone could hear, “I don’t think Louise needs luck or a bouquet to prove her worth.” She has everything a person could want: beauty, honesty, skill, and a big heart. Sadly, even a fantasy wedding can’t make these things happen for those who don’t have them naturally.
Everyone in the room was shocked and silent. I noticed Chloe’s expression change in rage. She was no longer the Queen of the Ball.
Michael walked up to us with a worried and confused look on his face. “What’s going on, Mom?”
“Nothing, dear,” I answered softly. “I’m just having fun at the party with Arthur.”
Michael looked at the man next to me with mistrust and remarked, “You never said anything about an Arthur.”
Arthur held out his hand. “Arthur Monroe.” I liked meeting Louise’s son. She talks about you a lot. She is proud of the man you have become, but she might be a little upset that you can let people make fun of your mother in public.
Michael was nice enough to look horrible. He shook Arthur’s hand and seemed shocked. “Monroe… like Monroe Enterprises?”
Arthur said, “The one and only.” “I hope you appreciate your mother as much as she deserves, Michael.” Louise is an unusual woman. You are strong enough to raise a boy on your own, generous enough to put up with insults for the sake of that son, and graceful enough not to ruin your wedding, even if you could have.
I saw a change in my son’s eyes. Maybe he recognized me. Yes, he was ashamed. Finally, he said, “Mom, we should talk later.”
“Of course, son,” I answered with a calm smile. “Have a great day.”
Arthur looked at me and said, “Did I go too far?” ” as Michael went away with a very distressed Chloe. He inquired, sincerely worried.
I said, “It was perfect,” and I felt liberated. After years of making myself small, I was finally allowed to take up space.
“You always had that right,” he replied, and there was something in his eyes that made me believe him. “You just needed someone to tell you.”
Arthur stayed with me all night. We danced two more times and spoke about our lives. I learned that he had been divorced for five years, didn’t have any kids, and worked a lot for a foundation that helped single mothers get back on their feet financially.
At one point, he said, “You are truly amazing, Louise.” “Most people would have given up under the pressure you were under, but you thrived.”
The party started to wind down around midnight. Arthur said with a smile, “I think we did it.” “Changed the story.” You are no longer shown as a broke single mother. Now you’re the mysterious woman with the charming businessman, and your daughter-in-law learnt a crucial lesson about being embarrassed in public.
“Why did you do that?” “I asked again because I needed to know. “Why did you care?” “
Arthur considered for a moment. “My mom was a single parent too, and she had to deal with the same kind of bias. I couldn’t just stand by and watch what they were doing to you. To be honest, there was something about you that caught my eye as soon as I walked in. You showed calm dignity even when they were trying to take it away from you.
I just responded, “Thank you.” “You turned what could have been one of the worst nights of my life into something special.”
He turned his hand so that our palms connected. “You don’t have to end the night here,” he said. “There’s a great coffee shop nearby that stays open late. We could keep talking.”
The offer seemed good, but a part of me was dubious. “What if this is just a part of the show?” “Please tell me,” I said.
Arthur looked me directly in the eye and said, “Louise, the show was over as soon as the last person stopped paying attention to us.” “Now it’s just you and me. There’s nothing to hide or gain, just the chance.”
I had been putting other people’s needs before my own for years, so I felt it was time to reward myself. “Okay,” I said. “Let’s go get that coffee.”
His smile made my heart skip a beat. On our way out, we met Chloe and Michael. Chloe looked at me with wrath and uncertainty. Her perfect world had been turned upside down.
“Are you going already?” “She asked, trying to stay calm.
Arthur remarked politely, “The party started hours ago for us.” “And now we have other plans.”
Michael looked at me in a way that I couldn’t quite understand. It was a mix of uncertainty and something like awe. “Mom,” he said gently, “we need to talk when I get back from the honeymoon.”
“Of course, son,” I murmured, hugging him quickly. “Have a good trip.”
Chloe couldn’t help but take one last shot. “Wow, Louise, what a surprise to see you with Arthur Monroe!” “Who would have thought? It had to be new, right? Or have you been keeping him a secret all this time?”
I was the one who smiled with confidence. “Some people like to show off every part of their lives to get approval from others, Chloe.” “I paused on purpose. “Others recognize how vital it is to keep things to themselves. “Someday, you might learn that. “In the end, a marriage is more than just a big event, right? “
Her eyes got wider. Chloe, who was normally so neatly put together, was quiet for a while. As we walked away, I heard Arthur exclaim, “That was great.”
“I learned from the best,” I said, feeling better than I have in years. I smiled. It wasn’t just the pleasure of getting back at someone; it was the feeling of finally getting my dignity back, of not letting Chloe, Michael, or anyone else make me feel small, and of showing Chloe, Michael, and most importantly, myself, that I deserved someone who really cared about me.
