Two years later, we married. Ellie called him her “almost-daddy” at the reception, and Daniel adopted her on her fifth birthday. From that day, we were a real family. But Daniel’s mother, Carol, never fully accepted Ellie. She never acknowledged her in cards, barely spoke to her, and always kept a quiet distance. Daniel kept telling me to give it time—until the day Carol crossed a line.
At Daniel’s nephew’s birthday party, Carol told Ellie she wasn’t “part of the family” and sent her outside alone. Ellie called me, crying. We rushed to get her and found her heartbroken at the gate, holding her gift like a shield.
Two weeks later, we hosted a birthday picnic for Daniel. The invitation made it clear: “Only those who see Ellie as family are welcome.” When Carol asked if she was invited, I replied, “Just following your rule. Not everyone here is family.” Continue reading…
