Oh, you forgot to invite us to the party!
Sophia absolutely adored her husband. She counted herself so lucky to have him. Oliver was the sweetest, most thoughtful manalways putting her first.
But with his family? Not so lucky. People say every family has a black sheep, but in Olivers case, it was the opposite. He was the only normal onethe rest were a proper handful.
Take his dad, for starters. Every time he saw Sophia, hed say shed filled out a bit and ask if she was hiding a little secret under her dress. Never mind that Sophia hadnt gained an ounce since meeting them. Didnt stop George, though. It was like his go-to small talk, as if hed say it even if shed dropped two stone.
And the jokes. Oh, the cringe. Always toeing the line of rude, making Sophia squirm. To top it off, hed wander around the house shirtless like it was nothing.
Then there was his mum, Margaret. Loved dishing out unsolicited adviceeven on things she knew nothing about. Fashion tips, hairstyles, lipstick shades. When Sophia and Oliver moved into their new flat, Margaret had a field daypoking into every corner, nitpicking, and lecturing them on how things *should* have been done.
And dont even get her started on Olivers little sister, Lucy. A free spirit with two kids from two different blokesneither of whom shed ever had a proper relationship with. She dragged those kids everywhere, acting like the world owed her because she was a mum. Jump the queue? Sure. Take the last seat on the tube? Obviously.
Even though she got child support and benefitswhile still living off their parentsLucy was always on the hunt for freebies. Didnt matter if she needed it or not. Their flat was drowning in nappies her kids had outgrown (which Sophia hoped to sell), piles of clothes theyd never wear, and toys theyd touched once. Half of it was junk, but Lucy called it her business modelgrabbing free stuff, playing the struggling single mum, then flogging it online.
The kids? Wild and cheeky. But with a mum like that, what else could you expect? At someone elses house, theyd raid the fridge, pocket anything shiny, and take what they wanted without asking. Lucy never told them off.
Sophia still had nightmares about their housewarming. Lucy turned up with the kids, gifted her a mismatched tea set (clearly nicked from somewhere), and by the time they left, the snacks were gone, a brand-new vase was in pieces, and there was chocolate smeared on the curtainsat least, she *hoped* it was chocolate.
So, come her birthday, Sophia decidedno way was Olivers family getting an invite. She wanted to enjoy her day, not tiptoe around his dads remarks, his mums lectures, or Lucy scavenging free stuff while her kids trashed the place.
She felt bad for Oliver, but she hoped hed understand.
Ollie, I want to celebrate my birthday at homejust my parents and a few friends.
Sounds perfect, he smiled. We did do up the flat nice, didnt we?
Yeah. It looks like a showroom now. But theres one thing.
What?
Please dont be mad. I dont want to invite your parents.
Oliver sighed, then nodded.
Im sorry, but they make me so tense. On my birthday, I just want to relax.
I get it. No argument heretheyre hard work.
Youre not upset?
Not at all. Its your day, love.
Sophia was sure all over againOliver was the best. She half-wondered if he was adopted.
She didnt tell his family, just said they were keeping it small. Asked Oliver not to mention it.
But of course, they found out. His mum rang Sophias mum about something work-related and let it slip.
So thats how your daughter treats us? Are we not good enough?! Margaret screeched.
Mum, Oliver tried, Soph just wanted something low-key. If it was a big do, youd have been invited.
Fine. But tell your wife were *deeply* offended!
She hung up, leaving Oliver shaking his head. He got itGod, did he get it. If he was honest, hed always been embarrassed by his lot. He wouldnt ruin Sophias night. Hed tell her after.
On her 26th birthday morning, Oliver gave her flowers and a spa voucher. Shed been run raggedwedding, renovating, moving, work. She needed it.
Guests arrived that afternoon. Sophia had gone all outgorgeous spread, killer outfit, hair on point. She was glowing, ready for a perfect day.
Then the doorbell rang.
Must be the cake! she laughed, rushing over.
But the smile dropped when she opened it. There they werethe uninvited. Full force.
Happy birthday, Sophia! Margaret said icily, shoving a single rose at her. Arent you going to let us in?
What could she do? She stepped aside.
Chaos erupted. Lucys kids kicked off their shoes and made a beeline for the food. George snorted, That dress is a size too small, love.
Margaret tutted. Did you *forget* to invite us? Or is there just no room? Honestly, Sophiahosting a party and youve not even hoovered?
(Sophia bit her tonguethe mess was from Lucys kids.)
Her mood tanked. The kids screeched, grabbed food with their hands, and raided the cupboards for sweets. Then the youngest wailedno cake yet.
Couldve at least got a cake! Look how upset Josh is! Lucy snapped. Then, eyeing a perfume gift: Ooh, let me try that. You wont mind if I take yours, yeah?
Sophia stayed quiet. Oliver watched, jaw tight, as his family commandeered the table, demanded plates, and listened to his mum rip into the food while his dad cracked awkward jokes.
But when Lucy palmed an envelope of cash from the sideboardbirthday money from guestsOliver snapped.
Put. It. Back.
What? I was just adding to it! Lucy lied.
I *saw* you.
Oliver, dont make a scene! Margaret scolded. And remind your wife its *rude* to exclude family.
And tell her the right dress size, George added. That ones squeezing everything out!
Oliver slammed the table so hard even the kids shut up.
Mum. Dad. Lucy. *Leave.* Now.
Excuse me?! Margaret gasped.
How *dare* you turn up uninvited? How dare you insult my wife? How dare your kids act like savages, Lucy? Until you learn manners, youre not welcome here.
Cue the meltdown. Sophia only breathed again once they were gone.
Her birthday was ruined, though. Even with friends trying to lighten the mood, the damage was done.
But she did learn one thing: shed picked the right man. Someone whod stand up for hereven against his own family. No matter what, she knew hed always have her back. Best gift she could ask for.
