On what should have been the happiest day of my life, I discovered my mother-in-law had seized control of something that wasn’t hers to touch. What followed was a clash over boundaries, betrayal, and a subtle revenge, where my husband and I learned the cost of family loyalty and the power of choosing ourselves.

I never imagined I’d be the bride venting about her mother-in-law online, but here I am.

Two weeks after my wedding, I’m still unraveling the chaos Maris caused. I used to tell myself she was just opinionated, overbearing, and controlling, but not malicious.