I’m Jake. A year ago, I met Linda, a wonderful, strong woman, and her little daughter, May. From the start, May and I bonded deeply. With May’s dad out of the picture, I naturally stepped into the father role. However, my mom’s conservative views created tension. Linda is Black, and my mom’s actions showed her disapproval.

The real heartbreak happened at our wedding when my mom refused to be in family photos. “This won’t last,” she muttered, leaving Linda in tears. The rejection cast a shadow over our special day.

A few weeks ago, my mom faked a heart attack to get me alone. She excluded Linda and May from a family dinner, calling them “a burden.” Anger bubbled up inside me, but I stayed calm and decided to teach her a lesson.

I created a photo album titled “Our Complete Family,” filled with happy memories of Linda and May. Inviting my mom over, I hinted at a divorce to ensure she came. At dinner, I presented the album and announced our vow renewal and my plan to adopt May. “This is my family, and they are not a burden,” I told her. Shocked, she stormed out.

Later, my brothers supported me, understanding the pain Mom caused. A week later, Mom apologized, admitting her mistakes. Slowly, we rebuilt our relationship, and she attended our vow renewal, treating Linda and May with the respect they deserved.