On our third anniversary, I asked Eric for one thing: a night just for us. No family, no surprises. He smiled and promised me just that. But deep down, I wasn’t sure. The past two anniversaries had been hijacked by his mother, Judith, turning them into family events. I hoped this year would be different.

The evening started perfectly. I wore my new green dress, and we headed to a romantic little restaurant. But the moment I stepped inside, my heart sank. His entire family was already there — wine poured, balloons flying, cupcakes served. My name was on the glittery banner, but I didn’t feel celebrated. I felt betrayed.

I walked out. Eric chased after me, trying to calm me down, but I was done being quiet. He’d lied again. “You planned this with her,” I told him. “You chose her over me. Again.”

The next day, I didn’t argue. I packed a small bag and checked into my best friend Tasha’s boutique hotel. A hot bath, room service, and jazz music gave me something I hadn’t felt in a long time: peace. Eric called and texted all night, but I ignored it — until morning. Then I sent him a single selfie with the message: “Since you wanted a family dinner so bad, I figured you could enjoy it without me.”

When he finally showed up, apologizing, I handed him a list of therapists. “Pick one,” I said. “Because next time you choose her over me, it’ll be the last.”

He did. And this time, he chose me.