When Carina’s parents kick her out after high school, she has no choice but to navigate her way around life. Years later, after making a success of her life, and her wedding is around the corner, she reaches out to them, only for them to storm into her life, trying to take ownership of what she has worked so hard for.
“Carina,” my mother said, opening a packet of biscuits. “You’re going to regret not going to medical school.”
“Mom,” I replied. “My brain doesn’t work like Jade’s; she’s the doctor in the family, not me.”
A packet of biscuits | Source: Midjourney
“I don’t see why it can’t be the both of you,” she sniffed, dunking a biscuit into her lukewarm tea. “Why do you even waste your time with computers? Those machines are not going to make your life comfortable.”
This wasn’t anything new. My parents hated that I loved computers, and when school was out in the next few months, I was going to be off to college, studying IT.
A girl sitting with a laptop and headphones | Source: Midjourney
“Who cares about cyber security, Carina?” my father asked while he sat down with a pork chop. “Saving people’s lives, honey. That’s what success is. Not playing on computers.”
“Cyber security is how your important details are protected, Dad,” I would always say, rolling my eyes. “It’s how countries keep their people safe.”
Pork chops on a plate | Source: Unsplash
“It’s not good enough,” my mother said from the sink.
After graduation, my parents made me leave the house.
“You’ve chosen this path,” my mother said when I bought my IT textbooks. “So you’re capable of taking care of yourself.”
A pile of books | Source: Midjourney
“I don’t think that’s fair, Mom,” I retaliated. “You let Jade live at home for her whole degree.”
“Yeah, well, she was learning how to save lives, Carina,” she said.
A woman looking through a microscope | Source: Pexels
Fast forward 13 years. I’ve got a successful career, a beautiful house, and the most caring fiancé, Mark, I could have ever asked for.
“Are you sure that I should invite my parents to the wedding?” I asked Mark as we took a walk one evening.
“Yes, darling,” he said, taking my hand. “Why wouldn’t you? I’m so proud of who you are and where you’ve come from. You’ve done all of this on your own.”
A couple holding hands | Source: Pexels
“But they’ve been such horrible people, Mark. I mean, they kicked me out of their home when I got into college. I had to work as a dog groomer to make enough money to cover the rent for my tiny apartment,” I said.
“Yes, I understand that,” my fiancé said diplomatically. “But you’ve made it now. And you’ve made it without them. Look, honey. Our home is yours; it’s in your name, and I love that for us.”
A person grooming a dog | Source: Pexels
Eventually, I gave in. The excitement of our wedding planning made me realize that I was proud of myself and where I had come from.
“I did it without their support,” I told Mark as I fried bacon for us one morning. “So, I’m going to invite them.”
Mark smiled at me while he poured milk into his coffee.
A person pouring milk into coffee | Source: Unsplash
“Good, this is a big moment for us,” he said.
When my parents and sister arrived, they were stunned by my house. They assumed that I was renting a room of the house. Of course, they didn’t think that I was capable of something bigger and better than that.
A beautiful home with a large garden | Source: Midjourney
“Carina! You own this entire house?” my father asked, his eyes wide with disbelief.
“Yes, Dad,” I said, wheeling my mother’s suitcase in, they seemed to think that they were spending the night. “I worked hard for this.”
A suitcase in a living room | Source: Midjourney
“Wow, I didn’t expect this,” my sister said, looking around.
“So, I thought that we could do dinner at a restaurant tonight, and then come home for dessert and coffee. You guys can spend time with Mark and my in-laws.”
They were going to be over at any moment, the first meet and greet almost underway.
But that’s when the entitlement kicked in.
A beautiful living room | Source: Unsplash
My mother’s eyes narrowed as she scanned the living room, taking in my television and other things.
“You know, Carina,” she declared, her tone leaving no room for argument. “We deserve to live in comfort after all we’ve done for you.”
Then, she promptly sat down on the couch.
An older woman sitting | Source: Pexels
“Mom, what are you talking about?” I was incredulous. “This is my home. I bought it with my own money. You did absolutely nothing for me after high school.”
“But we’re your parents,” she insisted. “We should live better than our children. It’s our right. It’s the only right thing.”
“You can’t be serious,” I said, my voice rising. “Jade still lives with you because you wanted to baby her after her night shifts. And me? You didn’t care. This isn’t my responsibility.”
An older woman looking around | Source: Pexels
My father stepped in at this point, crossing his arms.
“After everything we’ve sacrificed for you, this is the least you can do.”
“Jade needs a place to stay, too,” my mother said.
“Jade is an adult,” I snapped. “She made her choice to live with you, just like I made my own.”
An older man | Source: Unsplash
I felt bad that I was speaking about Jade in this way, especially because she was sitting on the couch and looking at my plants.
But my sister had chosen my parents when they kicked me out. She barely kept in contact with me, only stopping to text me on my birthday or Christmas morning.
A woman sitting on a couch | Source: Unsplash
At that moment, the door opened, and my future in-laws walked in. I had always been close to them, wanting to find parental figures in Mark’s parents.
“We’ve been hearing this entire conversation from outside,” Tom said.
“Carina’s achievements are hers,” my future mother-in-law, Carol, said firmly. “She’s worked hard for this, and she deserves every bit of it.”
A smiling woman holding a bouquet of flowers | Source: Pexels
My mother turned to her, eyes blazing.
“Who the hell are you? We have rights to this house; she’s our daughter.”
Carol didn’t flinch; she stood with her arms folded, a smile playing across her face.
“Why did you remember that only now? Where have you been all these years? Being her parents doesn’t mean that you can take credit for her hard work. Carina has earned this.”
An angry old woman | Source: Pexels
My parents were stunned into silence, and Jade couldn’t even look up.
“Carina invited you to celebrate her wedding, to celebrate the union of her and our son. To join our families. She did not invite you to berate her and have her hard work claimed,” Tom said.
“She owes you nothing but respect because you raised her, but that doesn’t mean giving up her home,” Carol said.
A young mother and daughter | Source: Pexels
“But we’re her family,” my mother said, clearly not expecting this level of pushback.
“Only by blood,” Mark said, stepping into the house. “Family supports one another. They don’t tear you down. And that’s what you’ve done to Carina for years.”
“You should be so proud of your girl,” Carol continued. “She’s done so much for us. I am so proud of her. Tom, too. She’s the daughter that I wanted all along.”
A smiling man | Source: Pexels
Mark found his way to me, wrapping his arm around my waist.
I looked at my parents, seeing the dawning realization on their faces.
“I love you, I do,” I said. “But this is my life, and you’ve only been in it again for five minutes, and you’re already demanding things of me. Is that fair? I’ve worked too hard to let anyone take that away from me.”
My father sighed heavily.
An elderly man looking down | Source: Unsplash
“We didn’t mean to upset you,” he said.
“Then respect my choice,” I said gently. “Be present for my wedding, but after that, you can go your own way again.”
After the confrontation, my parents seemed to understand, if only a little.
A bride holding a card | Source: Pexels
When we left to the restaurant, everyone was subdued, except for Mark and my in-laws. I didn’t see a point in canceling the dinner because of the confrontation.
We sat down to eat, everyone lost in their own thoughts while Carol made comments about seeing me in my dress.
“Mark, you’re in for such a treat. Carina looks beautiful in that dress,” she said, digging into her salmon.
I smiled at my future mother-in-law. I always knew that she loved me, but her comments of the day had truly made me realize just how much.
A bride with wedding dresses | Source: Pexels
I was lucky. I had gotten lucky with Mark, but even more so with his parents.
I watched as my mother’s face fell when Carol went on, talking about the dress fitting. But I didn’t have it in me to make her feel better.
After dinner, we left the restaurant, parting ways with my parents and sister.
“We’ll see you at the wedding,” my father said, getting into the car.
“Yes,” I said. “I’ll see you then.”
A man sitting in a car | Source: Pexels
Let’s see what happens at my wedding.
What would you have done?
14 Beloved Celebrity’s Fashion Items That You Can Find on Amazon
Let’s face it: how many times have you bought something just because someone you adore wore it? Thankfully, not everything celebrities own is super expensive and some items are affordable for most of us to purchase. Whether formal or casual, these 14 products will make you fall in love.
1. Lele Sadoughi’s classic headband was proudly worn by Drew Barrymore, Hilary Duff, and Naomi Campbell. It is made from canvas and features a lovely knot at the top. It comes in black and is knitted.
Promising review:
- I noticed a friend wearing one of these cute headbands. We got into a discussion how I can never wear headband because the pressure they put behind my ears and cause headaches. I owe it to her to introducing me to this brand of headband. It is so comfortable and so cute on. I recommend if you have had issues like me in the past. @Mary Payton Noah
2. Superga trainers that are longtime favorites Catherine, Princess of Wales, Jessica Alba, and Jennifer Aniston. They are made from canvas and come in a variety of colors. They last in time and can be washed in the machine.
Promising review:
- I am a woman, U.S. size 8 in shoes and I purchased my trainers in a unisex 7 (for extra space since I have a wide foot). It fits perfectly. The only downside is that the back of my ankles rub against the back of my trainers, which made the back of my ankles a bit rough on the skin. Other than that, they are absolutely comfortable.
Although, one last thing is to purchase a pair of shoelaces that are long enough for the trainers because my shoelaces didn’t fully lace up. Overall, an excellent pair of shoes that were also worn by both Princess Katherine of Wales and her younger sister Pippa. @Kate
3. Khloé Kardashian’s favorite water bottle with inspirational quotes and time markers. It also features a straw and removable strap. It reminds you to stay hydrated every single day. It is made from food-grade, eco-friendly, reusable Tritan plastic.
Promising review:
- This jug is pretty awesome, definitely a lot bigger in person than I would’ve expected, but I love it and use it every day! I will say that cleaning it is kind of a pain since the strap on it isn’t easily removable. You either have to pry it off or clean the bottle with it on.
I got this as a Christmas present to myself and don’t even use it everyday due to the fact that if I don’t make sure the seal is in right, it leaks all over the place and the clasp that hold the bottle closed is broken as of this morning. I expected a just a little more out of the durability as it just broke on its own, wasn’t dropped or anything. @Ashton
4. Stance socks we’ve seen people like Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Hailey Baldwin wearing. Their seamless toe closure gives your feet less friction and more protection. They are suitable for both women and men in different styles and color combinations.
Promising review:
- Socks are well-made and fit well. I think it’s cool that both feet are slightly different designs, I actually get compliments when I wear these. I would have never thought I would get compliments on socks, oh well, who says socks have to be boring? My only problem is I can’t find other Stance socks with similar designs. Very good price, too. @Shale
5. Levi’s 501-type jeans celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Victoria Beckham wear. They are soft, lightweight, and accentuate your legs. They are light blue and are ideal for daily use. It’s best to wash them in cold water and without any bleach.
Promising review:
- I wanted to try high-waisted wide leg jeans for a long while, but couldn’t find a style I really liked… until now. I normally only wear stretchy slim jeans, but lost some weight and wanted to get a better fit. These are great, perfect sizing, perfect length, and not too much stretch. Finally, pants that don’t fall down to my hips. Great color and very comfortable. @Carol
6. Telfar shopping bag that is Oprah Winfrey’s personal pick. It comes in color purple and features a double strap. Made of faux leather, it has a main compartment with magnetic snap closure and an internal zipper pocket.
Promising review:
- I’ve wanted a Teflar bag for years and I must say I am not disappointed. The small bags are cute for date night or running errands. The medium can totally be a carry on for travel, a bag for a business lady, a bag for a mommy that has to take kids to the stores with her for or a cute date night! I’m a proud owner of 8 Teflar bags now. @Aisha Bennett
7. Apsvo chunky gold or silver earrings proudly worn by Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber. They are ideal for sensitive ears and are hypoallergenic. They are made of gold-plated copper and do not flake off and lose color.
Promising review:
- I am so pleased with this purchase. These earrings are such a nice size. Not too little, not too big.
A bright, beautiful gold. And they are actually heavy duty, I was surprised they felt as good of quality as they were. Highly recommended! @Angela Frank
8. Yeti portable cooler that is Matt Damon’s favorite. It offers superior cold-holding, with a capacity of up to 12 cans plus ice. Its high-density fabric withstands punctures and UV rays. Its shell is waterproof and holds its own when faced with the hazards of the wild.
Promising review:
- This thing is built like a real tank. The zipper is mega strong and even comes with a tube of chap stick type lubricant for it. Still extremely pricey, even for such a high quality product, but it should last a VERY long time and the cans or ice remain COLD, for well over a WEEK! @Don Killough
9. Thick high-waisted yoga pants similar to those Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez, and Jennifer Lawrence donned. They come in a wide variety of colors and designs. They provide tummy control and feature 2 pockets. They are very comfortable and feel natural on the skin.
Promising review:
- I’m always on the lookout for workout leggings that are both comfortable and functional, and The Gym People Thick High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets definitely deliver. The first thing I noticed about these leggings was the quality of the material. They’re thick and well-made, and they feel great against the skin.
These leggings are also very comfortable to wear. The high waistband provides a flattering fit and good tummy control, and the fabric is soft and stretchy. I also love that they have pockets on both sides, which is perfect for storing my phone or keys when I’m working out. @Susan C — California
10. Marc Jacobs’ tote bag Kim Kardashian and SZA have worn for the brand’s campaign. It comes in various colors and features a zip and a long strap to put around your shoulders. This is a small size and can fit most of your necessities.
Promising review:
- Cute bag but nothing special. I bought an insert to help with organization, but it really helped hold its form and sit straight. The main shoulder strap is the only thing on the bag that feels «nice». I’d even consider buying another strap to swap out to change it up in the future.
My calendar does fit, but just barely. Your iPad will fit, but it’s going to cut it very close. Now I’m wondering how the large compares. @Reed
11. Birkenstock sandals our favorite celebrities have worn, including Reese Witherspoon, Margot Robbie, and Gwyneth Paltrow. They are made from oiled leather. They are quite wide but can fit any feet thanks to the adjustable straps.
Promising review:
- As long as you know your correct size, everything will be fine. Both my son and I wear a size 39. His are a men’s 39 and mine are a women’s 39. I wear a true 8.5, and I believe my son wears a men’s 8.5 as well. I have worn Birkenstocks since I was a kid in high school, and they most definitely don’t disappoint.
Great if you have foot problems (arch issues, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs). The only shoe I can wear while being on my feet all day long and not be in pain when I get home. I believe the Birks in question are the ones I bought for my son. He LOVES them.
They used to be known as «hippie» shoes, but they have made a huge comeback and are considered quite the style statement for men and women. Considered «cool shoes» if worn by a high schooler. @fivegreatkiddos
12. Biore pore strips that are Rihanna’s makeup artist’s favorite tool to clear skin. They unclog pores from dirt and residue in just 10 minutes. With continual use, you can help reduce the appearance of blackheads and see a visible reduction in the size of your pores.
Promising review:
- After trying out multiple similar products, this one seems to work the best! It is super easy to put on (tip: on wet skin) and every time I used it, I could see white sebum dots once I removed it. The only problem I had was bits of mask remaining glued to my nose after I took it off. However, it only happened every couple of times and is super easy to wash off, so I don’t mind it too much. @Filip
13. Unisex Crocs clogs, celebrities like Justin Bieber, Pharrell, and Bad Bunny often wear. They are very easy to clean using water and soap. The ventilation ports add breathability and help shed water and debris quickly.
Promising review:
- The crocs fit as expected if you order down. I wear 6 1/2 and ordered the 6. Perfect. I also have wide feet, and they aren’t too wide. They are a perfect fit.
There isn’t any rubbing or breaking in period. I decorated them with jewels. I’m 61 years old and I sport these well. Money well spent. Again, the color is beautiful. @cici
14. Kendra Scott Courtney paperclip necklace Reese Witherspoon loves. It is ideal for layering and complements both delicate necklaces and larger statement pieces. To protect the plating, remove your jewelry prior to contact with water.
Promising review:
- I enjoy wearing this necklace alone or as part of a layered look with many necklaces I already own from my Kendra Scott collection. It is great quality and quite dainty and not heavy at all. @Toothdrmom3
Making online purchases can be super easy but also quite challenging. That’s why many people rely on good reviews to decide whether they’ll buy something or not. So, if this is your criteria as well, you may want to check out these amazing products.
Bright Side gets commissions for purchases made through the links in this post. Reviews may have been edited for length and clarity.
Preview photo credit RW/Associated Press/East News, #AngelaCirca83 / Amazon
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