When my brother married, Mila didn’t ask for a ‘big wedding gift’; she only accepted some jewelry, and her family covered the entire cost of the wedding. I thought my brother had married up! At the engagement banquet, I learned it was an equal marriage, with the bride’s family wanting the second child to take their surname. But since my dad passed away early and my mom wasn’t educated, I honestly felt my brother had hit the jackpot.
Lost in thought, I didn’t notice the commotion escalating in the living room. Mila stood up, and my brother couldn’t hold her back.
“Mom, I’m telling you, switching surnames is impossible! Even if I agree, my father won’t! Your family begged us for an equal marriage to avoid financial burdens – can’t you see you can’t have it all?”
I rushed into the living room. “Mila, watch your tone! How can you speak to Mom like that? Is this the way you were raised?”
My words only fueled the fire. Mila glared at me with disdain. “Janet, let me remind you, this isn’t your place to speak! Your son can’t take your surname, so don’t you dare stop mine from taking mine!”
Bringing my son into this enraged me. “What’s wrong with my son? He can take his dad’s name! What’s the big deal about a surname? Why do you care so much? What’s the big deal about an equal marriage, anyway?”
Mila laughed, but it felt more like pity. “Janet, you might as well remember this: if your mom can’t keep you here, think about what you’re saying. Don’t let yourself be used like a pawn.”
“Enough! Stop arguing! What’s the point? Mila, can’t you just be a little accommodating towards Mom? We’re in an equal marriage, but that doesn’t mean you can disrespect her! She’s still an elder – apologize, and we can move on.”
My brother, the only man present, finally lost his temper. After all, we were family.
Mila looked at the three of us and nodded silently.
I felt a surge of satisfaction; I couldn’t believe how brazen she was here.
“Brian, if you want Lily to change her last name like your mom, then don’t even think about coming back!”
After saying that, Mila dragged Lily out and stormed off, slamming the door behind her. Even though Lily’s surname didn’t concern me, seeing their argument and recalling my mom’s blatant preference for sons felt satisfying. If they were not going to make things easy for me, they shouldn’t enjoy themselves either.