After five years of marriage, her 16-year-old stepson Josh moved in, making it clear to his stepmom that she was the enemy. He mocked everything about her and cruelly rejected her attempt to help pay for college, saying, “You can’t buy your way into being my mom.” She let him go, and five years passed with no contact.
Then, he called with big news and a shocking request. He was getting married and wanted her to help fund his expensive destination wedding in Costa Rica—a wedding she wasn’t even invited to. When she refused, his father, David, sided with his son, saying she was “being too sensitive” and threatening their marriage. But she saw their true colors and devised a plan to teach them a lesson about family, respect, and the things that can’t be bought.
A Broken Family
I had been married to David for five years when his 16-year-old son Josh moved in with us. From day one, Josh made it clear that I was the enemy. He’d make cruel remarks about my age and hobbies and would tell me, “You’re not my mom. Stop acting like it.” His words were like weapons, and I often found myself sobbing in our bedroom. David would just pat my shoulder and say, “He’ll come around.”
When Josh’s senior year arrived, David started stressing about college costs. I saw my chance to help and offered to pay Josh’s tuition with a substantial inheritance from my grandmother. His response was devastating: “You can’t buy your way into being my mom.” What was worse, David agreed with him. After that, I completely backed off.
Years passed, and Josh kept in touch with his father, but I was invisible to him. Until the day he called me. I thought I was hallucinating when I saw his name on my caller ID. “I’m getting married,” he announced. “Kelsey wants a destination wedding in Costa Rica, and we’re hoping family can help out financially. We’re only inviting close family, so it’s not like you’ll be there. But if you actually care about this family, you’ll help make this happen for us.” I hung up.
When I told David, he was furious. “Fix everything? By giving money to someone who told me I’m not close enough to attend his wedding?” I asked. David called me “too sensitive” and even threatened our marriage. “Maybe… maybe I should reconsider our marriage,” he said. That’s when I realized that to them, my only value was as a checkbook.
A Dinner of Deceit
I agreed to a dinner with David, Josh, and Kelsey, telling David I would bring a signed check. David was thrilled, but I was going to teach them a lesson. On Friday evening, Josh and Kelsey arrived late. Kelsey gushed about the wedding plans, mentioning a budget of $75,000. I smiled, stood up, and went to get the manila folder I had prepared.
Returning to the dining room, I placed the folder on the table. “A contract,” I explained. “There’s a check inside for a substantial amount, but you have to agree to the terms.” Josh pulled the papers toward him, his jaw tightening as he read. “In exchange for this financial contribution, you will acknowledge me as your mother,” I continued. “I will be included in all family gatherings, including your wedding, holidays, and future milestones. You’ll call me Mom, too, and treat me with all the due respect and courtesy a mother deserves.”
The room fell silent. Josh stared at the contract and the check, made out for more than they needed. Finally, he picked up a pen and signed with a flourish. “Happy now?” he asked with cold eyes. “Yes,” I said, “because you just proved that I actually could buy my way into being your mom, all along. It was just a matter of finding the right price.”
The realization hit him like a slap. I then stood and tossed the contract and check into the fireplace, watching them turn to ash. From under a decorative bowl, I pulled out a second envelope and placed it in front of David. “Divorce papers,” I said simply. “I’ve also been reconsidering our marriage. I don’t want to be part of a family where my only value is as a checkbook.” I turned and walked out, pausing at the door. “Good luck with the wedding,” I said. “I hope you find someone else who’s willing to buy their way in.” I had finally learned that some things can’t be bought, but the people who try to sell them show you exactly who they are.