When Carol knocked over my late mom’s photo at my wedding, she thought she’d ruined my big day. She stood there smiling, certain I would crumble. But she had no idea what was about to happen next. I’m 27, and my mom passed away when I was 19. She wasn’t just my mother—she was my best friend and hero. Losing her was devastating, and for a long time, I didn’t know how to cope.

My dad grieved differently, throwing himself into work. Ten months later, he announced he was remarrying. His new wife, Carol, disliked when anyone mentioned my mom. She even called her “the ghost” and removed all of Mom’s belongings, including handmade quilts and family photos. I tried to get along with Carol, but she made every family gathering tense. Eventually, I moved out and kept my distance.

When my fiancé Brandon proposed, I promised my mom would be part of my wedding. I placed her photo in a beautiful silver frame with a plaque reading, “Forever guiding me.” On my wedding day, Carol acted like the star of the show—until she saw the photo. Her smile vanished as she picked it up and knocked it to the floor, breaking the glass. Leaning close, she whispered, “Stop bringing her into everything. I’m the woman of this family now.”

But I had planned for this moment. A minute later, the venue doors swung open and a detective walked in with two officers. “Mrs. Carol,” he announced, “you’re under investigation for financial fraud and identity theft.” My dad was stunned as the detective explained Carol had been taking money from his business accounts for luxury trips with someone named Chad. Carol tried to blame me, but I calmly said, “No, Carol. These are the consequences of your choices.” My mom’s photo stayed on the table for the rest of the night—right where it belonged