Cold water hit my back, jolting me awake. I spun around to see my mother-in-law standing there, smirking before walking away, leaving me stunned and drenched.

Two years of trying to earn her approval—helping around the house, hosting dinners, respecting every tradition—had led to this. Enough was enough.

Shaking off the shock, I confronted her. “I’ve always tried to respect you,” I said. “But this was cruel. I deserve basic dignity.”

For the first time, she had no response. “I love your son,” I added. “I want peace, but this can’t continue.”

My husband stepped in, firm: “Mom, this is too much. You need to respect our marriage.”

The room fell silent. No apology came, but neither did resistance. In that quiet, I felt the chill fade—replaced by strength and hope that change might finally begin.