Lan’s wedding day was simple, not extravagant but full of faith. She knew she was entering a marriage with too many gossips behind her back. The prying eyes at that party were still imprinted in her memory. People looked at her not only as a bride, but as a woman who had been married before. Some people even lowered their voices on purpose, but still enough for her to hear things like: “A woman with one child, who would be foolish enough to marry her.”

Lan once thought that new happiness would be strong enough to cover up the old scars. Her current husband, Quan, was the one who opened his arms to welcome her and their 7-year-old son. He never considered her stepchild a burden, on the contrary, he loved the child like his own blood. It was that warmth that made her believe that she had not made the wrong choice. But out there, social prejudices are never easy to erase.

As the daughter-in-law of Quan’s family, Lan always tried to take care of everything. She woke up earlier than everyone else, made breakfast, and took care of every little detail. Even her own children, she carefully raised them so as not to upset anyone. Her mother in law rarely said anything, just quietly observed, sometimes smiling at her cleverness. But the person who made Lan the most tired was her aunt – her father-in-law’s younger sister.

Her husband’s aunt was known for her bluntness, but her bluntness sometimes turned into venom. At every meeting, she would delve into Lan’s past. Sentences like “Who would be decent enough to marry a woman with children?” kept repeating themselves. At first, Lan thought that time would change people. But the truth was, every year, she never missed the opportunity to tease her.

Lan tried to hold back, not wanting to cause trouble in the family. She told herself that as long as her husband understood, all the harsh words would be like a passing wind. But sometimes, at night, lying next to her sleeping son, tears would fall. She felt humiliated when she saw her past being dissected. Even though she tried to be strong, a woman’s heart still had cracks that were difficult to mend.

One afternoon at the end of the year, her husband’s family held a year-end party. The atmosphere was bustling, everyone gathered together. Lan busily prepared the food with her mother in law, from cooking to setting the table. Her son ran around, sometimes helping pick vegetables, sometimes pouring water for the guests. Quan occasionally stopped by the kitchen, looked at his wife and smiled gently: “Don’t worry too much, I’m here.”

The party was fun, with laughter and chatter. Lan thought today would be a peaceful day. But peace never lasts long. When everyone sat down at the table, her husband picked up his wine glass and cleared his throat. And then the familiar words rang out again: “I admire Uncle Quan, he still brings home a woman with a child.”

The atmosphere immediately fell, all eyes turned to Lan. She bowed her head, her fingers clenched tightly on the hem of her shirt to hold back her tears. Her son looked at his mother, confused, not understanding what was going on. Quan frowned slightly, putting his cup down on the table. Her husband’s uncle’s voice continued, mocking: “There are plenty of bachelors these days, yet…”

Lan wanted to stand up and leave, but her legs felt heavy. Her mind echoed with the old mocking laughter, the times the neighbors gossiped. Her heart was pounding, her face was burning with shame. She was even afraid of the pitying eyes of the people around her. She just wanted to disappear right then and there.

Suddenly, Quan stood up, pulling out a chair with a loud noise that silenced the entire table. He looked straight at his husband’s uncle, his voice resolute: “If she wasn’t my wife, then her stepchild wouldn’t have anyone to call him father.” Everyone was shocked, not expecting him to speak so harshly. “I didn’t marry her for the past, but for the present and the future.” He emphasized each word, clearly and strongly.

The room was silent, except for everyone’s breathing. Quan continued: “Whoever looks down on my wife looks down on me.” The words echoed, like a slap to invisible prejudices. The husband was embarrassed, his face red, and he quickly put down his cup. The atmosphere was so heavy that no one dared to speak.

Lan looked up at her husband, her eyes brimming with tears. She had never seen him so strong, never seen him protect her in front of a crowd. In that moment, all her grievances seemed to be lifted. Her heart trembled, both happy and moved. She gently held her son’s hand, as if to share her comfort.

The uncle-in-law didn’t say anything more, stood up and left halfway. The whole table remained silent for a while, then forced a smile and continued the party. The mother in law glanced at Lan, her eyes seemed to have changed a bit, no longer as cold as before. A few other relatives nodded slightly, agreeing with Quan. Lan realized that perhaps this time, her husband had made everyone think again.

After the party, on the way home, Lan walked slowly. Quan held her hand, squeezing it tightly. He whispered: “Don’t be sad, from now on I will not let you bear those words alone anymore.” The words were simple, but to Lan, it was like an oath. She leaned her head on her husband’s shoulder, for the first time feeling so peaceful.

In the following days, Lan felt a change in her husband’s family. Although her aunt did not come to apologize, she did not dare to say harsh words anymore. Her mother in law started talking to her more, sometimes mentioning that her son was studying hard. Although it was slow, she could clearly see the acceptance growing. Lan knew that it was all thanks to Quan’s determination.

One evening, when her son was fast asleep, Lan sat next to her husband. She whispered softly: “Have you ever regretted choosing me?” Quan laughed, wrapping his arms around his wife: “If I regretted, I wouldn’t have stood up that day. You and the child are my whole future.” Lan was silent, hugging him tightly, tears of happiness falling.

From that moment on, she no longer felt alone. The prejudices out there may still exist, but they are no longer strong enough to make her fall. Because beside her, there is a man who dares to say: “Whoever looks down on my wife, looks down on me.” And that, to Lan, is everything.