When Emma fell in love with a modest teacher, her parents gave her a harsh choice: him or them. On her wedding day, their seats were vacant, but her grandpa stood by her side. Ten years later, at his funeral, her estranged parents sought her forgiveness, but not for the reasons she expected.

In our pristine suburban home, my parents joked about living in a grand mansion someday. It wasn’t funny by high school, as I realized every decision they made was about climbing the social ladder.

Mom even judged my friends based on their parents’ income. I’ll never forget her reaction when I brought Bianca over for a science project. “She’s not good enough for you,” Mom said, sneering at Bianca’s clothes and haircut. That was the moment I realized how narrow-minded they were.

Then I met Liam in college.

“A teacher?” My mother nearly choked on her champagne when I mentioned him. “Teachers are wonderful, but they’re not exactly… well, you know.”

I knew exactly what she meant, but for once, I didn’t care. Liam’s passion for teaching made him shine, unlike other guys who flaunted wealth. When he proposed with his grandmother’s ring in the community garden where we had our first date, I said yes before he could finish.

My parents’ reaction was ice-cold.

“Not that teacher!” my father spat. “He can’t provide for you or us! You’re throwing your future away!”

“If you marry him,” Mom added sharply, “we’ll cut you off. It’s him or us.”

I was heartbroken but firm. “I’ll send an invitation in case you change your minds.”

Our wedding was intimate and perfect, except for the two empty front-row seats. Grandpa filled the void with his presence.