I had always devoted myself to my son, living a modest life to ensure he had everything he needed. I saved every penny, avoided luxuries, and lived in a simple home, wearing the same clothes year after year. I raised him alone, pouring all my energy into his education and future.
John grew up to be intelligent and hardworking, eventually opening his own business, which made me incredibly proud. One day, I decided to surprise him by visiting his new restaurant. I dressed in my usual simple, neat outfit and took the bus. Upon arriving, I ordered a cup of tea and sat by a window to wait for John.
As I sipped my tea, a young woman with an air of arrogance approached me. She wore designer clothes and carried herself with confidence. Without a reservation sign, she asked me to move, saying the table was reserved for her and her boyfriend. Her tone was condescending as she suggested I might embarrass myself by staying, given my attire. Though humiliated, I quietly gathered my things and left.
That evening, I reflected on the incident. Despite my sacrifices and efforts to give John a better life, I had been made to feel insignificant in a place that represented his success. I decided not to tell John, hoping to avoid any unnecessary tension.
The next day, I was excited yet nervous to meet John’s girlfriend for the first time. I had prepared a special lunch and set the table with my best china. When they arrived, my heart sank—John’s girlfriend was the same woman who had humiliated me at the restaurant. She acted as if nothing had happened, greeting me with insincere politeness.
As we ate, John spoke enthusiastically about the restaurant and his future plans with Sarah, his girlfriend. At one point, he asked if I could lend them money to help Sarah buy a café. Shocked, I hesitated. When Sarah excused herself to use the restroom, I took the opportunity to express my concerns to John. I explained what had happened at the restaurant, but he was skeptical, accusing me of making excuses to withhold the money.
When Sarah returned, John told her I was unwilling to help. She confronted me, but I remained calm and firm, expressing my distrust based on her previous behavior. Sarah’s demeanor quickly shifted from innocence to hostility. She issued an ultimatum to John: either I accepted her, or she would leave him. Torn, John chose to stand by her, and they left together.
A month passed without contact from John until he invited me to the opening of Sarah’s new café. Reluctantly, I decided to go, though I had a plan to expose her true intentions. At the event, I asked Sarah to step outside for a private conversation. I discreetly signaled the bartender, who played a recording of our conversation over the café’s speakers. Inside, John and the guests heard Sarah admitting her manipulative motives.
When we returned, the café was silent, and John’s face showed his shock and betrayal. Sarah tried to explain, but the damage was done. I left, feeling a mixture of sorrow and relief.
A few days later, John invited me to dinner at his restaurant. He apologized sincerely for doubting me and admitted he had ended his relationship with Sarah, though he was left with a financial burden. Despite everything, he promised to trust my advice more in the future.
We spent the evening enjoying each other’s company, surrounded by friends and family. Though the journey had been difficult, I felt proud of John for learning from his mistakes and growing stronger.