During the wedding, my mother-in-law declared, “We’ll give the apartment only to our son, so she won’t get any share.” Everyone went silent. Then my father, who works as a long-distance driver, said calmly, “Now let me speak.” What happened next left her speechless…

Robert took the microphone, his large, work-roughened hand closing around the cool metal. He cleared his throat and began to speak. His voice, usually quiet and calm, was now firm and steady, filling the cavernous room.

“Good evening, honored guests,” he began, his eyes sweeping over the silent crowd. “I’m probably not as good at making beautiful, flowery toasts as some of the people here tonight. I’m a simple man. I’ve spent my life on the road. But I love my daughter. And today, I want to say a few words.”

He paused. Even Eleanor, sensing a shift in the atmosphere, leaned forward slightly, a small frown creasing her brow.

“Since this seems to be an evening for revelations,” Robert continued, his gaze now fixed directly on Eleanor, “an evening for speaking the truth, then I will speak my truth, too. My daughter, Anna, grew up in a simple family. We didn’t have luxury. We didn’t take fancy vacations. But she was always surrounded by love and care. I worked day and night to give her everything I could. And I am proud of the woman she has become: honest, kind, and decent.”

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