My Husband’s Ex Excluded Me from My Stepkids’ Birthday,

When Melanie, my stepchildren’s mother, texted that I wasn’t welcome at their birthday because “you don’t have children,” it stung deeply. For five years, I’ve raised Noah and Liam, twins I’ve loved since they were five, handling school runs, homework, and their quirks. Unknown to Melanie, I’ve paid their private school tuition for a year after my husband, George, lost a major client. Her words hurt, especially since I can’t have kids due to a medical condition. Instead of arguing, I redirected the school’s billing to Melanie.

Days later, she called, shocked to learn I’d been covering tuition. She apologized and invited me to the party. We celebrated together at our house, and the boys were surrounded by love. Melanie never pushed me out again. Noah’s friend recently called me “mom,” and Noah didn’t correct him. I may not be their biological mother, but I’m their mom in every way that matters