Woman Mocked Me for My Age Only to Share Dinner as My Son’s Fiancée the Very Next Day — Story of the Day
I had always believed that my time had passed. The design had been my dream, but life quickly set its priorities: first, my husband, then my child, the house, and the responsibilities.And finally, at sixty, I suddenly felt I could still create.I received an email confirming that my project had made it to the finals of a prestigious design competition. I cried. Out of joy. Out of fear. Out of everything that meant.That wasn’t just any project. It was a piece of my and Daniel’s history.I started working on this concept when he was just a little boy.
He loved drawing flowers and gifted me those drawings with pride, and I kept them, thinking that one day, I would use them in my work.And after all those years, they had become the foundation of my first serious design project. I had transformed those childhood patterns into sophisticated motifs, merging them with modern trends.I wanted to surprise Daniel while getting the position and the permission to bring the idea to life. I told him about the competition over dinner. He put his fork down and looked at me intently.”Of course I am! Why wouldn’t I be?””Because you’ve always been afraid of change.”
He’s right. I am afraid. Afraid that it’s too late. But if I don’t try now, I never will.He smiled and tilted his head mischievously.”Then you need the perfect outfit.”I sighed.”This is a design competition. You’re not just presenting your project—you’re presenting yourself. Let’s go shopping.”I didn’t even have time to argue before he pulled up stores on his phone.”By the way, I have something to buy too…”He paused for a moment.”A ring.”I almost knocked over my tea.”You’re going to…””Oh, Daniel.”My heart clenched with joy. My little boy was taking the most significant step of his life.”Will you help me pick one?”We agreed to go together. It was one of those rare moments when the future felt bright and full of possibilities.We both had big plans and big events ahead. And I had no idea that that bright day would soon be overshadowed by bitter disappointment.A few days later, I entered the spacious, modern office where the final stage of the competition was taking place. A wave of nervousness washed over me, but I held my head high. I had a great project. I believed in it.
I noticed the other contestants were young, stylish, and confident. Some participants didn’t even bother to hide their surprise at seeing me there. A girl with short pink hair glanced at me from head to toe and smirked.In a few minutes, the presentations began. One by one, contestants took the stage, showcasing their work. Some were impressive, others felt predictable.Then it was my turn.I took a deep breath and walked onto the stage. The lights shone brightly, and I could feel the weight of dozens of eyes watching me.”My project,” I began, “is a fusion of modern minimalism and timeless nature-inspired elements. It’s built around a concept that connects design with personal history.”I clicked the remote, and my designs appeared on the big screen. Аloral patterns filled the space—each one inspired by the drawings my son used to make for me as a child.As I spoke, I noticed people leaned forward, studying my work with interest. I had done well, maybe even better than most. Then came the moment of truth.
A tall, stylish woman, the competition director, stepped onto the stage. She smiled at the audience before turning to face us, the finalists.”Thank you all for being here,” she began. “We’ve seen many interesting projects today and appreciate your creativity and dedication. However, talent alone isn’t enough. You must also fit the industry’s standards.”Her gaze swept across the room before stopping on me.A few people chuckled under their breath. She folded her hands together and gave me a theatrical smile.”Anna, your project is… certainly impressive. The details, the concept, the execution—it’s all very refined. But, as we all know, success isn’t just about ideas. It’s also about image.”I felt the familiar heat of embarrassment creeping up my neck.”You see,” she continued, “design is an industry of fresh perspectives. Youthful energy. And, well, we all must accept that sometimes… a certain look is just as important as skill.”
Someone in the back let out a soft laugh. A polite way of saying, “You’re too old for this.”I expected some skepticism. But this? This is blatant humiliation.I already knew the answer before she said the name. It wasn’t me.I had given my best. I had proven my skill. And yet, it had never even been a real competition for me. I wasn’t judged by my work. I was judged by my age.I inhaled deeply and walked off the stage with as much dignity as possible. But inside, something cracked. It wasn’t over yet.The following day, I tried to distract myself. But no matter what I did, I couldn’t shake the humiliation.That night was supposed to be special. Daniel was bringing his fiancée over for dinner. I didn’t want to ruin it for him, so I decided not to say anything about what had happened.The doorbell rang. I wiped my hands on a towel and went to open it.Daniel smiled as he stepped inside. And then my heart dropped. It was HER. The same woman who had humiliated me in front of everyone.
I felt my knees go weak, but she beamed at me and extended her hand.”Anna, it’s so wonderful to meet you finally! Daniel has told me so much about you.”She knew I wouldn’t say anything. Not in front of my son.”Mom, you have no idea how proud I am of you!” Daniel said warmly, wrapping an arm around me. “Tell us, how did your presentation go?”