But that day all my illusions shattered completely.
When it was time to give gifts, she came to us first. On her face was a wide, forced smile, and in her hands — a beautifully wrapped box.
— Darling, — she stressed, almost mockingly, — I want to give you this. So you always know your place in our home.
I already knew nothing good could be inside. But when I opened the box and saw a maid’s uniform — black and white, with an apron — my heart sank. She wanted to humiliate me in front of everyone, to show that I was nobody. That in her house I wasn’t her son’s wife, but the help.
I wanted to scream or cry, but I held myself together. I simply closed the box and quietly said, “thank you.”
And then my parents approached us. Modest, calm people who never get involved in conflicts. My mom was holding a red box with a bow.
— Sweetheart, this is from us. We didn’t tell you beforehand… — my mom was nervous, and my dad nudged her gently with his elbow as if reassuring her.
I opened the box — and froze.
— Mom… Dad… What…? How?!
I didn’t even have time to fully process it before my mother-in-law, twisted with jealousy and anger, jumped forward, snatched the box from my hands, and practically shoved her face into it. And when she saw what was inside, she exploded with rage 
— You had no right! — she screamed, turning to my parents.
C
