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She Married the Man of Her Dreams, But She Feared She Would Never Escape the Shadow of His Late Wife’s Memory.

The Original Poster (OP) finds herself in a whirlwind of emotions as she navigates her relationship with Blake, a man still haunted by his perfect late wife, Ava. As they plan their life together, constant comparisons to the past and a hurtful comment about their newborn push their bonds to the brink. Will their love and family ties withstand the strain?

The Beginning of a Complex Love

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OP, a 26-year-old woman, falls in love with Blake, a 38-year-old man with a tragic past. They meet in Monte Carlo while on vacation. OP learns that Blake’s late wife, Ava, is an ever-present memory.

Ava: The Dream Girl

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A dark cloud hangs over OP’s relationship with Black: Ava, Blake’s first wife, was the dream girl of not just Blake but his entire family. She was the embodiment of perfection, having met Blake during law school.

A Tragic End

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Ava unexpectedly drowned in a cove near their lake house the previous year, leaving a void in Blake’s life. They had planned a life together, purchasing the home on the lake and even trying for children. Her loss is still deeply felt.

Comparisons Begin

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The ex-wife’s ghost haunts the new couple’s relationship. While Blake is open about Ava, there are moments when he crosses boundaries. He starts comparing OP with Ava, leading to strain in their relationship.

The Mother-in-law’s Perspective

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OP’s devoted mother-in-law has a deep fondness for Ava, bordering on an obsession. Even though she treats OP well on the surface, there’s an underlying feeling that she wishes Ava was still here.

Wedding Talks

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Discussions of a wedding between OP and Blake spark enthusiasm in Blake’s mother. However, she constantly refers to it as “the second wedding,” making OP feel secondary and intimidated. How can she live up to the expectations set by the departed ex-wife?

Choices and Comparisons

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Every wedding decision OP makes is compared to those made by Ava. The difference in choices, from cake to venue, becomes a point of contention until OP discovers she’s pregnant amid the wedding planning.

A Hopeful Bond

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The pregnancy offers a pause to their plans, leading to a civil wedding while awaiting the birth of their child. OP is hopeful for a closer bond with Blake’s mother. The mother-in-law seems excited, and there is no mention of Ava hinting at a fresh start.

Haunted by the Past

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OP struggles in her new life, married to Blake and living in the same lake house he purchased with his first wife. She feels she can never live up to Ava, who seemed perfect in every way, according to those who remember her fondly.

Doubts Creep In

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OP has suspicions that Blake is still in love with Ava even though she is no longer physically present. She wonders if he married her to fill the void his first wife left in his life. Does he regret his decision?

The Painful Remark

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Following the birth of OP’s child, the mother-in-law makes a hurtful comment. She imagines how different the child might have looked with Ava as the mother. Deeply hurt, OP asks her mother-in-law to leave.

Blake’s Dilemma

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Blake acknowledges his mother’s insensitivity but is torn. He feels that OP’s reaction might have been too harsh, given the shared grief over Ava. OP believes the mother-in-law overstepped, making a comment that was beyond acceptable.

Husband’s Doubts

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Blake struggles with the situation. He thinks OP might have been too severe in her response, causing further tension between the couple. Adding to the discord, OP’s father-in-law aligns with Blake’s view, believing that OP’s reaction was unwarranted.

Navigating Relationships

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OP battles to find her place amidst the memories of Ava and the expectations of her new family. OP yearns to be seen and accepted as she is. The constant comparisons and hurtful remarks challenge her sense of belonging.

Was The Woman’s Behavior Appropriate?

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OP posts her story online for feedback and understanding from the internet community. The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter.

Forum Responds

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One reader said, “I’m so sorry you had such a disrespectful comment made after delivering your baby. Your MIL is completely out of line, and your husband needs to stand up for you.”

Another Commenter Thinks

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Another responder wrote, “I’m not surprised at all by the content of this post. As soon as I saw the age difference, I winced. What is it about 30+ men dating women in their early 20’s? I rarely see that age difference in a healthy relationship.”

A Third View on The Story

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A different person stated, “Your husband needs therapy. It sounds like he hasn’t properly grieved the death of his first wife, and he’s not fully grasping what his mother said to you. Your MIL deserved what she got. They need to stop these comments toward you.”

A Final Perspective on the Matter

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Another reader commented, “I would feel like I am constantly being reminded that I am only around because she is gone and will never be as good as her. If this is how you feel, you must make it clear to them.”

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