I never thought my husband’s birthday party would tear his family apart. Ryan and I have been married for five years and have always gotten along well with his family—his parents, Gina and Frank, and his younger brother, Cole.

The party was lively, with Ryan enjoying himself and showing off the vintage record player I gifted him. As the night wore on and guests left, I offered for everyone to stay overnight. Ryan’s parents took the guest room, our friends Karen and Tom the pull-out couch, and Cole got the spare room in the basement.

While cleaning up, Cole approached me, clearly drunk. “Natalie, you’re too good for my brother,” he said, making me uncomfortable. When he suggested we go to his room, I decided to teach him a lesson. I played along and sent him to the basement with a sleep mask, then woke Ryan to explain everything.

We gathered Ryan’s parents and friends, and confronted Cole in the basement. “What were you thinking?” Ryan demanded. Cole tried to pin it on me, but everyone knew the truth. Frank told Cole to leave.

The following weeks were tough as Ryan’s parents decided to cut ties with Cole. Family gatherings became awkward, but Ryan and I grew closer, realizing how lucky we were to have each other.