My MIL and Mom Thought Setting My Husband and Me up with Our Exes Was a Great Idea but They Had No Idea What They Started — Story of the Day

I thought my marriage was solid until my MIL invited my husband’s ex to his birthday. Before I could react, my mom set me up with mine. I walked into a disaster I never saw coming—and that was just the beginning.

I always thought Alex and I had the perfect balance in our marriage. We weren’t one of those couples who fought over scattered socks or a coffee cup left on the table.

Our arguments never lasted more than an hour, and even then, they felt more like a warm-up for new jokes.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

I had my own café—a small, cozy place where people could sit with a book, enjoy a homemade dessert, and escape the city’s chaos. Alex sometimes joked that my cappuccinos would bankrupt him, I knew he was proud of me.

Everything was great… until he came home with a strange smile one day.

I was scrolling through my phone when he sat down next to me and, almost proudly, announced:

“You won’t believe who Mom and I ran into today while we were out.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

By “out,” he meant dragging his mother around to buy things she absolutely didn’t need—a monthly ritual of theirs. A mother-and-son tradition.

Sounds nice, right?

And it would be… if MIL, Cynthia, didn’t turn those shopping trips into a full-scale circus performance, juggling antique trinkets that would later gather dust in her china cabinet.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

But Alex endured it all. Because, well, it was Mom.

“Aliens?” I smiled, pulling myself out of my thoughts about Cynthia.

“Amanda.”

My fingers froze over the screen. I slowly lifted my gaze.

“That Amanda?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Yeah.”

Amanda. His ex. The love of his youth. The girl who once thought she was “the one and only” in his life.

“Where did you run into her?”

“At a café.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

It was an unpleasant coincidence, but I exhaled. It happens. Just a random encounter.

“And how was the coffee?” I asked, lacing my voice with sarcasm.

“Oh, amazing! Because it was your café.”

“Oh, I’m so glad Amanda liked it. Makes opening it all worthwhile.”

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For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

He nodded, completely missing my point.

“Oh, Mom was thrilled! They hadn’t seen each other in so long. And, well…”

“And what?”

“She invited her to my Birthday party.”

Fantastic. Just what I needed. Why couldn’t life stay the way it is?

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“Oh, your mother is really on fire.”

“Babe, you’re not jealous, are you?”

The tea had already boiled over in my hand.

“Of course not. And what did you say to that?”

“Well… I couldn’t exactly say no. That would’ve been rude.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I wanted to scream: And did you think about asking ME?!”

But instead, I silently exhaled, swallowing the mix of emotions brewing inside me.

“Babe, don’t worry so much. It’s just a party. Just a guest.”

Is he really that naive, or is he just pretending?

I had a bad feeling about that. And, as it would turn out later, I was absolutely right.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

***

Alex’s birthday was always an event. Not because he cared much about celebrating. He would have been pleased with a quiet dinner and a slice of cake.

No, the real mastermind behind these annual extravaganzas was Cynthia, his mother.

For her, that was a grand showcase. A carefully curated spectacle. A chance to prove to the world she could throw a party magnificent.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I tried to prepare myself mentally, but nothing could have truly prepared me for what I saw when I stepped into the backyard.

There she was. Amanda.

She looked even better than I remembered. Moreover, she was seamlessly integrated into the party as if she had never left Alex’s life.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

They were standing side by side in front of a giant birthday cake.

What’s happening?

And then I saw the contest.

Of course, Cynthia had organized some ridiculous, over-the-top game. Alex and Amanda were paired in a “Who Can Eat Their Cake Faster Without Using Their Hands?” challenge.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I wanted to turn away. But I couldn’t.

Amanda laughed too hard, tilting her head down as Alex tried to beat her to the first bite. The whole thing looked… ridiculously playful.

“Oh, isn’t that adorable?” someone cooed behind me.

I turned my head slowly. It was my mother. Perfect timing.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Adorable?” I repeated, barely concealing my irritation.

“Well, they do look very… comfortable together.”

I swallowed my retort.

“Anyway,” she continued, “I ran into someone interesting the other day.”

I didn’t care. I didn’t want to care. But she knew me too well.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Who?”

“Nick.”

I turned my head fully toward her.

“You mean my ex?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“Oh, don’t look so shocked, sweetheart.” She waved a dismissive hand. “You know, he’s doing exceptionally well these days. Owns his own company. Has some high-profile clients. And…”

“Please tell me you didn’t invite him to this party.”

She laughed. “Of course not! That would be inappropriate.”

I exhaled in relief.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“But,” she added, too casually, “he’s actually looking for a place to host networking events for his clients. And I thought, you know… your café might be perfect.”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying—maybe you should meet with him. Discuss business. Make a smart move for your café.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“I don’t need his help.”

“Are you sure? I mean, look at Alex.”

I didn’t want to. But I did. And there it was: Amanda, laughing with my husband, holding a huge black cake I’d ordered for him.

I felt my irritation spike to a dangerous level.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I turned back to my mother, my voice suddenly much calmer than I felt.

“You know what? Fine. Set up the meeting.”

“Oh, wonderful! I knew you’d come around.”

I had no idea what I was getting myself into. But if Alex wanted to play that game, I’d play it too.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

***

I spent the following day mentally preparing myself for meeting with Nick.

I told myself it was strictly business. I reminded myself that I wasn’t doing this to prove a point.

I assured myself I wasn’t being petty or reacting emotionally to Amanda’s little flirtation circus at Alex’s birthday party.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

At least, that’s what I kept repeating like a mantra as I walked into the restaurant. And then I saw Nick. Smiling. Relaxed. Effortlessly confident in that way that used to drive me crazy years ago.

And suddenly, I wasn’t so sure about my mantra anymore. Damn it.

“Wow,” he said, giving me an appreciative once-over. “You look amazing.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“Thanks. You, uh… still dress like a business magazine cover.”

He chuckled.

“Well, you know me. Always selling something.”

I sat across from him, trying to shake off the weird nostalgia and irritation that came with seeing him again.

He poured us both some tea and said, “So. Tell me about your café.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

I started explaining my vision, how I wanted to make the café a hub for creative entrepreneurs, and how I planned to add live events, poetry readings, networking nights…

“Sounds incredible.”

I stopped mid-sentence. There was a knowing smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

“What?” I asked.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“You. You’re still the same. Passionate. Determined. Always thinking big.”

“Well, some things don’t change.”

“Some do.”

I was about to steer the conversation back to strictly professional territory when a familiar voice cut through the restaurant noise like a knife.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Wow. Well, isn’t this cozy?”

I turned my head. There, standing just inside the restaurant entrance, were Alex and Amanda. My stomach dropped. Alex’s gaze flickered from me to Nick.

“Oh, what a crazy coincidence!” Amanda said, placing a hand on Alex’s arm. “You two know each other, right?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I stood up so fast that my chair nearly toppled over. Apparently enjoying the drama, Nick leaned back in his chair with a relaxed grin.

“Oh, we’re more than familiar.”

“You’re looking good, man,” he told Alex. “Married life must be treating you well.”

“Yeah,” Alex said. “It was. Until I walked in and saw my wife on what looked like a date.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Oh, please! If anyone’s on a date here, it’s you two!” I gestured at Amanda.

She clutched her chest.

“Me? Oh, no, no, I’m just supporting Alex. As a friend.”

Alex let out a bitter laugh. “Oh, you’re a real saint, Amanda.”

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For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Nick clapped his hands together, clearly having the time of his life. “Well, this just got interesting.”

I whipped back around to face him.

“Nick, shut up.”

Amanda huffed. “You don’t need to be so defensive, darling. It’s not like you’re the only one who can enjoy an old friend’s company.”

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For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Oh. Oh, she did NOT just say that.

Without thinking, I grabbed my glass of orange juice and flung it directly at Amanda’s expensive silk blouse. She gasped, horrified.

Nick let out a loud laugh. Alex picked up his glass of water and threw it straight at Nick. Nick spluttered, soaking wet, and shot to his feet.

“Oh, you wanna play, buddy?” he said, reaching for the sauce bottle on the table.

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For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“DON’T YOU DARE…” I started.

Too late. Before I could blink, barbecue sauce was flying through the air. The following five seconds were a complete disaster. By the time the chaos settled, the entire restaurant was dead silent.

“I. Am. Leaving,” Amanda declared, storming off in her stained designer dress.

Nick looked down at his soaked clothes, then at me.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Well. This wasn’t exactly how I pictured our reunion.”

“You planned this?”

He winked. I groaned. Alex grabbed my hand.

“Come on. Let’s get out of here before someone calls the cops on us.”

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For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

I didn’t argue. We left the restaurant sticky, soaked, and absolutely done with the night. As we stepped onto the street, I glanced at Alex.

“We just got played, didn’t we?”

“Oh, 100%. And I have an extreme suspicion about who’s behind this.”

“Yeah. Our mothers.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

And just like that, everything started making sense.

Alex and I exchanged a knowing glance, the kind only two people could understand. A slow grin spread across my face as I wiped a streak of sauce from his cheek.

“We can’t let them get away with this.”

“Oh, absolutely not.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

We embraced and burst into laughter — sticky, soaked, and victorious. Because no matter what our mothers threw at us — our love wasn’t that easy to break.

At that very moment, our mothers probably enjoyed a peaceful dinner together at our house. Blissfully unaware of the little surprise we had prepared for them.

***

When we got home, our mothers were lounging on the couch, sipping wine, looking very pleased with themselves.

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For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“Oh, you’re back!” my mom beamed. “How was your evening?”

Alex and I exchanged a knowing look.

“Oh, life-changing,” I said, slipping off my jacket.

“What do you mean?”

Alex sighed heavily. “We’ve made a decision.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Both moms leaned forward.

“We’re breaking up,” I announced.

Silence. Cynthia gasped. My mom clutched her chest.

“But wait,” Alex added, raising a hand. “There’s good news, too. We’re having a baby.”

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For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Cynthia choked on her wine. My mom’s eyes bulged.

“You CAN’T break up if you’re having a baby!”

“Well, you two can co-parent.”

Alex nodded. “Or, you know… foster care.”

The horror on their faces was delicious.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“You… YOU WOULDN’T.”

“Oh, but you thought meddling in our marriage was fine?”

“We weren’t trying to ruin anything,” my mom muttered. “We just… read that book that said love only lasts three years. And well, your anniversary is coming up, and everything seemed so… calm.”

“So, naturally, you decided to light a match and throw it into our excellent relationship?” Alex asked.

Cynthia sighed, rubbing her temples. “We thought a little jealousy would… reignite the spark.”

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For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

I exchanged a look with Alex, half-amused, half-exasperated.

“Well, congrats. You gave us the messiest week of our lives.”

Alex chuckled. “But we’re still standing. Still together. And stronger than ever.”

“Well, now that we’re done with family drama,” I said, grabbing my coat, “how about we finally go eat? You two dragged us through so much that we never got dinner.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

They perked up immediately. And as we all headed out together, I threw an arm around Alex.

“Oh, and by the way,” I added, “we’re sending you two on a weekend getaway. Somewhere far. Very far.”

Alex grinned.

“Think of it as a little break… from ruining our lives.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

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Jason Momoa Stuns the Internet with Photos of His New Girlfriend—12 Years Younger

Jason Momoa’s new relationship is making news after he shared photos of his famous girlfriend.

Fans are noticing that she looks a lot like his ex-wife and their child, which has sparked reactions online.

Some people are uncomfortable, saying that his girlfriend resembles his teenage daughter.

Jason Momoa confirmed that he is dating again. When photos of his new girlfriend surfaced on social media, fans began comparing her to his family. Some believe his ex-wife is more beautiful, while others find it unsettling that his new girlfriend looks similar to his daughter.

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Jason Momoa is best known for his lead role in the 2018 film *Aquaman*, where he starred alongside Amber Heard. The two returned to their roles in the highly anticipated sequel, released five years later in 2023.

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Jason Momoa was previously married to *The Cosby Show* actress, Lisa Bonet, and the two were seen as a power couple in Hollywood. Their relationship began in 2005 after they were introduced by mutual friends, and they quickly became a beloved pair in the public eye.

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At the time, Lisa Bonet, who is 12 years older than Jason Momoa, was a single mother raising her teenage daughter, Zoë Kravitz. Zoë is Bonet’s daughter from her previous marriage to musician Lenny Kravitz. Despite the age difference and family dynamics, Momoa and Bonet formed a strong bond that made them one of Hollywood’s favorite couples.

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Through his relationship with Lisa Bonet, Jason Momoa developed close bonds with his stepdaughter, Zoë Kravitz, and her father, Lenny Kravitz. Momoa affectionately calls Zoë “Zozo bear,” while she refers to him as “Papa bear.” Momoa has also spoken highly of Lenny Kravitz, expressing deep respect for him, and that admiration is mutual. Their blended family dynamic has often been praised for its warmth and mutual respect.

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Jason Momoa, best known for his role in “Baywatch,” and Lisa Bonet officially tied the knot in October 2017 after more than a decade together. The couple welcomed two children during their relationship: daughter Lola and son Nakoa-Wolf, who are both teenagers now. Despite their eventual separation, the family remains in the public eye due to their close bond and co-parenting.

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In a 2018 interview, Jason Momoa expressed his deep admiration for his marriage with Lisa Bonet, sharing how much he enjoyed their relationship. He revealed a side of Bonet many people might not know, saying, “Not a lot of people know how absolutely hysterical she is. She makes me laugh and is just really quirky.” His affectionate words highlighted the playful and humorous connection they shared throughout their time together.

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The Hawaii native, Jason Momoa, also spoke highly of Lisa Bonet as a devoted mother, saying, “My wife is amazing. Her ultimate art form is being a phenomenal mother.” He admired her parenting skills and how she balanced life with their children. Momoa further emphasized their strong bond by describing their relationship as a “perfect fit,” showing the deep connection they shared as partners and parents.

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“The love between us carries on, evolving in ways it wishes to be known and lived. We free each other to be who we are learning to become,” the couple shared in their joint statement, announcing their separation. Their breakup sent shockwaves among fans, as they had been seen as a strong and loving couple.

Later, an insider revealed that their split was largely due to differing lifestyles and priorities. While Momoa was focused on his booming career and travel, Bonet preferred a more low-key, grounded life, which eventually created distance between them.

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“Jason is very focused on his career and wants to work. He has found success and it’s driving him and is very fulfilling. Lisa wants to be in LA and is not interested in going on location for long periods of time with him,” the source disclosed.

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According to the insider, Bonet’s priorities shifted as she focused more on health and wellness, which motivated her. Since Momoa’s lifestyle didn’t align with hers, they eventually grew apart and began seeking different things.

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Two years after announcing their split, Bonet officially filed for divorce in January 2024. She cited irreconcilable differences and listed October 2020 as the date of separation.

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The Superior Court of California approved the divorce filing the day after Bonet submitted it. The couple had reportedly agreed on the terms of their divorce before filing, and were granted joint custody of their children. Neither child support nor spousal support was awarded.

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Since the breakup, Momoa has found love again with another well-known Hollywood figure. The 32-year-old woman is also a divorcee. She was previously married to lawyer Edgardo Carnales, whom she wed in July 2019.

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However, the pair, who kept their romance private, divorced in June 2023 after over three years of marriage. She listed their separation date as January 2023 and requested that both parties’ rights to support be terminated.

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She once praised her famous father in an interview, saying, “He motivates me and pushes my limits, making sure I’m always growing as an artist.” Before hitting it big in Hollywood, Arjona worked as a waitress and hostess in New York City.

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At the time, she was studying acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. She reflected, “I learned the value of money and working hard. It helped me because I got used to being on my feet. And I think today I can handle 16-hour days thanks to my experience as a waitress.”

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The Hollywood star shared, “I have a mother who is extremely spiritual and positive. She guides me through every obstacle in my life.”

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This was when the “Game of Thrones” actor went public with his new relationship with Puerto Rican actress Adria Arjona. Arjona, who is 12 years younger than him, was featured in several of his photos. In one of the pictures, she was smiling while sitting on his lap.

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“She actually looks like his ex-wife Lisa Bonet, just younger,” wrote one person. Another user agreed, saying, “Looks like a younger Lisa.”

Arjona has starred in movies like “Pacific Rim: Uprising,” “Hit Man,” “Father of the Bride,” and “Triple Frontier.” Besides their shared passion for acting, she and Momoa also bond over another mutual interest.

Adria Arjona and Jason Momoa’s relationship continues to capture the public’s attention. As they share more glimpses of their life together, fans are excited to see how their love story unfolds.

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