Viola, congratulations on your engagement! That should have been a joyful moment, but your fiancé’s stepmom turned it into unnecessary drama by comparing your ring to his ex’s. You stood up for yourself, and that was fair. Now, it’s about how to manage her behavior moving forward without letting her steal your happiness.

You don’t owe her an apology. She sparked the gossip, and calling her out was simply defending yourself. If your fiancé pressures you to smooth things over, keep it polite but firm: you won’t fight, but you also won’t apologize for setting boundaries. That way, you remain the adult in the room.

The bigger issue is your fiancé’s role. He needs to show he’s firmly in your corner. Make it clear that when he stays silent after she insults you, it leaves you alone in the conflict. His support is essential to maintaining respect and unity in your relationship.

As for her, treat her like someone who feeds on reactions. Keep everything public, give her no private moments to stir trouble, and shut down remarks with quick, witty replies—or simply walk away. Bottom line: you don’t owe her anything. Protect your peace, set boundaries, and expect your fiancé to back you up.