After saving for years, Gina arrives early for her ideal wedding to discover another bride. Her sister. Stole her venue. Stealing her moment. Gina won\u2019t let her get away with it. Audacity, retribution, and the ultimate wedding takedown ensue.<\/p>\n
I woke up with butterflies and a full heart on my wedding day.<\/p>\n
Leo and I saved for this day for years. We worked overtime, late nights, and cut shortcuts. Every dime was spent on perfection.<\/p>\n
\u201cGina, just think, all the money we\u2019ll save on takeout,\u201d Leo joked.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s because we\u2019re on healthy eating plans,\u201d I smiled.<\/p>\n
Finally, after all the struggle and sacrifice, it was here.<\/p>\n
I went an hour early to find peace before the event. I wanted to stroll the aisle alone and absorb.<\/p>\n
I wanted to breathe, apply my makeup, and sip champagne while walking around the fantasy.<\/p>\n
Instead, a bride stood at my altar. She smoothed her veil with her back to me.<\/p>\n
She was no ordinary bride. This was my sister Jessica.<\/p>\n
Elegant white wedding dress. Watching the venue personnel rush to finish preparations. A few visitors were already there.<\/p>\n
Leo wanted our closest relatives to come early for a photograph.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re only getting married once, Gina,\u201d he remarked. \u201cMake it magical. Students are taking our photos. Wonderfulness awaits.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIs that extra credit for you? \u201d I asked my fianc\u00e9 while he browsed his laptop.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s like me letting them give us a wedding present.\u201d<\/p>\n
This was one of my favorite things about Leo. He flew to the greatest game parks for years as a wildlife photographer. After a safari accident a few years ago, Leo opted to teach at a college locally.<\/p>\n
His love of time-capturing captivated me.<\/p>\n
My nightmare returned as music began playing.<\/p>\n
Bride Jessica.<\/p>\n
Chest constricted. My ears ringing.<\/p>\n
And guess what?<\/p>\n
My sister grinned smugly.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh! \u201cShe clasped her hands. You\u2019re early! I figured I\u2019d finish before you arrived. Unfortunately, it spoils the surprise.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her words were incomprehensible.<\/p>\n
\u201cSurprise? Echoing, I said hollowly.<\/p>\n
Jessica exhaled loudly as if I was the issue. As if I ruined something wonderful. As if I ruined her party.<\/p>\n
\u201cGina, come on,\u201d she pleaded. \u201cWhy ruin a good setup? Dual wedding! Genius, sis? You know Ben has been pressuring me to marry lately.\u201d<\/p>\n
My stomach sank.<\/p>\n
You didn\u2019t simply come up in a bridal dress? You intended to marry at my wedding? Are you crazy? \u201d<\/p>\n
Twisting her head, she pouted.<\/p>\n
\u201cMom said \u2018insane\u2019 isn\u2019t a word we use, Gina,\u201d she rolled her eyes. \u201cBe kind. Don\u2019t be selfish! \u201d<\/p>\n
Selfish?<\/p>\n
Me? At my wedding? One place I was expected to be selfish and controlling?<\/p>\n
I felt something from the word. Something mad. Some risk.<\/p>\n
Jessica had always taken from me. From taking my ideas and saying they\u2019re hers to never returning borrowed clothing. She lied to our parents to get their support.<\/p>\n
But this?<\/p>\n
Next-level pathetic. This was extreme wickedness.<\/p>\n
Looked around. Bella, my wedding coordinator, stared at Jessica like a bomb. My poor early arrivals whispered in amazement.<\/p>\n
Even Jessica\u2019s fianc\u00e9 Ben seemed uneasy.<\/p>\n
You said Gina agreed, Jessica! He sighed. \u201cI should have known better.\u201d<\/p>\n
My eyesight improved.<\/p>\n
I grinned.<\/p>\n
Fine. Jessica may get married.<\/p>\n
Bella, did you know? I asked.<\/p>\n
Not at all, Gina! \u201d she said. \u201cI just prepared the bridal suite for you. Final touches are being prepared by your hair and makeup team.\u201d<\/p>\n
I nodded.<\/p>\n
I smiled at her, \u201cThank you. \u201cLet\u2019s discuss this double wedding. Let my sister\u2019s ceremony go first. Can you remove your tab? \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course,\u201d she responded, unlocking her iPad.<\/p>\n
Please include the harpist\u2019s final charge in our invoice. Regarding the other problem, please bill Jessica first. I propose she pay before walking down the aisle.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bella blinked and smiled broadly.<\/p>\n
My sister smiled less.<\/p>\n
I crossed arms.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou added a ceremony. A wedding planner would know what it involves, Jessica. The officiant and musicians will need more time for you. Of course, you must compensate Leo\u2019s photography pupils. I\u2019m not going to split the meal with you, sis. Leo and I served only guests.\u201d<\/p>\n
Always professional, Bella turned to Jessica.<\/p>\n
\u201cGina\u2019s right,\u201d she said. But she omitted certain things. We catered each person, so your visitors are different. We pay the venue by seat. We need more chairs for your ceremony. They cost a lot. Several more things may happen. Want to sit? \u201d<\/p>\n
Wait\u2026what?! \u201d Jessica exclaimed.<\/p>\n
Bella spoke calmly and slowly.<\/p>\n
\u2018You added a separate ceremony, Jessica. That charge must be paid before proceeding.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nervously, Jessica laughed.<\/p>\n
No, no! This is one event! Bella, there are no add-ons. Come on, Gina. Tell her.\u201d<\/p>\n
I shrugged.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot per contract, Jessica. Your contribution was not in the original contract. Weddings cost. You must pay for one.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jessica discarded her veil as her cheeks grew crimson.<\/p>\n
She glanced about for support.<\/p>\n
Nobody did.<\/p>\n
Not Mom. Not Dad. Not even Ben.<\/p>\n
\u201cMom? She whimpered.<\/p>\n
Mom folded her arms. Angry, she looked.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou planned this nonsense behind everyone\u2019s back, Jessica. Fix it yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jessica burst after trembling her lip.<\/p>\n
She howled. Stamped her foot. She insisted I \u201cjust share\u201d since we were \u201cfamily.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou need to calm down, Jess,\u201d Ben said. I can\u2019t believe you lied and said Gina and Leo were happy. I leave.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jessica collapsed on the floor. Our father summoned security to remove her.<\/p>\n
I inhaled and grinned.<\/p>\n
\u201cReady to put on your dress? \u201d Bella asked.<\/p>\n
I nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s almost go-time, Gina,\u201d my mother remarked. \u201cLet me help you.\u201d<\/p>\n
The wedding proceeded well thereafter. Perfectly romantic and personal.<\/p>\n
Without Jessica\u2019s drama? The mood was upbeat and electrifying.<\/p>\n
Mom hugged me as she took me away.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t believe your sister actually thought she could get away with it,\u201d she continued.<\/p>\n
\u201cHonestly? Neither can I! I laughed. Leo was startled when I told him everything after our wedding. Luckily, he missed the confrontation\u2014Leo would have let her have her moment. To maintain peace.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve got a lovely husband, Gina,\u201d Mom added. \u201cDon\u2019t take that for granted.\u201d<\/p>\n
We were surprised when my dad approached.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe phoned. We should all feel embarrassed for \u2018humiliating\u2019 her, she added.<\/p>\n
Rolling my eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe shamed herself. I just prevented her from getting a free wedding. Leo and I worked hard to polish this. Jessica wasn\u2019t going to drain me this time.\u201d<\/p>\n
I held hands with Leo when he lifted his glass later that night.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo my beautiful wife,\u201d he added, staring at me. Finally receiving the wedding she deserves.\u201d<\/p>\n
All cheered.<\/p>\n
Love and support made me cry.<\/p>\n
Jessica\u2019s absence? Not a problem.<\/p>\n
When the pounding began, I had barely pulled off my shoes.<\/p>\n
Sharp. Desperate. Unrelenting.<\/p>\n
Before leaving, I groaned and rolled my shoulders. I knew who.<\/p>\n
I opened it to see Jessica on my doorstep in sweats and an old hoodie, weeping and blotchy. Her typically flawlessly curled hair was in a sloppy bun, and her mascara was smeared under her eyes.<\/p>\n
I\u2019d never seen her that little.<\/p>\n
\u201cGina,\u201d she muttered. \u201cMay I enter? \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy? I asked simply.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just need to talk to you,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Debating, I examined her. I was tempted to slam the door in her face, but her raw look, which I had never seen before, made me pause.<\/p>\n
I retreated, sighing.<\/p>\n
Five minutes. All you have.\u201d<\/p>\n
She entered, clutching herself.<\/p>\n
As she stood in the center of my living room, staring about like she didn\u2019t recognize it, I waited, arms crossed.<\/p>\n
Finally, she shakily breathed.<\/p>\n
\u201cBen left me,\u201d she squeaked. \u201cHe said he needed a break. That he didn\u2019t comprehend my actions. That he\u2019s not convinced I\u2019m the right person for him.\u201d<\/p>\n
She laughed hollowly, wiping her face.<\/p>\n
I guess I went too far. \u201d<\/p>\n
I remained silent. No words came to mind.<\/p>\n
Jessica avoided my gaze by licking her lips.<\/p>\n
\u201cInitially, I didn\u2019t think it was that horrible. I expected you to stay upset for a bit, but we usually move on.\u201d<\/p>\n
My jaw tensed.<\/p>\n
However, Ben departed. Mom and Dad ignore my calls. And my friends\u2026\u201c Her voice shook. \u201cWell, I don\u2019t have as many as I thought.\u201d<\/p>\n
She gazed at me with red-rimmed, begging eyes.<\/p>\n
Gina, I don\u2019t know why. Why can\u2019t I simply be pleased for you? I wreck everything. And now? I wrecked myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jessica admitted for the first time that she was struggling.<\/p>\n
For the first time, I didn\u2019t need to repair her.<\/p>\n
Slow exhalation.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Jess. You did.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCan we restart? \u201d<\/p>\n
Shook my head after staring at her.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jessica recoiled.<\/p>\n
My voice was calm yet forceful as I approached.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve made me feel small for years. Stolen property. Misleading others into believing you were victimized. The repercussions is now your responsibility,\u201d I inclined my head. You desire a new start? \u201d<\/p>\n
Swallowing, she nodded.<\/p>\n
I laughed quietly, shaking my head.<\/p>\n
\u201cI waited years for your change. But I\u2019m done hoping, Jess,\u201d I opened the door. \u201cNow you must accept your decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jessica\u2019s face fell.<\/p>\n
She could argue, I thought. However, she left without saying anything.<\/p>\n
I said goodbye as she left.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really hope you figure yourself out.\u201d<\/p>\n
She paused, nodded, and left.<\/p>\n
I locked the door behind her. And I started the kettle.<\/p>\n
Never before had I felt free.<\/p>\n
What would you\u2019ve done?<\/p>\n
Inspired by true events and individuals, this work is dramatized for creativity. To preserve privacy and enrich the story, names, characters, and facts were altered. Any similarity to real people, events, or places is unintentional.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
After saving for years, Gina arrives early for her ideal wedding to discover another bride. Her sister. Stole her venue. Stealing her moment. Gina won\u2019t let her get away with it. Audacity, retribution, and the ultimate wedding takedown ensue. I woke up with butterflies and a full heart on my wedding day. Leo and I […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-31296","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31296","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=31296"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31296\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31297,"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31296\/revisions\/31297"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=31296"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=31296"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=31296"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}