Dahlia is planning her brother’s wedding, from designing the invitation to booking vendors to even baking the perfect cake. But on the big day, she spots a serious betrayal: she’s not invited.
When my brother, Liam, got engaged, I was happy for him. Sure, Claire wasn’t my favorite person in the world.
But she seemed to love my brother.
And Liam? He was smitten.
Therefore, when Claire pleaded me to help plan the wedding, I agreed. Not for her. But for Liam.
I started to design the invitations. I called vendors. I booked the venue. And I even paid for catering and the wedding cake.
The wedding cake had to be perfect.
Peanut butter and chocolate cake.
A tiny smile twitched my lip. Liam liked it best.
Soccer matches, birthdays, and even the third-grade participation trophy he received.
“The world’s best flavor,” he would exclaim.
My dream was to open my own bakery. My whole world. I also believed that my marriage had been for a long.
I had cherished my spouse. profoundly. I also believed that he had loved me for a time.
Ultimately, though, he had simply praised my creation. The profitable enterprise.
Not me.
And the day I at last understood that? I was broken by it.
Dahlia, not right now. This has to do with Liam.
I stood in the kitchen of the venue on the morning of the wedding, delicately icing the last touches onto the cake.
Laughter poured from the vast hall as guests arrived. Then, with a thunder-like face, my mother rushed in.
She paused before saying, “Sweetheart.”
“The guest list does not include you.”
I gave a little chuckle.
What? That’s ridiculous. I’m literally holding their wedding cake.”
Mom’s expression stayed grim.
“Claire’s mother is looking through the guest list. You’re not invited, she says. She also refuses to let you in.
I heard a ringing sound in my ears. Claire and I had worked together for months to organize this wedding. months.
Liam was captured by Mom shortly prior to the ceremony. He had no idea what was going on; he was smiling and fiddling with his tie.
“Liam,” she angrily said. “Are you aware that your sister was not invited by Claire?”
Liam stopped. His grin disappeared.
“Hold on. What? Why?
She refuses to say. However, she is ensuring Dahlia is not permitted inside. How can you let that happen? She is your sister.
“
