Gina had spent years saving for her dream wedding, pouring in countless hours, sacrifices, and late nights to make it a reality. She and Leo had put everything into this special day, scrimping and saving wherever they could. Every penny was for this moment.
“Think about all the money we’re saving on takeout,” Leo joked as they worked through their plans.
“That’s because we’re eating healthy,” Gina grinned.
After all the hard work and dedication, the big day was finally here.
Gina arrived at the venue an hour early, hoping for a moment of calm before the ceremony. She was looking forward to walking the aisle alone, taking it all in, savoring the fairytale atmosphere. But when she walked in, her heart sank. A bride was already standing at the altar—her sister, Jessica.
Dressed in a stunning white gown, Jessica stood at the altar, chatting with the staff while guests started to gather.
Leo had planned for a small family photoshoot before the ceremony. He was always full of creative ideas, a wildlife photographer turned teacher after a safari accident. His photography passion was one of the things Gina loved most about him.
But this wasn’t what she had imagined for her day. Music began to play, and her nightmare unfolded further—Jessica, the bride.
Her heart pounded. And then Jessica turned, flashing a smug smile.
“Oh, you’re early! I thought I’d have everything ready before you got here. Well, guess that ruins the surprise,” she said with a self-satisfied smirk.
“Surprise?” Gina repeated, her voice hollow.
“Oh, come on, Gina. Two weddings in one! It’s genius, right? Ben’s been pushing me to get married for ages,” Jessica shrugged.
Gina’s stomach dropped. “You mean… you planned to marry at my wedding? Are you out of your mind?”
Jessica tilted her head, pouting. “Mom says ‘insane’ isn’t a word we use,” she said dismissively. “Be nice. Don’t be so selfish!”
Selfish? At her own wedding?
Gina was done. This wasn’t just petty theft—this was betrayal on a whole new level. Jessica had spent years taking from her, stealing ideas, clothes, and lies. But this? This was too much.
She turned to Bella, her wedding planner, who stood frozen in shock. Gina’s guests were whispering in disbelief, and even Jessica’s fiancé, Ben, looked uneasy.
“Did you know about this?” Gina asked Bella.
“No, not at all, Gina!” Bella quickly replied. “I was just making sure the bridal suite was ready. Your hair and makeup team are setting up now.”
“Thank you,” Gina smiled, her eyes narrowing as she turned back to Jessica. “Let’s get this double wedding sorted. Put Jessica’s ceremony first, and make sure she pays for her share.”
Bella nodded and pulled out her tablet. “Don’t forget to add the harpist’s fee to our final invoice. Jessica’s guests will need to be accounted for, too, including extra seats.”
Jessica’s smirk faltered.
“You added your own ceremony?” Gina said coldly. “That means extra time for the officiant, extra musicians, extra fees. You’ll need to pay for those.”
Bella turned to Jessica. “Your guests and seating have to be added, too. Weddings aren’t cheap, especially last-minute add-ons.”
“What?” Jessica gasped. “This is one event, not separate weddings!”
“Not according to the contract, Jessica. You’re responsible for the extra costs. Weddings cost money. If you want to have one, you pay.”
Jessica’s face turned red, and she dropped the veil she had been holding.
She looked around, but no one came to her defense—not even Mom or Ben.
“Mom?” she whimpered.
Their mother crossed her arms, glaring at Jessica. “You planned this behind our backs. Fix it yourself.”
Jessica began to scream, throwing a tantrum. Ben tried to calm her down, but she refused to listen. The drama escalated until their father called security to remove her.
Gina took a deep breath and smiled.
“Ready to get dressed?” Bella asked.
“Yes,” Gina replied, still in disbelief.
The wedding proceeded without a hitch. It was intimate and beautiful, the joy and love in the air only enhanced by the drama that had just unfolded.
Later, as Gina enjoyed the celebration, her mother pulled her aside. “I can’t believe she thought she could get away with that.”
“I know, right?” Gina laughed. “I told Leo everything afterward, and he was shocked. Thank goodness he missed the confrontation—knowing him, he’d have probably let her have her moment to keep the peace.”
“You’ve got a great husband, Gina. Don’t ever take that for granted,” her mother said with a smile.
Just as they were settling in, Gina’s dad came over, shaking his head. “She called. Said we should all be ashamed for ‘humiliating’ her.”
“I didn’t humiliate her,” Gina said, rolling her eyes. “She humiliated herself. I wasn’t going to let her get a free wedding out of it after all Leo and I went through.”
That night, as Gina and Leo stood together, hand in hand, Leo raised his glass. “To my beautiful wife, and to the wedding she truly deserves.”
The guests cheered. Gina was overwhelmed with love and gratitude. Jessica’s absence didn’t matter. Everything was perfect.
But then, late that night, the banging started. It was sharp, desperate, relentless.
Gina opened the door, already knowing who it was. Jessica stood there, disheveled, crying, and wearing sweatpants. For the first time ever, she looked small.
“Can I come in?” she asked quietly.
“Why?” Gina replied, her voice steady.
“I need to talk,” Jessica whispered.
Gina stepped aside, reluctantly giving her five minutes. As Jessica stood in the living room, Gina could see the vulnerability in her sister for the first time.
“Ben left me,” Jessica said, her voice trembling. “He said he needed a break. I don’t know why I do these things. I ruin everything.”
For the first time ever, Jessica admitted that she wasn’t okay.
Gina exhaled slowly. “Yeah, Jess. You did.”
“Can we start over?” Jessica asked, her eyes desperate.
Gina shook her head. “No.”
“You’ve spent years making me feel small, manipulating people, stealing from me. Now, you want a fresh start?”
Jessica nodded, but Gina was firm. “I’m done hoping for change. You made your choices.”
With that, Gina walked to the door, opening it wide. “You have to live with them now.”
Jessica hesitated but left without a word. Gina closed the door behind her and locked it, finally feeling a sense of freedom.
“I hope you figure yourself out,” she said quietly, knowing that some things can’t be fixed.
And for the first time in her life, Gina was free.