Ava has been the storm cloud over every milestone in my life since we became stepsisters as kids. What started as sibling rivalry quickly turned into a one-sided competition where she always had to steal the spotlight. If I made the honor roll, she’d fake an injury. If I had a birthday, she’d cry about missing her real dad. She turned every celebration into a pity party for herself, and our parents always coddled her. Even when I graduated high school, they missed the ceremony because Ava pretended to break her leg—only for me to find out later that she was out shopping with friends. After years of this, I finally distanced myself, but when Ava got pregnant and seemed calmer, I naively believed she might’ve changed.

Fast forward to our engagement dinner—Morgan and I spent months planning the perfect night. A cozy, intimate dinner downtown with close family and friends. Ava wasn’t invited. We didn’t trust her to behave, and this night was too important. But of course, she showed up anyway, seven months pregnant and acting like the guest of honor. I tried to stay civil, thinking maybe this time she would truly support me. Everything was going well until I stood up to give our thank-you speech. Just as I lifted my glass, Ava loudly stood up and shouted, “We just found out we’re having a BOY!” Instantly, the attention shifted. People clapped, cheered, and even ordered champagne for her. Our engagement dinner transformed into her gender reveal party in seconds.

I felt humiliated, ready to cry, when the most unexpected person stepped in—my stepmother. The same woman who had enabled Ava’s behavior for years suddenly stood up and said, “Don’t you dare, Ava. Sit. Down.” The room froze. Ava tried to play innocent, but my stepmom didn’t budge. In front of everyone, she told Ava she was tired of her stealing my moments and declared that since Ava turned the night into her own event, she’d be paying for half the dinner. “You can Venmo them tonight,” she said with finality. Ava’s face went pale as she sank into her seat, and for the first time in my life, she faced real consequences.

I stood back up, raised my glass again, and this time no one interrupted. I finished my speech with Morgan’s hand in mine, feeling like I’d finally been seen. Ava did end up sending the money. I still don’t know how my stepmother managed to make that happen, but it was the sweetest surprise. For once, a celebration that was meant to be mine actually stayed mine. Ava learned that her actions finally had consequences—and that I wasn’t alone anymore.