When my sister Clara got engaged, I promised her $10,000 as a wedding gift. She bragged about it online, thrilled at the thought of being “$10,000 richer.” But just weeks before the big day, her fiancé Jack found out she was cheating—with his best friend. The wedding was off.

Clara didn’t apologize. Instead, she complained about the “embarrassment” and, days later, demanded the money anyway. “You promised, Davina,” she said, perched on my couch like a queen. “I need it now more than ever.” I stared at her, stunned by the audacity.

So I told her I’d given the money to Jack instead. At first, it was a bluff—but the more I thought about it, the more I realized Jack deserved it. Months later, his startup flourished, and he sent me a heartfelt note of thanks. Clara, meanwhile, sulked at our parents’ house, painting me as the villain.

When Mom later asked if I’d done it just to steal Jack, I laughed. Jack was a friend, nothing more. The truth was simple: Clara needed to learn that betrayal has consequences, while loyalty and integrity open doors. I may not be the perfect sister, but I’ll always be the honest one.