Growing up, I was always the afterthought compared to my golden-child sister, Melissa. My parents never missed a chance to favor her—so when they offered to pay for my wedding on the condition that Melissa walk down the aisle first in a white dress, I nearly broke. But with my fiancé Ryan’s calm guidance, we agreed—outwardly. Behind the scenes, Ryan planned poetic revenge, charming my parents into funding a wedding that honored me while playing into their illusions. On the big day, Melissa arrived in full bridal glory—only to be denied entry by security. She, along with my stunned parents, watched from the parking lot as I walked down the aisle solo, finally center stage.

The aftermath was glorious. While my parents fumed and Melissa raged, we celebrated with the cake and champagne they paid for. Ryan, ever the strategist, even shared Melissa’s meltdown message in the family group chat before we left for our honeymoon. I had spent years sidelined and silenced, but that day wasn’t just a wedding—it was a reckoning. With Ryan by my side and my past behind me, I stepped into a new life, one where I was no longer the forgotten sister—but the woman who reclaimed her story with style.