When my widowed mom found love again with Greg, our family rejoiced—except Aunt Dana, whose envy turned venomous. At 35, Mom had raised me alone after Dad’s fatal car accident, her grief giving way to joy with Greg. But Dana, Mom’s bitter younger sister, mocked the engagement and wedding plans, sneering at Mom’s white dress. On the wedding day, Dana arrived in a bridal-white gown, declaring she “outshone” Mom. Furious but
calm, I ensured her spotlight backfired. With my boyfriend’s help, we reseated Dana at the chaotic kids’ table by the DJ booth. She fumed as toddlers spilled juice on her dress and the music drowned her out. She left early, humiliated, and was cropped from every photo. Dana’s resentment grew, vowing revenge, but I protected Mom’s joy. Her happiness, hard-earned after years of sorrow, was worth it.
