The California afternoon sunlight sparkled as it reflected off the chandeliers in the Grand Pacific Hotel. Standing in front of the dressing room mirror, I felt a flutter of excitement in my heart as I applied my lipstick one final time. Today was my sister Jessica’s wedding day. Jessica had finally found her soulmate, and I was filled with joy, wanting to celebrate her from the bottom of my heart.
“Maggie, are you ready?” my husband, Robert, called out as he knocked on the door. His voice carried its usual gentleness, mixed with the nervous tension that comes with important occasions.
“Just two more minutes,” I replied, giving myself a final check in the mirror. The navy-blue dress Jessica had chosen for me, saying, “This color suits you best,” was simple yet elegant. Robert entered the room, his physique, honed from years as a firefighter, looked even more striking in his well-tailored suit. We’d been married for twelve years, but my heart still skipped a beat whenever I saw him.
“You look absolutely beautiful,” he said, placing his hands on my shoulders. “Jessica must look stunning today, too.”
“I’m sure she does. Yesterday at the rehearsal, she gave me just a glimpse of her wedding dress, and it was truly breathtaking.” I turned to look into his eyes, Robert’s gentle brown eyes always held that unchanging love. We didn’t have children, but our days together were completely fulfilling. “Do you think David is a good man?” I asked with a hint of concern.
“Yes. I spoke with him at dinner last night. He’s honest and intelligent. He talked passionately about running his restaurant, and most importantly, his eyes were gentle when he looked at Jessica.” Robert’s words reassured me. Jessica had struggled with relationships in her younger years, and I’d always worried about her. But this time was different.
“When you’re ready, could you head to the chapel first? I want to check on Jessica one last time before I join you.”
“Sure, but don’t get too emotional and cry. You’ll ruin your beautiful makeup,” Robert said with playful laughter. It was true; I was prone to tears. Today, I was certain I’d cry during the vows.
Walking down the hallway to the bridal suite, I traced through childhood memories. I had been an introverted child who loved reading, while Jessica was lively and sociable, always surrounded by friends. Dad always praised Jessica’s social skills. “Jesse has a special charm that draws people to her,” he’d often tell Mom. Meanwhile, I was usually described as, “Maggie is serious and hardworking, but she could use more initiative.” After Dad passed away five years ago, Jessica and I grew closer than we’d ever been.
When I knocked on the bridal suite door, I heard Mom’s voice from inside. “Margaret, come in, dear.”
Entering the room, I saw a bride more beautiful than I could have imagined. Jessica’s wedding dress was a classic design with delicate lace accents on silk satin, perfectly highlighting her natural beauty. “Jesse, you look absolutely gorgeous,” my voice trembled slightly.
Jessica turned and smiled, her smile holding that special radiance that only truly happy women possess. “Thank you, Maggie. You look wonderful too.”
Mom, making final adjustments, said, “You both look so beautiful. Your father must be watching over this day from heaven.” The three of us held hands and shared a quiet moment.
The chapel at the Grand Pacific Hotel was decorated like a scene from a movie. White roses and calla lily bouquets adorned the altar, and crystal chandeliers sparkled. Over a hundred guests sat quietly waiting. I sat next to Robert, looking around. Relatives and friends had gathered to celebrate. Mom sat in the front row, occasionally dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief.
“Those are Jessica’s college friends over there,” Robert whispered. They were dressed in beautiful gowns, chatting with affection for the bride.
When the organ began to play, the entire venue fell silent. David took his place at the altar. He looked a bit nervous, but his expression was filled with deep love. The music announcing the bride’s entrance began. First, the bridesmaids walked down the aisle, and then finally, Jessica appeared, supported by Mom’s arm. Seeing my sister in the sacred atmosphere of the chapel was breathtaking. The train of her dress spread gracefully, and her veil fluttered with each step. As Jessica walked down the aisle, she smiled at each guest. When our eyes met, she gave me an especially warm smile. In that moment, tears nearly spilled from my eyes.
When she reached David, Mom placed Jessica’s hand in his. The moment they gazed at each other touched everyone. The minister solemnly began the ceremony. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of David Harrison and Jessica Winston.”
As the minister’s words echoed, I remembered Jessica as a child, playing dress-up in a toy wedding dress. Even then, she’d harbored dreams of marriage, and now, that dream was becoming a reality.
“David Harrison, do you take Jessica Winston to be your wife, to love, honor, comfort, and keep her, in sickness and in health, in prosperity and adversity, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” David’s voice was strong and full of conviction.
“Jessica Winston, do you take David Harrison to be your husband, to love, honor, comfort, and keep him, in sickness and in health, in prosperity and adversity, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” Jessica’s voice was clear and rang beautifully.
The ring exchange began. David placed the ring on Jessica’s finger with trembling hands. “Jessica, receive this ring as a sign of my love and commitment.”
Jessica did the same. “David, receive this ring as a sign of my love and commitment.”
I squeezed Robert’s hand. He was moved too and gently squeezed back. When the minister spoke his final words, “You may kiss the bride,” they shared their first kiss as husband and wife. The venue erupted in applause and cheers. I clapped with all my might while tears streamed down my face.
After the ceremony, guests moved to the hotel lobby for cocktail hour. “It really was a beautiful ceremony,” Robert said, champagne in hand.
“Yes, it was perfect. Jesse looked so truly happy.” Through the window, we watched the newlyweds’ photo session in the garden. Jessica’s dress, illuminated by the sunset, made her look as beautiful as an angel.
Mom came over to us, her eyes still moist with tears. “Margaret, Robert, thank you so much for today. Your father must be pleased too.”
“It really was a beautiful ceremony,” I said, taking Mom’s hand. “David is a wonderful man, too. I’m sure they’ll build a good home together.”
As cocktail hour drew to a close, guests were directed to the reception. The grand ballroom was decorated even more lavishly. We were seated at the family table with Mom and David’s parents and siblings. As elegant music filled the room, the newlyweds entered hand-in-hand to a standing ovation. Jessica had changed into a different, more comfortable reception dress.
David’s speech began. “Ladies and gentlemen, we sincerely thank you for gathering here today. Meeting Jessica has been the greatest fortune of my life.” His sincere character could be felt in every word.
Jessica also took the microphone. “Everyone, thank you so much for celebrating this special day. I especially want to thank my mother and my sister, Margaret, for all their help. It’s sad that my father isn’t here, but I believe he’s watching over us.” I felt tears welling up. “And David,” Jessica continued, gazing at her new husband, “meeting you completely changed my life. With your love supporting me, I was able to become my true self.”
After the speeches, it was time for the toast. Waiters circulated, pouring champagne. “To David and Jessica’s everlasting happiness!” “Cheers!”
After the toast, it was time for dinner. A luxurious spread was described on the menu card. The table conversation was lively. David’s parents were warm-hearted people, and their chat with Mom was pleasant. I hadn’t enjoyed such a relaxed meal atmosphere in a long time. After the appetizer, soup was served—a creamy corn and lobster bisque.
“The fish course is next,” I said with anticipation. But then it happened.
Robert, who had been watching the waiters bring the fish course from the kitchen, suddenly changed expression. The color drained from his face, and his eyes became sharp, like when his professional instincts kicked in upon detecting danger at a fire scene.
“What’s wrong?” I asked quietly, but he didn’t answer, continuing to watch the kitchen.
A waiter approached our table with a beautiful dish of sautéed white fish with lemon butter sauce. Other guests were exclaiming over the dish’s beauty, but Robert was different. He stared at my plate with eyes that seemed to be confirming something. Then, just as I was about to pick up my fork, Robert suddenly leaned close to my ear.
“We’re leaving. Right now,” his voice was low, like a firefighter announcing an emergency.
“Right now? What’s wrong?” I stared at him in confusion. Other tables were all enjoying their meals.
“I’ll explain in the car.” He stood up and gently yet firmly pulled my arm. His eyes held a strong will that left no room for argument.
“But the food is—”
“Later. Right now.”
I looked around. Mom was engrossed in conversation, and the newlyweds were chatting happily. No one seemed to think it strange that we were suddenly getting up. Urged by Robert, I stood up. He took my hand and headed for the exit as inconspicuously as possible. As we left, I turned back to look at Jessica. She was smiling at a distant table, but for a moment, I thought she glanced our way.
Through the hotel lobby and down the elevator to the parking garage, Robert didn’t say a word. His expression was serious, like a firefighter carrying out an important mission. Reaching the parking garage, Robert took out his car keys. Usually, he was gentlemanly about opening my door, but this time, he quickly got into the driver’s seat himself. Starting the engine, he let out a deep sigh, then turned to me.
“Did you really not notice?” His voice carried relief along with the weight of some grave secret. The silence in the car deepened my confusion.
“Notice what, Robert? What on earth happened?”
But instead of answering, he put the car in drive. As the hotel’s lights receded, I began to feel an ominous premonition.
After driving for a few minutes, the car stopped on the shoulder in a quiet residential area. Robert turned off the engine and remained silent for a while. “Robert, please tell me what happened,” my voice trembled with anxiety.
He took a deep breath and slowly turned toward me. “Maggie, you must be wondering why I rushed you out.”
“Of course! You suddenly said we’re leaving without explaining why.”
“Do you remember your peanut allergy?”
The sudden question caught me off guard. “Of course, but what does that have to do with tonight? I told the hotel about my allergy in advance, and Jesse said she’d be careful.”
Robert looked pained. “That… that wasn’t the case.”
“What do you mean?”
“What I saw was…” He began speaking carefully. “Before the kitchen staff brought the food to the tables, Jessica was talking with the chef. At first, I thought it was just normal conversation, but watching closely, she was pointing to a specific plate.”
My heart began racing. “A specific plate?”
“Your plate, Maggie. Jessica confirmed your seat number and gave the chef some kind of instruction. Then, the chef took out a small bottle.”
“A small bottle?”
“It was peanut oil.” Robert’s voice was shaking. “As a firefighter, I’ve seen many food allergy emergencies. That bottle’s shape, the label’s color… there’s no mistake. She was instructing him to add peanut oil to your food.”
I was speechless. I tried to process the information, but I couldn’t accept it. “That’s impossible. Jesse would never try to harm me. It must be some misunderstanding.”
“Maggie,” Robert took my hand, “we know how severe your peanut allergy is. Do you remember when you were rushed to the hospital a few years ago after you accidentally ate food cooked with peanut oil?”
I remembered. I nearly died that time—difficulty breathing, hives, plummeting blood pressure. The doctor said if we’d been any later, it could have been life-threatening. “But why? Why would Jesse do such a thing to me?”
Robert pulled some papers from the dashboard. “Actually, there’s been something bothering me lately. Do you remember when I talked with Jessica last month about your father’s will?”
“Yes, I thought it was just notification that the legal procedures were complete.”
“At that time, something she said stuck with me. She asked, ‘What would happen to the inheritance if something happened to Maggie?'”
I gasped. “That means…”
“Your father’s will indeed lists you as the primary beneficiary. 70% of the total assets go to you, 30% to Jessica,” Robert continued. “But there’s also a clause stating if the primary beneficiary dies first, the full amount goes to the remaining heir.”
In my mind, all the puzzle pieces began fitting together. “So, if I died, Jessica would inherit everything.”
“But why did Dad leave me more of the inheritance?”
Robert looked at me gently. “Because you devotedly cared for your father during his final ten years, accompanying him to medical appointments three times a week, supporting his daily life. During his last two years, you even adjusted your work schedule to be by his side.”
That was true. After Dad’s illness worsened, I devoted most of my life to caring for him. Robert had cooperated without a single complaint. “Jessica never once came to visit,” I said quietly. “She always had reasons, too busy, work commitments…”
“Your father saw your devotion. That’s why he tried to reward it in his will.”
Tears began flowing. What had started as care born from love for my father had ended up earning my sister’s resentment.
“That’s not all,” Robert continued. “Something David said in conversation bothered me. I don’t think he realized what he was saying, but Jessica had apparently talked about wanting to expand into a restaurant chain with ‘my sister’s inheritance.'” I shuddered. Jessica had already planned that far ahead.
“Tonight’s plan was perfect,” Robert said bitterly. “At a glamorous wedding, an unfortunate ‘accident’ from food allergies. No one would suspect anything.”
The car was again enveloped in silence. I stared at my hands, trying to accept reality. My sister, whom I loved and trusted, had tried to kill me for money.
“Robert,” I finally spoke, “if you hadn’t been there, I would have…”
“I won’t let anything happen to you,” he squeezed my hand firmly. “Protecting you is my mission.”
“What should we do now?”
Robert took out his cell phone. “First, I’ll make an anonymous report to the hotel that there’s suspicion someone deliberately added allergens to a guest’s food. And then, gather evidence, record tonight’s events in detail, and take legal action if necessary.”
I nodded. It was a painful decision, but I had to do the right thing.
“Maggie,” Robert looked at me, “you have a real family. People who love and protect you. Blood relation alone doesn’t make family.” At his words, I was able to smile for the first time tonight. Indeed, Robert was my true family, and the friends who truly loved me, too.
As he started the car, Robert said, “Let’s spend tonight quietly at home. Tomorrow, we’ll sort everything out.”
I nodded, gazing at the city lights flowing past the window. My feelings for Jessica wouldn’t disappear easily, but knowing the truth, I had to protect my own life. I had to move forward on a new path, with the people who truly loved me.
Three weeks had passed since then. Due to Robert’s report, an anomaly was discovered in the hotel kitchen, and the wedding was interrupted midway. It was officially announced as “suspected food poisoning,” but in reality, peanut oil had been detected in my food. Jessica’s plan was completely exposed. Hotel security cameras clearly recorded her giving instructions to the chef. Furthermore, messages were found on her phone discussing specific plans with David about expanding the restaurant business with “my sister’s inheritance.”
When David learned the truth, he came to apologize to me with a pale face. “I didn’t know anything. If I had known, I absolutely would have stopped it.” His words were sincere, and I decided to believe him. He, too, was a victim, deceived by Jessica.
“I’m proceeding with divorce,” David said when he visited our home a few days later. “I can’t begin married life this way.” There was deep sadness in his eyes.
I haven’t spoken directly with Jessica herself yet. She’s trying to make contact through lawyers, but I’m not ready. The pain of sisterly bonds crumbling in one night wasn’t something that would heal easily.
When Mom learned the facts, she could barely eat for about two days. Then, through tears, she apologized to me. “Margaret, I doted on Jessica and failed to understand your feelings. Even when you were caring for your father, I relied entirely on you and never asked anything of Jessica. That led to this result.” I embraced Mom while saying, “It’s not your fault, Mom. This was Jesse’s choice. All we can do now is cherish each other going forward.”
Currently, Jessica is charged with attempted murder. Her lawyer is claiming temporary insanity, but the evidence of a premeditated crime is too clear for that argument to likely succeed.
My daily life is gradually returning to its former peace. My work as a real estate agent is going smoothly, and Robert continues to support me as always. But the biggest change is that my gratitude toward the people around me has deepened. Last week, my longtime friend Sarah visited our home. When she heard about the incident, she said, “Blood relations don’t matter. The people who truly love you are your real family.”
She was absolutely right. Robert, of course, but also Sarah and other friends, workplace colleagues, neighbors—the people who genuinely care for and support me, they are my true family.
This morning, while making breakfast with Robert, I said, “If you hadn’t been there that night, I wouldn’t be here now. You’re the most precious person to me.”
“I’m truly glad I could protect you,” he replied, putting his arm around my shoulder.
Outside the window, a new day was beginning. I took a deep breath. Though it was a painful experience, it taught me what was truly important: heart connections over blood relations, pure love over self-interest. My life continues, this time building deeper bonds with people who truly love me. And someday, when the time comes, perhaps I’ll be able to forgive Jessica. But for now, I want to cherish myself and the people who protected me.