**Diary Entry**
My sister Emily tied the knot last month. I wasnt just a bridesmaidI spent nearly a year helping her plan every little detail. I ran errands, met with suppliers, covered deposits when she was swamped, and even chipped in a few hundred quid when she overspent. Seeing her happy was all I cared about.
Then came the reception. When she stood up to thank everyone, she mentioned her husband James, his parents, their mateseven her cousin Sophie, whod only popped in once to help with place cards. My name never came up. I forced a laugh, telling myself shed just forgotten. But it stung.
Later, James joked that Id been her unpaid wedding planner. Everyone chuckled, and Emily smirked, adding, Well, thats what sisters are for. Besides, shes singleits not like she had anything better to do! The laughter cut deep. I smiled, but inside, I was gutted. All those late nights, the stressit meant nothing to her.
The humiliation festered. So when they invited both families for dinner after their honeymoon, I brought a large wrapped box. As everyone gathered, I handed it to Emily with a grin. Open ita little housewarming gift.
She ripped off the paper. Inside was a shadow box filled with every receipt, deposit slip, and checklist from the wedding, arranged neatly with lace and gold trim. At the bottom, a plaque read: *In honour of the one who made it all possible.*
Silence. Then awkward laughter. I shrugged. Thought I deserved a mention, since your speech skipped me. You couldve heard a pin drop.
Afterward, my phone blew up. Mum said Id spoilt the evening. Aunt Margaret called me spiteful. Emily sent a rant about humiliating her in front of the in-laws. I didnt reply. Maybe Id gone too farbut wasnt I owed something after all Id done?
Weeks passed. No calls, no texts. Even unfollowed on Instagram. Mum finally rang. Love, maybe apologise? Shes hurt.
*Hurt*? I snapped. She belittled me first!
Mum sighed. Sometimes being right isnt worth the feud.
So I drove to her place unannounced. When she opened the door, her face hardened. What do you want?
To talk, I said.
We sat at her kitchen table, tension thick. I didnt come to row, I began. What I did was harsh. But you made me feel invisiblelike my life meant nothing to you.
She folded her arms. I never meant to hurt you. I just didnt want people thinking I couldnt handle my own wedding.
You didnt *think*, I said. You laughed like I was just… convenient.
She went quiet, then tears welled up. When you gave me that box, I was furious. But later, I saw all those receipts, the lists… Id forgotten half of it. You did *everything*.
My anger softened. I didnt want revenge. I just wanted you to *see* me.
She laughed shakily. Well, mission accomplished.
We hugged, both crying. A few days later, she called. Come round this weekend. Theres something I need to do.
At dinner, she stood up, holding a small box. Before we eat, I owe someone a proper thank you. She turned to me. To my sisterthe one who held me together. I couldnt have done it without you.
Inside the box was a gold bracelet with a tiny heart charm engraved: *The one who made it all possible.*
We both wept. Later, washing up, she nudged me. You really *were* my unpaid planner, you know.
I grinned. Next time, Im billing by the hour.
She laughed. Next time? Not a chance.
Just like that, the air cleared. Well never be perfectbut were sisters again. And that, more than any speech or trinket, was what I truly needed.
**Lesson learned:** Pride can cost you more than its worth. Sometimes, swallowing it is the only way back to what matters.
