I Helped Plan My SIL's Wedding, Baked the Cake, Paid for the Catering – Then Found Out on the Wedding Day I Wasn't Invited

Dahlia pours her heart into planning her brother’s wedding. From designing the invitation to booking vendors to even baking the perfect cake. But on the big day, she discovers a brutal betrayal: she’s not invited. As secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, Dahlia must decide if some betrayals deserve forgiveness… or just a slice of revenge.

I’ve never been the kind of person to hold a grudge.

But I can say, without hesitation, that I will never forgive Claire for what she did to me.

An upset woman | Source: Midjourney

When my brother, Liam, got engaged, I was happy for him. Sure, Claire wasn’t my favorite person in the world. She had an edge to her, a way of making every conversation feel like a subtle competition.

But she seemed to love my brother.

And Liam? He was smitten.

A man holding a ring box | Source: Midjourney

So, when Claire begged me to help plan the wedding, I agreed. Not for her. But for Liam.

I helped design the invitations. I booked vendors. I coordinated the venue. And I even paid for catering and the wedding cake.

I spent weeks pouring my heart into their wedding. And I had no idea what Claire was planning behind my back.

A woman talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney

I tapped my pen against the edge of my desk, staring down at the sketches in front of me. Flour-dusted pages filled with delicate designs, tiers of smooth fondant, cascading sugar flowers, and intricate piping details.

The wedding cake had to be perfect.

I flipped through ideas, frowning.

Classic vanilla? Too boring.

Red velvet? Claire hated it.

A display of wedding cakes | Source: Midjourney

My pencil hovered over the page before I scribbled down the only choice that felt right.

Chocolate-peanut butter cake.

My lip twitched into a small smile. It was Liam’s favorite.

I could still picture us as kids, sitting on the kitchen floor, legs crossed as we licked chocolate frosting off the beaters. Our mom would make chocolate-peanut butter cupcakes every time Liam had a big event.

Cupcakes on a kitchen counter | Source: Midjourney

Birthdays, soccer games, even the time he got a participation trophy in third grade. He used to sneak into the kitchen and swipe extra spoonfuls of peanut butter frosting straight from the bowl.

“Best flavor in the world,” he’d say, licking it off his fingers.

A boy holding a cupcake | Source: Midjourney

I sighed, leaning back in my chair. Claire would probably want something fancy and pretentious. Some overpriced, trendy cake with sugared roses or some fancy French technique she found online.

But if I was pouring my heart into this cake, I wanted Liam to taste something familiar.

Something that felt like home.

A fancy wedding cake | Source: Midjourney

I pressed my pen into the paper, writing the final flavor choice in ink.

And then I exhaled, stretching my fingers. My fingers still ached from this morning’s baking.

A reminder of how far I’d come. A reminder of how much it had cost me.

A woman sitting at her desk | Source: Midjourney

My bakery was my dream. My entire world. And for a while, I thought my marriage had been, too.

I swallowed hard, my eyes flicking to the stack of unopened letters on the corner of my desk. Useless apologies from my ex-husband, the divorce lawyer’s final bills, and, of course, inventory of all my stock.

I had loved my husband. Deeply. And for a while, I thought he had loved me, too.

The exterior of a bakery | Source: Midjourney

But in the end, he had only loved what I built. The successful business. The prestige of being married to a pastry chef whose cakes and pastries were featured in magazines.

Not me.

And the day I finally realized that? It broke me. And I felt I had no choice but to leave him. Either that or be his private bank.

I squeezed my eyes shut, inhaling deeply.

An upset woman | Source: Midjourney

Not now, Dahlia. This is about Liam.

I squared my shoulders and picked up my pen again.

Focus.

Because no matter what, Liam deserved a perfect wedding cake. Even if I didn’t believe in happy endings anymore.

A woman sitting at her desk | Source: Midjourney

The morning of the wedding, I stood in the venue’s kitchen, carefully piping the final details onto the cake.

Guests were arriving, laughter spilling in from the grand hall. My heart swelled, knowing that I had helped bring this entire event together.

Then, my mom stormed in, her face like thunder.

“Sweetheart…” she hesitated, her hands gripping the kitchen counter. “You’re not on the guest list.”

An upset woman standing in a kitchen | Source: Midjourney

I let out a small laugh.

“What? That’s ridiculous. I’m literally holding their wedding cake.”

Mom’s face remained serious.

“Claire’s mom is checking the guest list. She says you’re not invited. And she won’t let you in.”

An upset woman standing in a kitchen | Source: Midjourney

My stomach dropped.

I set the piping bag down, my hands suddenly unsteady.

“Did she say why? What do you mean?”

Mom clenched her jaw.

“She refuses to explain.”

A person holding a piping bag | Source: Midjourney

A ringing noise filled my ears. I had spent months helping Claire plan this wedding. Months. And she didn’t even have the decency to tell me herself?

Mom was seething. Without another word, she stormed out to find Liam.

As for me?

I wiped my hands clean, pulled off my apron, and walked out of the side exit.

Broken.

The rear view of a woman | Source: Midjourney

Mom caught Liam just before the ceremony. He was adjusting his tie, smiling, completely unaware of what was happening.

“Liam,” she snapped. “Do you know that Claire didn’t invite your sister?”

Liam froze. His smile vanished.

An upset woman standing in a wedding venue | Source: Midjourney

“Wait. What? Why?”

“She won’t say. But she’s making sure Dahlia isn’t allowed inside. How can you allow that? She’s your sister!”

Liam’s face darkened. Without hesitation, he turned on his heel and marched straight to Claire.

A side-view of a groom | Source: Midjourney

Claire stood with her bridesmaids, basking in their compliments and practically glowing in her lace-covered gown.

She barely even looked up when Liam approached.

“Claire,” Liam said, his voice hard. “Did you seriously not invite my sister?”

A smiling bride | Source: Midjourney

Claire sighed, rolling her eyes.

“Ugh, babe. Not now,” she said. “Can we not do this on our wedding day?”

Liam didn’t move at all.

“Answer me.”

She huffed, clearly annoyed.

“Look, she helped us. So what? That was her gift to us. And honestly, let’s face it, it’s her job, too.”

A pensive groom | Source: Midjourney

Liam stared at her in disbelief.

“She paid for the food, Claire. She spent days baking the cake! And you just… what? Pretended she didn’t exist?”

Claire let out a dramatic sigh.

“Fine. You wanna know the reason? I didn’t want divorced people at our wedding. It’s bad energy, especially for the bride! I don’t want that kind of luck in our marriage! I didn’t invite a lot of my friends and cousins.”

A close up of a bride | Source: Midjourney

Liam’s jaw clenched.

“So you excluded my sister because she got a divorce?”

Claire shrugged.

“I mean… come on. It’s not my fault she couldn’t make it work. Why bring that kind of vibe to our day? And don’t be mad at me for just trying to stay happy? I’m superstitious, Liam! How do you not know this!?”

Liam fisted his hands at his sides, his entire body rigid with anger.

An upset groom | Source: Midjourney

“Marriages don’t fail because of ‘bad vibes,’ Claire. They fail because of selfish, cruel behavior. Like this!”

Claire’s smug expression faltered.

“Liam, don’t be dramatic. You’re seriously making a scene over this? You’re lucky I even let her help. I did her a favor.”

Liam stared at her for a long, cold moment.

A close up of a groom | Source: Midjourney

“You know what? You’re right,” he said calmly. “I don’t want bad energy at my wedding either.”

Claire frowned.

“Oh, so you understand what I mean?” she asked.

“No, I don’t,” he said. “Actually, I’m done. Just completely done.”

Liam wasn’t listening anymore. He turned on his heel and walked straight to the catering table.

Gasps filled the room as Liam grabbed the cake, but no one dared to stop him.

A wedding cake | Source: Midjourney

I was already home, curled up on the couch in stunned silence, when the doorbell rang.

I opened it to find Liam standing there, still in his suit, holding the wedding cake. For a second, neither of us spoke. His face was a mix of exhaustion and something heavier.

“I’m sorry you wasted your time and money on that wedding,” he said, his voice rough. “I’ll make her compensate you. But more than that…”

A woman standing in her doorway | Source: Midjourney

My brother exhaled, shaking his head.

“Thank you. Because without you, I might never have seen Claire for who she really is.”

My throat tightened.

Liam had always been my big brother. The one who looked out for me. And today, when it really mattered… he chose me.

A man standing on a porch | Source: Midjourney

I stepped aside, and he walked in, setting the cake down on my coffee table.

For a long moment, we just stared at it.

Then Liam let out a breathless laugh.

“You know, I haven’t eaten all day.”

I grabbed two forks.

“Then let’s fix that.”

An open cutlery drawer | Source: Midjourney

We sat on the floor, still in formal clothes, digging straight into the wedding cake like a couple of sugar-starved kids.

Liam took one bite, then froze. His eyes flicked to mine, a soft, almost broken sound escaping his throat.

“Chocolate-peanut butter,” he murmured.

“Yeah,” I swallowed thickly.

He stared at his fork, shaking his head.

A slice of cake | Source: Midjourney

“You made this for me,” he said.

It wasn’t a question. Just a quiet realization.

“Of course, I did, Liam.”

Liam pressed his lips together, nodding slowly. He took another bite, chewing carefully, like he was tasting more than just cake. Like he was remembering home.

A close up of a man | Source: Midjourney

After a moment, he cleared his throat.

“You know… if this was the wedding cake, I guess that means I got the best part of today.”

I blinked. He exhaled.

“I walked away from someone who didn’t respect me. From a future that would have been miserable.”

He looked at me then, his voice quiet but sure.

“But I still have you.”

“Always,” I whispered.

A woman sitting on the floor | Source: Midjourney

I was in my office, running my fingers over the edge of a new cake design, when I heard a soft knock on the door.

For a second, I thought I imagined it.

Then, it came again. Tentative. Hesitant.

I exhaled, already tired.

A woman sitting at her desk | Source: Midjourney

“Come in,” I called.

The door creaked open, and there she was.

Claire.

She looked… different. Not polished. Not smug. Just pale, uneasy, and carrying the kind of sadness that weighed down her shoulders.

I didn’t stand. I didn’t offer her a seat.

A woman standing in a doorway | Source: Midjourney

I just folded my arms and waited.

“Hey.”

“You lost?” I raised an eyebrow.

She flinched but nodded, like she deserved that.

“No. I… I wanted to see you.”

I tilted my head, studying her.

An upset woman | Source: Midjourney

“I can’t imagine why.”

Claire swallowed, staring down at her hands.

“Liam won’t talk to me. Won’t see me… He…” Her voice caught, and for a split second, I saw genuine regret in her eyes.

But it didn’t move me.

She took a breath, trying again.

A man sitting on a couch | Source: Midjourney

“I messed up. I…” She exhaled sharply. “I was awful to you, Dahlia. I was selfish and cruel, and I…”

Her fingers twisted together.

“I never meant for things to go this way.”

I laughed, short and humorless.

“Really? Because it felt intentional.”

A frowning woman | Source: Midjourney

Claire winced.

“I thought…” she hesitated. “I thought I could control everything. That if I just pushed hard enough, I’d get my perfect day. And instead? I ruined everything.”

I didn’t say a word.

She glanced at me then, eyes uncertain.

“I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. But I wanted to…”

“Stop,” my voice was flat. “You don’t get to want anything from me, Claire.”

An upset woman | Source: Midjourney

She swallowed hard.

I stood.

“You used me. Lied to me. Now, get out of my bakery.”

She hesitated. Then nodded once and turned toward the door.

She paused, her hand on the handle.

“I really am sorry.”

I didn’t answer. And a moment later, she was gone.

A smiling woman | Source: Midjourney

Marianne’s stepsisters have been stealing from her for months. From money to respect to her sense of security in her own home. Her mother won’t listen. Her stepfather won’t believe her. But Marianne refuses to stay powerless. With one ruthless plan, she turns the tables… and ensures that they never take from her again.

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

Family Gathers for Dinner at Grandma’s, Only to Face Shocking Inheritance Revelations — Story of the Day

Camilla is headed to her grandmother’s 80th birthday dinner, where family tensions and secrets are set to unravel. As they gather for the first time in years, old rivalries ignite, hidden truths surface, and a sudden twist leaves them all reeling.

Camilla and her husband, Scott, were driving to a family dinner at her grandmother’s house. For the first time in years, the entire family was together.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

They had come from different cities because it was Grandma Eleanor’s 80th birthday, and she insisted they all attend. Scott parked the car, and they stepped out into the cool evening air.

“I still don’t get why we’re here,” Scott grumbled as they walked to the front door.

“It’s Grandma’s birthday,” Camilla replied. “She wants to see us all together. She’s the only kind person in our family. I couldn’t say no.”

“I get that, but I could be working right now. You know we need the money more than ever,” Scott complained.

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“It’s just one evening.” Camilla patted her stomach, her loose sweater concealing her figure. “Do you think they’ll notice?”

“They shouldn’t. Even I wouldn’t if I didn’t know,” Scott responded.

“Good. I don’t want Mom to know yet. Maybe I’ll tell Grandma at the end of the night,” Camilla said.

“It’s your choice, honey. I’m here for you,” Scott said, giving her a gentle hug.

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They heard another car parking. Turning around, they saw Camilla’s brother, Michael, and his wife, Stacy, getting out of their car.

“Hey! Wait for us!” Michael shouted, running over.

“Sweetie, I can’t run! I’m in heels!” Stacy whined, catching up slowly. Camilla and Scott exchanged looks, rolling their eyes. It was clear Stacy was with Michael for his wealth, once she even said it herself.

“Can we go in now?” Scott asked. They all approached the door, and Camilla rang the bell.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

A moment later, the door opened, and a joyous Eleanor stood there. “My darlings! I’m so glad to see you!” she exclaimed, hugging each of them. They walked into the dining room, where a beautifully set table awaited, laden with food.

“Why did you make so much? You could’ve waited, and we would’ve helped,” Camilla said.

“Stop it. I enjoy doing this,” Eleanor replied. They all sat at the table.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

“Mom isn’t here yet?” Michael asked.

“She said she wasn’t sure if she could make it,” Eleanor said sadly.

“Typical. She never has time for us,” Camilla remarked.

“Stop it. She’s our mom,” Michael responded.

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“Just because you’re her favorite doesn’t mean anything! She hasn’t even wished me a happy birthday in years!” Camilla snapped.

“Not everyone can be perfect like you!” Michael shouted back.

“She always put her acting career before us! She still does! And look who’s talking about perfection – the owner of several restaurants!” Camilla yelled.

“I worked hard for that!” Michael shouted.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Let’s calm down a bit,” Scott suggested.

But Camilla didn’t hear him. “You just got lucky Uncle decided to give the restaurants to you!” she screamed.

“You’ve always been jealous of me!” Michael yelled.

“Jealous?! Of what?! That you’re completely alone, and your wife’s with you only for the money?!” Camilla screamed.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“As if your situation is any better! Your husband can’t even find a decent job! And how long have you been trying to have a kid? Five? Ten years?” Michael yelled.

“Go to hell!” Camilla screamed.

“Enough!” Eleanor shouted, standing up. “You’re acting like children! I brought you here to have a nice dinner on MY birthday. And I was even thinking about what to do with the inheritance.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“What inheritance?!” Michael and Camilla asked in unison.

“The one your grandfather left, and I will leave too. But you can forget about it. You don’t know how to appreciate what you have. I’m not leaving you anything until you learn to value it!” Eleanor declared.

“Wait! What do we need to do to get the inheritance?” Michael shouted after her.

“Convince me you deserve it,” Eleanor said, walking away.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Camilla started feeling unwell and stepped outside, holding and gently rubbing her stomach. After a few minutes, Michael joined her.

“So we might get an inheritance,” he said to Camilla.

“We might have if you hadn’t ruined everything as usual,” Camilla replied.

“Me? You started it,” Michael said defensively.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Michael, I need this inheritance. I really need it,” Camilla said.

“I need it too,” Michael retorted.

“You have restaurants! Leave me something!” Camilla snapped.

“Business isn’t going well, and Stacy threatens to leave if I don’t fix it,” Michael said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“That might be good for you,” Camilla said. “I’m not backing down. Scott and I need the money badly right now.”

“And what are you going to do?” Michael asked.

“Prove I deserve the inheritance,” Camilla said, walking back into the house.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

“Hey! That’s not fair!” Michael shouted, following her.

Camilla found Eleanor in her bedroom. “I’m sorry we ruined your celebration with our fighting,” Camilla said.

“It’s not your fault. Your mother didn’t raise you to be friendly,” Eleanor replied.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Do you want something? Food? Drink?” Camilla asked.

“Is this how you want to prove you deserve the inheritance?”

“Scott and I really need this money right now,” Camilla said, placing a hand on her stomach. “Because—”

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Michael barged in, interrupting, “Don’t listen to her. She’s lying about me.”

“We weren’t talking about you,” Eleanor said. “Camilla, you were saying?”

“No, nothing important. I’ll tell you later,” Camilla said, not wanting Michael to hear.

“Do you need anything, Grandma? Let me help you with something,” Michael offered.

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“If you think sucking up to me will get you the inheritance, you’re wrong,” Eleanor said. “Let’s go back to the table and continue dinner.”

The three of them returned to the dining room, where Scott and Stacy were still sitting, and saw that Margaret, Camilla and Michael’s mom, had arrived.

“My darlings! I’m so happy to see you!” Margaret said, hugging Michael and then Camilla. “You’ve gained some weight, Camilla,” she commented, making Camilla roll her eyes. They all sat down.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pixabay

“Michael told me you’re discussing inheritance. Am I in the list of heirs?” Margaret asked.

“So that’s why you came. Not surprised my daughter only wants money from me,” Eleanor said.

“Not at all. I came for your birthday,” Margaret said.

“Sure, I believe that,” Eleanor replied.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I think we should discuss the inheritance,” Michael said, holding Stacy’s hand. “We believe it should go to us.”

“Why you?” Scott asked.

“When was the last time you visited Grandma?” Camilla asked.

“We live far away; it’s hard to get here,” Michael replied.

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“We also live far away but visit at least once a month,” Camilla said.

“I sent groceries to Grandma!” Michael shouted.

“I helped her around the house!” Camilla shouted back.

“I called her every week!” Michael yelled.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I called her every day!” Camilla screamed.

“I think the inheritance should go to me as the oldest,” Margaret said.

“No!” Camilla and Michael shouted in unison.

“Oh!” Margaret said, clutching her chest.

“Grandma, are you okay?” Camilla asked.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Yes, just…” Eleanor didn’t finish her sentence and fainted. Camilla rushed to her.

“Grandma! Grandma! Call an ambulance!” Camilla shouted, then grabbed her stomach and screamed.

“What’s wrong?” Scott asked nervously.

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“It’s starting,” Camilla said.

“What’s starting? Labor?” Scott asked.

“Yes,” Camilla said, screaming again.

“You’re pregnant?!” Michael asked, shocked.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I’m going to be a grandma!” Margaret exclaimed.

Scott called an ambulance, and they took Camilla and Eleanor to the hospital. The rest gathered to drive to the hospital in Michael’s car.

“Let’s take my car,” Michael said.

“Fine,” Scott replied.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Michael, maybe you shouldn’t go. You know I hate hospitals,” Stacy said.

“What? My grandma is sick, and my sister is giving birth,” Michael said.

“But I don’t want to go,” Stacy said.

“Then stay,” Michael said.

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Michael, Scott, and Margaret drove after the ambulance.

Camilla was in the delivery room, almost ready to give birth but refusing to until she heard about Eleanor.

“What’s happening with Grandma?!” Camilla screamed. “Tell me about my Grandma!”

Scott sat beside her, holding her hand. “Please, calm down. The baby is the priority now.”

“There’s no time to wait. We need to deliver,” the doctor said.

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“What’s happening with my Grandma?!” Camilla screamed.

The doctors calmed her down, and she delivered a healthy baby girl. She held the baby when Michael and Margaret entered the room.

“I can’t believe I’m an uncle,” Michael said. “I’m sorry for everything I said at dinner.”

Margaret looked upset. “Why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant?” she asked Camilla.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I didn’t want you to be in her life and then disappear like you did with me and Michael,” Camilla said.

“You’re right. I wasn’t a good mom. But maybe I can be a good grandma,” Margaret said.

“Let’s take it slow,” Camilla replied. “Do you know what’s happening with Grandma?”

“Camilla…” Margaret hesitated. “You need to rest and not stress.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“What happened to her?” Camilla insisted.

“Her heart stopped,” Michael said. “The doctor said it had been bad for a while. I think that’s why she wanted us all together.”

Camilla started to cry, and Scott hugged her.

A doctor entered the room. “Sorry to interrupt, but we found something in Eleanor’s belongings. I think you should see it,” the doctor said, handing Michael a folded note. Michael brought it to Camilla, and they read it together.

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I know our family isn’t the closest, and I wanted to change that. I hope it can happen with you, but I have more hope for the new generation. Camilla, I know you’re pregnant, even though you tried to hide it. I’m so happy for you and Scott. That is why I want my great-grandchild to inherit everything I have. Teach this child to love and protect our family, as it’s the most important thing we have. Michael, it’s time to leave Stacy. Margaret, it’s time to learn to be a mother and a grandmother. I love you all very much and hope you know that. Learn to love each other too.