Dad’s invitation to his wedding with the woman who broke our family hurt, but my 12-year-old brother, Ethan, had a plan that flipped their day. I’m Lily, 25, an event planner rebuilding after our family fell apart. Ethan was once a cheerful kid, making Mom sparkly cards with love notes. But Dad’s affair with his coworker, Claire, stole his joy. Mom caught them one day, her purse dropping as she stood shocked, their 22-year marriage ending in that moment.
The aftermath was painful—Mom’s cries, Dad’s lies, and endless arguments. She sought therapy alone, wrote letters begging for their love, but Dad left for Claire, discarding our family. Ethan asked if Dad loved her more, and I had no words. Mom faded, crying over small triggers. A year later, Dad called, inviting us to his garden wedding. “You’re my kids,” he said brightly. I was angry, but grandparents’ talks of forgiveness swayed Ethan, his quiet nod hinting at a plan.
Weeks earlier, Ethan asked me to buy itching powder online for a “surprise.” Busy with clients, I agreed, suspecting he meant Claire but not intervening. Mom’s silent pain fueled my choice. At the wedding, Claire shone, greeting us tensely. Ethan offered to hang her wedding stole, disappearing briefly. During the vows, she scratched her arms, then frantically, her calm breaking. She fled, returning in a plain dress, red-faced, the ceremony stilted. Dad asked me what happened. “Maybe an allergy?” I said, evading.
Driving home, Ethan said, “She didn’t cry, but she’ll never forget, like Mom.” He wanted Claire to feel Mom’s shame, just once. Dad’s furious now, and family calls us spiteful, demanding apologies. I haven’t apologized. I didn’t orchestrate Ethan’s prank, but I let it happen, and with Mom’s pain overlooked, I don’t feel sorry. Ethan sought balance, not revenge, and I respect his heart. His act showed me healing comes from facing truth, not hiding it, and I’m growing stronger for it.
