The California afternoon sunlight shone brightly as it reflected off the chandeliers of 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 last 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 one last once-over in the mirror. The navy dress Jessica had chosen for me, saying, “This color looks better on you,” was simple but elegant. Robert strode into the room, his physique, honed by years as a firefighter, looking even more striking in his well-tailored suit. We’d been married twelve years, but my heart still skipped a beat every time I saw him.

“You look absolutely beautiful,” he said, placing his hands on my shoulders. “Jessica must look stunning today, too.”

“I’m sure he does. Yesterday at the rehearsal, he gave me a glimpse of his wedding dress, and it was truly stunning.” I turned to look into his eyes; Robert’s soft brown ones 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 to him at dinner last night. He’s honest and intelligent. He spoke passionately about running his restaurant, and most importantly, his eyes were kind 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 go to the chapel first? I want to check on Jessica one last time before joining you.”

“Sure, but don’t get too excited and cry. You’ll ruin your beautiful makeup,” Robert said with a playful laugh. It was true; he was prone to tears. Today, he was sure he would cry during the vows.

Walking down the aisle toward the bridal suite, I traced childhood memories. I had been an introverted child who loved to read, 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 often told Mom. Meanwhile, I was generally 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 ever.

When I knocked on the door of the bridal suite, I heard Mom’s voice from inside. “Margaret, come in, dear.”

As I entered the room, I saw a bride more beautiful than I could have imagined. Jessica’s wedding dress was a classic design with delicate lace details over silk satin, perfectly highlighting her natural beauty. “Jesse, you look absolutely gorgeous,” my voice trembled slightly.

Jessica turned and smiled, her smile containing that special radiance that only truly happy women possess. “Thank you, Maggie. You look wonderful too.”

Mom, making the 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. More than a hundred guests sat quietly waiting. I sat next to Robert, looking around. Family 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 affectionately about the bride.

When the organ began to play, the entire venue fell silent. David took his place at the altar. He seemed a little 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 strap of her dress extended gracefully, and her veil fluttered with every step. As Jessica walked down the aisle, she smiled at each guest. When our eyes met, she gave me an especially warm smile. At that moment, tears almost spilled from my eyes.

When she reached David, Mom placed Jessica’s hand in hers. The moment they looked at each other moved 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 had harbored dreams of marriage, and now, that dream was becoming a reality.

“David Harrison, do you take Jessica Winston to be your wedded wife, to love, honor, comfort, and hold, in sickness and in health, in prosperity and adversity, and forsaking all others, to be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?”

“Yes,” David’s voice was strong and full of conviction.

«Jessica Winston, do you take David Harrison to be your wedded husband, to love, honor, comfort, and hold, in sickness and in health, in prosperity and adversity, and in the sorrow of all others, to be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?»

“Yes,” Jessica’s voice was clear and sounded wonderful.

The exchange of rings began. David placed the ring on Jessica’s finger with trembling hands. “Jessica, accept this ring as a token of my love and commitment.”

Jessica did the same. “David, accept this ring as a token of my love and commitment.”

I squeezed Robert’s hand. He too was moved 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 room erupted in applause and cheers. I clapped with all my might as tears streamed down my face.

After the ceremony, guests moved to the hotel lobby for cocktail hour. “It really was a beautiful ceremony,” said Robert, champagne in hand.

“Yes, it was perfect. Jesse seemed so truly happy.” Through the window, we watched the newlyweds’ photo shoot in the garden. Jessica’s dress, illuminated by the sunset, made her look as beautiful as an angel.

Mom approached us, her eyes still wet with tears. “Margaret, Robert, thank you so much for today. Your father must be happy too.”

“It really was a beautiful ceremony,” I said, taking Mom’s hand. “David is a wonderful man too. I’m sure you’ll build a wonderful home together.”

As cocktail hour drew to a close, guests were directed to the reception. The grand ballroom was even more luxuriously decorated. We were seated at the family table with Mom, 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 blessing of my life.” His sincere nature was evident in every word.

Jessica also took the microphone. “Thank you all so much for celebrating this special day. I especially want to thank my mom and my sister, Margaret, for all their help. It’s sad that my dad isn’t here, but I believe he’s watching over us.” I felt tears welling up. “And David,” Jessica continued, looking 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. The waiters circulated, pouring champagne. “To David and Jessica’s eternal happiness!” “Cheers!”

After the toast, it was time for dinner. A lavish spread was described on the menu. The conversation at the table was lively. David’s parents were warm people, and his chat with Mom was pleasant. I hadn’t enjoyed such a relaxed dining atmosphere in a long time. After the appetizers, soup, a creamy corn bisque, and lobster were served.

“The fish course is next,” I said in anticipation. But then it happened.

Robert, who had been watching the waiters bring the fish dish from the kitchen, suddenly changed his 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 respond, continuing to stare at the kitchen.

A waiter approached our table with a beautiful plate of sautéed white fish in a lemon butter sauce. Other guests were exclaiming at the beauty of the dish, but Robert was different. He stared at my plate with eyes that seemed to confirm 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 going on?” I looked at him, confused. All the other tables were enjoying their meals.

“I’ll explain in the car.” He stood up and gently but firmly tugged on 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 deep in conversation, and the newlyweds were chatting happily. No one seemed to think it was strange that we were suddenly getting up. At Robert’s urging, I stood up. He took my hand and headed for the exit as inconspicuously as possible. When we left, I turned to look at Jessica. She was smiling at a distant table, but for a moment, I thought she was looking in our direction.

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 on an important mission. As we pulled into the parking lot, Robert took out his car keys. He was usually gentlemanly when opening my door, but this time, he quickly got into the driver’s seat. He started the engine, let out a deep sigh, then turned to me.

“You really didn’t notice?” Her voice carried relief along with the weight of some grave secret. The silence in the car deepened my confusion.

“Notice what, Robert? What the hell happened?”

But instead of answering, he started the car. As the hotel lights receded, I began to feel an ominous premonition.

After driving for a few minutes, the car pulled over to the shoulder of a quiet residential area. Robert turned off the engine and remained silent for a moment. “Robert, please tell me what happened.” My voice trembled with anxiety.

He took a deep breath and slowly turned to me. “Maggie, you must be wondering why I rushed you out the door.”

“Of course! You suddenly said we were 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 allergies in advance, and Jesse said he’d be careful.”

Robert looked pained. “That… that wasn’t the case.”

“What do you mean?”

“What I saw was…” He began to speak carefully. “Before the kitchen staff brought the food to the tables, Jessica was talking to the chef. At first, I thought it was just a normal conversation, but upon closer inspection, she was pointing at a specific dish.”

My heart started racing. “A specific dish?”

“Your plate, Maggie.” Jessica confirmed her seat number and gave the chef some sort of instruction. Then, the chef brought out a small bottle.

“A small bottle?”

“It was peanut oil.” Robert’s voice trembled. “As a firefighter, I’ve seen many food allergy emergencies. The shape of that bottle, the color of the label… 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 hurt me. It must be a misunderstanding.”

“Maggie,” Robert took my hand, “we know how severe your peanut allergy is. Remember when you were rushed to the hospital a few years ago after accidentally eating food cooked with peanut oil?”

I remembered. I almost died that time: difficulty breathing, hives, plummeting blood pressure. The doctor said if I did, 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. Remember when I talked to Jessica last month about your father’s will?”

“Yes, I thought it was just a notification that the legal proceedings were complete.”

“At that moment, something she said stayed with me. She asked, ‘What would happen to the inheritance if something happened to Maggie?’”

I gasped. “That means…”

“In fact, your father’s will 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 that if the primary beneficiary dies first, the entire amount goes to the remaining heir.”

In my mind, all the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. “So, if I die, 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 last 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 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 you in his will.”

Tears began to flow. What had begun as care born of love for my father had ended up earning my sister resentment.

“That’s not all,” Robert continued. “Something David said in the 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 for this in advance.”

“Tonight’s plan was perfect,” Robert said bitterly. “A glamorous wedding, an unfortunate ‘accident’ due to food allergies. No one would suspect a thing.”

The car was once 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 meal. 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 relationship alone doesn’t make a family.” At his words, I was able to smile for the first time tonight. Indeed, Robert was my real 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 figure everything out.”

I nodded, watching the city lights pass by the window. My feelings for Jessica wouldn’t go away 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 cut short. 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. The hotel’s 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 would have definitely stopped him.” His words were sincere, and I decided to believe him. He too was a victim, deceived by Jessica.

“I’m going through with the divorce,” David said when he visited our house a few days later. “I can’t start married life like this.” There was a deep sadness in his eyes.

I haven’t spoken directly to Jessica herself yet. She’s trying to make contact through lawyers, but I’m not ready. The pain of sisterly bonds crumbling overnight wasn’t something that healed easily.

When Mom found out, she could barely eat for about two days. Then, through tears, she apologized to me. “Margaret, I fell in love with Jessica and didn’t understand your feelings. Even when you were taking care of your father, I trusted you completely and never asked Jessica anything. That led to this result.” I hugged Mom as I said, “It’s not your fault, Mom. This was Jesse’s choice. All we can do now is cherish each other in the future.”

Jessica is currently charged with attempted murder. Her attorney is pleading temporary insanity, but the evidence of a premeditated crime is too clear for that argument to succeed.

My daily life is gradually returning to its former peace. My work as a real estate agent is going well, and Robert continues to support me as always. But the biggest change is that my gratitude for the people around me has deepened. Last week, my lifelong friend Sarah visited our house. When she heard about the incident, she said, “Blood relations don’t matter. The people who truly love you are your true family.”

She was absolutely right. Robert, of course, but also Sarah and other friends, coworkers, neighbors—the people who truly care for me and support me—are my true family.

This morning, as I was cooking breakfast with Robert, I said, “If you hadn’t been there that night, I wouldn’t be here now. You are the most precious person to me.”

“I’m really glad I was able to protect you,” he replied, putting his arm around my shoulder.

Outside the window, a new day was beginning. I took a deep breath. Although it was a painful experience, it taught me what was truly important: heart connections over blood relations, pure love over self-interest. My life goes on, this time building deeper bonds with people who truly love me. And someday, when the time is right, maybe I can forgive Jessica. But for now, I want to cherish myself and the people who protected me.