Announcing our engagement should have been a joyous occasion, but things took a surprising turn when my fiancé’s brother announced his wedding just two weeks later. At an opulent dinner, a brazen demand for money revealed the true nature of family ties and left us with more than just a hefty bill to settle. I’m Natasha, and I have to admit, life with Emmet has been nothing short of amazing.
We’ve been together for three years, and every day, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to have found someone like him. Emmet is my rock, my confidant, and my best friend. Our love has only grown stronger over time, and it felt like the natural next step when he proposed.
One evening, as we were cuddled up on the couch, Emmet turned to me with a tender look in his eyes. “Natasha,” he said, his voice soft and serious, “I’ve been thinking about our future a lot.”
I teased him, raising an eyebrow. “Oh?
And what grand plans do you have in mind, Mr. Dreamer?”
He chuckled, pulling me closer. “I’m serious.
I want us to get married. I can’t imagine my life without you.”
My heart swelled with joy. “Emmet, I feel the same way.
Let’s do it.”
A year ago, my dad passed away and left me his inheritance. He had made it clear that part of it should be used for my wedding. It was a bittersweet gesture: losing him was incredibly hard, but knowing he wanted to be part of my future in this way warmed my heart.
Emmet was by my side as we read the will together, his comforting presence a warm anchor in the storm of my grief. “Your dad was a good man, Natasha,” Emmet said softly, squeezing my hand. “He’d be so happy to see us get married.”
“I’m so glad to have you in my corner,” I replied, melting into his warm embrace.
Three weeks ago, we excitedly announced our engagement to Emmet’s family. Adam, Emmet’s brother, and his fiancée Nancy seemed thrilled, or so I thought. But then, a week later, and out of the blue, Adam announced they would get married in just two weeks.
The news took everyone by surprise. “Did you know about this?” I asked Emmet, confused. He shook his head.
“Not a clue. They haven’t mentioned any plans.”
I couldn’t help but wonder how they were managing this sudden wedding, given that they had recently asked me for a loan. Two weeks later, we found ourselves at the most expensive restaurant in the city, celebrating Adam and Nancy’s whirlwind wedding with about twenty other guests.
The place was beyond stunning, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the room, soft music playing in the background, and a view of the skyline that took my breath away. “Can you believe this place?” Emmet whispered to me, his eyes wide with amazement. I nodded, still trying to wrap my head around it.
“It’s beautiful. But… how are they affording this?”
Dinner was extravagant. Plates of lobster, filet mignon, and endless bottles of champagne adorned the table.
Everyone seemed to be having a good time, but I noticed Emmet eyeing the price of each dish with concern. “Emmet,” I murmured, leaning closer, “there’s no way they can afford this. They must have some kind of help.”
He nodded, his jaw tight.
“I know. Let’s just see how the evening plays out.”
Just as dessert was being served, Nancy turned to me with a wide, expectant smile. “Natasha,” she began, her voice dripping with a sweetness that immediately put me on edge.
“You’ll pay for our dinner, right? It’d be an amazing present.”
I blinked, trying to process her words. “What do you mean?
Emmet and I already gave you a wedding gift.”
“Oh, stop it,” she said, waving her hand dismissively. “You got a huge inheritance, and it’s so hard for you to pay for a $3,000+ dinner?”
Her voice echoed through the room, and suddenly, all eyes were on us. I felt the heat rise in my cheeks, a mixture of embarrassment and anger.
I glanced at Emmet, who looked equally stunned. Nancy had always been a bit entitled, but this was beyond belief. I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady.
“To stop this nonsense, Emmet and I will pay for ourselves. Next time, either go to a place you can afford or at least warn us about it.”
The room fell silent. Nancy’s face turned a deep shade of red, her eyes wide with shock and embarrassment.
Meanwhile, Adam shifted uncomfortably in his seat, avoiding eye contact. I could feel the weight of everyone’s gaze, the shock, and curiosity as they watched the scene unfold. Nancy opened her mouth to retort, but I held up a hand.
“No, Nancy. This is not how you treat family, or anyone for that matter. We’re happy to celebrate with you, but this is not our responsibility.”
Emmet squeezed my hand under the table, a silent show of support.
I could see the admiration in his eyes, proud that I stood my ground. As the dinner concluded, I discreetly spoke to the restaurant manager and arranged for Emmet and me to pay for our meals. I wanted to handle this as gracefully as possible, but I knew the fallout was inevitable.
As I rejoined the table, I saw the confusion on the faces of our guests when they realized they had to cover their own meals. “Wait, what?” Aunt Carol exclaimed, looking at the bill in front of her. “We have to pay?”
Nancy, sensing the mounting tension, tried to salvage the situation.
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