I, 30, have always had a wonderful relationship with my older brother, Ethan, 33.
But when he proposed to his fiancée, our relationship changed for the worse.
When he presented our family to his fiancée, Helen, I caught a glimpse of the old Ethan.
I was truly thrilled for him and them. Helen was a breath of fresh air, everything my brother was not: kind, intelligent, down-to-earth, self-made, and completely honest. She comes from poor beginnings but has developed a successful career.
But all changed when wedding planning began a few months before the big day.
Ethan insisted on the most lavish venue and meticulously designed every aspect to exude richness. He was fascinated with wearing luxury clothes and making everything scream “prestige!”
Helen mentioned inviting her family, and Ethan responded immediately and coldly.
“It’ll ruin the wedding,” he said flatly.
“They’re… not the crowd we want,” he replied, his tone sharp.
At first, I assumed he was being his typical shallow self, obsessed with his looks.
But then I did a double take when I learned the real reason!
We were at our parent’s house for a Sunday BBQ a few weeks ago.
“They’re embarrassing,” he scoffed. “Can you imagine them around our friends? Her dad looks like he rolled out of a Walmart clearance bin!”
Our mother laughed softly. “You’re just being practical, sweetheart. It’s your special day.”
“She must have noticed, son,” my dad added. “She’s just being difficult and wants you to be the bad guy who has to say no to her.”
It was cruel! And I was really startled that our parents, who had raised us to cherish kindness, agreed with him!
I’d grown close to Helen during the wedding preparation process, and I suppose she now saw me as a confidant.
I brought her to my room, and before I closed the door, she was already unloading.
“Mia, do you know why Ethan won’t let me invite my family? He keeps brushing me off.”
I gave in and decided to tell her.
“It’s because… he’s ashamed of them,” I said softly. “He thinks they’re beneath him.”
“I see. Thank you for telling me, Mia. I appreciate you being forthcoming.”
That marked the beginning of the end.
The clash was swift and sharp. Helen confronted Ethan at our parents’ place the following night. I wasn’t there, but I learned about it the next morning—because my brother called me while I was at work, angry!
“You’ve ruined everything!” he spat. “The wedding. My reputation. Our family.”
The wedding was still going on, although briefly. But Helen was not going down the aisle to marry a mask.
The fallout was quick and harsh. Helen didn’t simply call off the wedding. She d.e.s.t.r.o.y.e.d it!
She canceled everything!
The venue is no longer available! Michelin-star catering: canceled! Luxury honeymoon flights: poof!
But Helen was still not finished!
Every common buddy knew the truth! She didn’t hide it; she showed it everything! Ethan’s remarks, which he thought were safely nestled in the shadows, spread like wildfire!
Ethan’s polished image, expertly built, disintegrated!
The aftermath was more frigid than any winter. Ethan abruptly ended our conversation!
Our parents barely spoke to me, blaming me for the chaos.
Revenge, as they say, is best served cold. But what about this particular case? It was downright icy!
So, did I do the proper thing?
Looking into Helen’s appreciative eyes, I knew the answer right away.
