The Bait

My wedding rehearsal dinner was supposed to be the perfect start to my future with Ethan.

But then, a text from my sister Chloe, "Surprise! Got an earlier flight!" and just like that, my entire family, including my fiancé, walked out on me.

They left me alone, humiliated, to pay for the abandoned dinner.

It worsened. That night, despite my shellfish allergy, I was forced to cook Chloe her favorite risotto, my hands blistering, while they celebrated her.

Then, when Chloe had a severe allergic reaction to nuts I' d unintentionally left out, my mother slapped me accusingly.