My name is Ellie, I’m 27, and this fall, I was set to marry the love of my life, Evan. We’re not the type for extravagant parties or lavish displays — we find joy in quiet mornings, shared laughter, and little routines that feel like home. So, when we started planning our wedding, we envisioned something simple, warm, and personal: a ceremony under the trees at my aunt’s farmhouse, with string lights, barbecue, and a bluegrass band. It was meant to be a celebration of love, not a spectacle.
But then came Janine — my dad’s girlfriend. At 42, she’s confident, fashionable, and, to be fair, charming in her own way. Yet she has a knack for making every situation about herself. Over the two years she’s been dating my dad, she’s taken over more than a few family moments. When Evan and I got engaged, she “accidentally” announced it before I even had the chance to tell everyone. I brushed it off — until she crossed the line I never thought she would.
At a Sunday dinner, Janine proudly revealed she’d already found her “wedding” outfit. When she pulled out her phone, my jaw dropped. It wasn’t just a white dress — it was a full-length, lace-covered gown with a train and beaded bodice. I asked cautiously, “Janine… that’s white.” She waved her hand and laughed. “Oh, it’s ivory, sweetie! No one will mistake me for the bride.” The smugness in her tone made my stomach turn.
Things only got worse. The next morning, my seamstress called to say that Janine had contacted her, asking for a dress using the same pattern as mine — only “more glamorous.” My wedding gown wasn’t just fabric and lace. It was a tribute to my late mother, inspired by her own wedding photos. And now, Janine was trying to replicate it. That was the breaking point.
I vented to my sister, Chloe, who was furious on my behalf. “She wants to be the bride at your wedding,” she said. I took a deep breath and replied, “Then let’s make sure she doesn’t get what she wants.” That’s when the idea began to take shape — a plan to protect my moment, and remind everyone who the day really belonged to.