I Was Seated Behind A Pillar At My Sister’s Wedding While Everyone Acted Like I Wasn’t Really Family.

“Thank you, Victoria.”

An awkward silence stretched between us. Finally, Gregory broke it.

“Julian, I was hoping we could discuss the final phase of the sustainability project. There are some budget considerations we need to address.”

“Of course. Elizabeth, would you excuse me for a few minutes?”

I nodded, and the two men moved away, leaving me alone with Victoria. The moment felt heavy with unspoken words.

“You’ve been busy,”

Victoria said finally.

“Landing major catering jobs, dating important consultants. Quite a change from the last time we talked.”

“I’ve always been busy. You just never noticed.”

“That’s not fair, is it? You spent years dismissing what I do as insignificant. Now that it’s benefiting your husband’s business connections, suddenly it matters.”

Victoria’s carefully maintained composure cracked slightly.

“What do you want from me, Elizabeth? An apology? Fine. I’m sorry I didn’t appreciate your career choices. I’m sorry the wedding seating was bad. I’m sorry we’re not closer. Is that what you need to hear?”

“I don’t need anything from you anymore. That’s what you don’t understand. I’m not the little sister begging for scraps of approval. I’ve built a life I’m proud of with people who value me for who I actually am.”

“People like Julian, you mean? Gregory says he’s very influential in his field. Very useful to know.”

The implication stung, even though I’d expected it.

“You think I’m using him, or that he’s using me? That’s the only way you can understand this, isn’t it? As a transaction.”

“I’m just saying it’s convenient. You show up at my wedding alone and invisible, and now suddenly you’re dating someone Gregory’s company depends on and getting hired for major events. It’s quite a transformation.”

Before I could respond, Julian returned with Gregory. Both men looked tense, and I wondered what had been discussed in their brief conversation.

“Victoria, we should mingle with the other guests,”

Gregory said, his tone brooking no argument.

“There are several board members here we need to speak with.”

Victoria shot me one last unreadable look before allowing Gregory to guide her away. I released a breath I didn’t know I’d been holding.

“That looked intense,”

Julian observed.

“Are you okay?”

“She thinks I’m using you to gain status, or that you’re using me to influence Gregory’s business decisions. She can’t conceive of us just genuinely caring about each other.”

“Does her opinion matter to you?”

I thought about it honestly.

“Not as much as it would have a few months ago. I’m done needing her approval.”

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