I approached her near the dessert table.
“It’s the most beautiful cake you’ve ever made,” I whispered.
“I’m just happy Daniel likes it,” she replied.
Her answer made my chest tighten. Even after Ashley’s cruelty, Grandma was still thinking about my brother’s happiness.
Around seven-thirty, shortly before the cake-cutting ceremony, I picked up my carefully wrapped wedding gift and walked toward the head table. Daniel and Ashley were seated together, surrounded by guests enjoying the celebration.
“I have a little something for the newlyweds,” I announced cheerfully.
Ashley immediately brightened.
“You didn’t have to!” she exclaimed, reaching eagerly for the package.
She pulled away the ribbon and opened the box, revealing the engraved silver picture frame I’d purchased weeks earlier.
“Aww, that’s cute!”
Then she noticed the folded paper beneath it.
I watched her unfold the invoice and read the itemized charges for ingredients, decorations, and Grandma’s labor. At the bottom, beneath the word PAID, was my explanation that I’d personally reimbursed Grandma because Ashley had refused to honor her promise.
