Linda had always been a handful. Ever since she married my father when I was ten, she had a knack for making everything revolve around her. Whether it was birthdays, graduation parties or family dinners, she always managed to steal the spotlight. But I never imagined she would do something as audacious as wearing a white dress to my wedding.
The run-up to the wedding was already filled with her subtle hints. ‘Don’t you think I deserve a big role in the ceremony?’ she asked more than once, batting her eyelashes. I politely avoided her comments, thinking that Linda was just Linda.
On the day of the wedding, I was in my room getting ready with my bridesmaid Sarah when she suddenly burst in, looking pale. ‘You won’t believe it,’ she said breathlessly, grabbing my arm and dragging me to the window.
I looked outside, and there she was: Linda, stepping out of a car in a dazzling white, beaded wedding dress. My heart sank. She wasn’t just trying to stand out — she was actively trying to outdo me.
Enraged, I rushed outside to confront her. ‘Linda, what are you doing? You can’t wear white to my wedding!’
She grinned, completely unfazed. ‘I wanted to feel like a bride again. White suits me so well, and honestly, I deserve this attention.’
I was furious. ‘This is my day! How can you think this is okay?’
Before I could continue, Tom, my future husband, appeared beside me. He gently took my hand and said, ‘Let me handle this.’ His calm demeanour and mischievous gleam in his eyes made me pause.
‘Linda,’ he said with a charming smile, ‘you look stunning. You really do. But since this is Anna’s wedding, we wouldn’t want any confusion about who the bride is, right?’
Linda blinked, clearly not expecting him to agree with her. ‘Well, of course, but…’
Tom smoothly interrupted her. ‘Exactly. So I have the perfect solution. Let’s make sure you really stand out.’
Before she could protest, he called over one of the event staff and whispered something in his ear. A few minutes later, a waiter appeared with a huge glass of red wine and ‘accidentally’ tripped, spilling the entire contents onto the front of Linda’s immaculate white dress.
Her cry was worthy of an Oscar.
‘Oh no, Linda! I’m so sorry!’ Tom exclaimed, although there was not a hint of regret on his face. ‘But you know, I think this shade of red suits you very well. It’s bold, eye-catching — perfect for someone like you!’
Linda was too upset to respond and just hissed as she tried to wipe the stain. ‘I… I can’t believe this!’
‘Don’t worry,’ said Tom, remaining cool as a cucumber. ‘There’s a boutique on the next street. I’m sure they’ll find you something just as stunning, but in a different colour.’
Linda left, muttering under her breath, and by the time she returned in a much more appropriate pastel dress, the ceremony was in full swing.
The rest of the day went off without a hitch. Quick-witted, Tom not only defused the situation, but also made sure Linda didn’t pull any more stunts. When we danced at the reception that evening, I whispered to him, ‘Remind me to thank you for that.’
He smiled. ‘Anything for my bride.’
Linda may have tried to steal the show, but Tom made sure that the day was exactly what it was supposed to be — ours.
