I lost my mom four years ago.

It was the kind of loss that cracked something inside me, a grief so deep that it didn't fade. Instead, it just settled into my bones.

We were so incredibly close... and before she passed, she made me promise her one thing.

"I want you to wear my dress on your wedding day, Chloe," she had said. "Whether it's for the ceremony or the reception... Just promise me, baby. It will be like having me there with you."

I intended to keep that promise. The dress had been tucked away safely in my closet ever since, just waiting for the right moment.

And then came Madison.

Madison, my brother Jake's fiancée, had been in our lives for just over a year now. She was... difficult, to say the least. I mean, if I'm being honest, Madison was the kind of person who spoke in demands and dramatic sighs rather than requests and smiles. She thought that generosity was an obligation rather than a gift.

But Jake was happy, so I swallowed my opinions and played the role of the supportive sister.

Which is exactly why, three months before their wedding, I invited them both to a cozy coffee shop.

But honestly, I should have known that Madison would find a way to ruin it.

We had just settled into our seats and placed our orders when I took out an envelope and slid it across the table.

Jake reached for it first, but before he could open it, Madison snatched it out of his hands.

She peeked inside, her manicured nails tapping the table as she pulled out the check.

Ten thousand dollars.

No, it wasn't a mistake. I legitimately just wanted to spoil my brother and help him where I could.

Jake and I weren't that close anymore. He tried to reach out when our mother passed away, but I preferred to mourn in silence. And later, when I reached out to him, he hadn't met me with any warmth.

Now, I wanted to make things better for us. With us.

"I know weddings can be expensive," I said, smiling. "I want you two to have a beautiful day, and I hope that this will help make it perfect."

"Wow! Chloe! This is... incredible. Thank you, Sis," he said, his eyes wide.

As for Madison?

She barely looked impressed. She set the check down like it was something to be expected. She flipped her hair over her shoulder and sighed.

"Well, I guess that's a good start," she said breezily. "It'll help, but we still have so many expenses. Our day is going to be the most beautiful wedding anyone has ever seen."

Good start? Seriously?

Before I could respond, she leaned in, her tone shifting into something far too casual.

"Actually," she continued. "Jake and I talked about something important. And we've decided that I'll be wearing your mom's wedding dress for my ceremony. And something much fancier for the photoshoot and reception. I'll send you an address for delivery. I need it to go to my dressmaker for alterations."