As Joshua spoke with the planner, nearby conversations faded. Guests noticed my face and began watching us. I stood in the center of the reception hall feeling as exposed as if my dress had torn. Joshua’s shoulders stiffened while he reached for his phone.
Before he could call anyone, an automated voice burst through the banquet speakers. It congratulated James on booking two flights and a luxury hotel package, then mentioned that payment was still required.
The entire room turned toward my brother.
James, who was 30, stood beside the bar with his glass halfway to his mouth. His face went pale. Earlier, he had offered to manage a special wedding playlist from his phone. He had apparently left that phone connected to the hall’s Bluetooth system, allowing the travel notification to play for every guest.
I crossed the room and asked whether he had taken our money and blessing cards. James stared at the floor before claiming I was overreacting. He said he had used only enough for a vacation deposit and still had the rest.
Joshua stepped beside me. James then argued that Mom and Dad had paid for much of my wedding but would not help him with rent. He called the stolen money his “share.”
I could barely recognize the brother who once slipped gummy bears to me under the dinner table. His resentment might have been real, but it did not turn our guests’ generosity into his property.
