My stepsister Ava ruined my engagement dinner—but karma finally caught up with her. She’s been competing with me since childhood, always turning my milestones into her spotlight. From fake injuries to emotional outbursts, Ava consistently redirected attention to herself. Even on my high school graduation day, she faked a broken leg, making my parents miss it, only for me to discover she’d gone to the mall.

We drifted apart after college, but recently Ava seemed to mature. She was pregnant, married, and talked about rebuilding our bond. I let my guard down. For my engagement dinner with Morgan, we invited only close family and friends. Ava wasn’t on the list. But, unsurprisingly, she showed up anyway.

I tried to stay optimistic—maybe she truly changed. Everything was going smoothly until the speeches. Just as I raised my glass, Ava stood up and loudly announced she was having a boy. Instantly, the dinner turned into a gender reveal celebration. My carefully planned event faded into the background, again.

Before Morgan could react, my stepmother—Ava’s longtime enabler—stood up and, for the first time ever, defended me. Calm but firm, she told Ava to sit down, scolding her for stealing the spotlight and making the night about herself.

Then, she delivered a blow that stunned everyone: Ava would be covering half the dinner bill since she decided to co-host without permission. Ava, shocked and embarrassed, sat down in silence—and yes, she actually paid.

For the first time in my life, Ava faced real consequences. And finally, the moment was mine.