When my sister Clara got engaged to Jack, I was thrilled. He was kind, steady, and everything Clara wasn’t. As a wedding gift, I promised them $10,000 to help start their life together. But just two weeks before the big day, Jack discovered Clara had been cheating on him—with his best friend. The wedding was canceled, and Clara played the victim, ignoring the pain she caused.

Days later, she showed up at my apartment, demanding the money anyway. “You promised,” she said, claiming she needed it to move out—and for a shopping spree. I was floored by her entitlement. “Clara,” I told her, “you don’t get rewarded for blowing up your own life.” When she pushed, I lied and said I’d already given the money to Jack—to help him start his business.

That lie? It sparked an idea. Jack was devastated, but determined. I called him the next day and offered the $10,000 for his startup. At first, he was hesitant, but he eventually accepted. Months later, his business connecting freelancers to small companies took off. Watching him succeed felt better than any revenge.

Meanwhile, Clara moved back in with our parents and sulked. She stopped speaking to me, claiming I betrayed her. Then our mom asked to meet. Over brunch, she stunned me by asking if I’d done all this to “steal” Jack. I shut that down fast—Jack and I are just old friends. Clara needed a wake-up call.

I’m not the perfect sister, but I believe in consequences—and in helping those who truly deserve it.