I learned to be cautious of people who claim “family first” when their actions say otherwise. My cousin Caroline insisted she understood when I missed her wedding due to my dad’s stroke. I thought she did—until a week after the wedding, when I received a mass email demanding I pay for my “empty seat.”

About six months before her wedding, I was excited. I RSVP’d immediately, helped plan the bridal shower, bought a dress, and cleared work schedules. Then, a month before the big day, my father suffered a massive stroke. As his only nearby family, I had to provide full-time care, canceling all plans to ensure he had what he needed.

I emailed Caroline, explaining everything in detail. I apologized, expressed my heartbreak, and promised that once my dad stabilized, I’d celebrate her wedding privately. Her reply seemed understanding: “Totally understand. Family comes first. No worries at all ❤️.” I felt relieved.

Then came the email demanding \$3,000 for empty seats. I was stunned. I reminded her of my father’s emergency, and she brushed it off, claiming she still expected payment to cover her expenses. Her justification ignored the reality of my situation entirely.

A mutual friend, Jenna, uncovered that Caroline had already received partial refunds for guests who canceled, meaning she was trying to collect extra money. Jenna exposed this in a “Reply All” email, instantly silencing Caroline and revealing her entitlement to everyone.

The fallout was immediate. Guests who might have been guilted by Caroline ignored her messages, unfriended her, and saw her for who she truly was. She wanted money—but instead, she earned a bad reputation, and I didn’t have to lift a finger.