“These flowers need to be perfect,” Linda said, arranging them with exaggerated care. “After all, it’s a big day for the family.”

I sat at the dining table, sipping my tea and trying to stay calm.

My dad smiled at her. “Linda has a great eye for these things,” he said.

I forced a smile. “They do look nice, Linda,” I replied.

Linda, my stepmother, came into my life when I was ten after Mom passed away. She loved being the center of attention, and today was no different.

She fussed over the flowers, making sure each petal was in the right place. Her movements were dramatic like she was on stage. I wondered what role she would try to play at the wedding.

“Are you excited about the wedding, Dad?” I asked, hoping to change the subject.

He nodded, his eyes twinkling. “Very much, Alexandra. It’s going to be a beautiful day.”

Linda chimed in, “Yes, and everything has to be perfect. It’s not every day we have such an important event.”

I nodded, but my mind was elsewhere. I knew Linda would find a way to make the day about her. She always did.

I remembered birthdays and holidays when she managed to be the star of the show, leaving me in the shadows.

As Linda continued to fuss over the flowers, my concern grew. I wanted to enjoy the wedding, but with Linda around, it was always a challenge.

“Do you need any help, Linda?” I offered, trying to be polite.

She waved me off. “No, no, dear. I have everything under control.”

“Alright,” I said, forcing a smile. “I’ll take a leave, Dad. I have to be somewhere.”

I met up with Sarah, my best friend and maid of honor, at the wedding planner’s office.

“Why is the bride looking so sad?” she asked, wrapping me in a hug.

“I guess I’m just nervous.”

“Don’t be; you’ll have the best day! Now come on, we’re getting late.”

We entered the wedding planner Grace’s office.

“Well, uh, your stepmother requested to be seated in the front row and insisted on giving a speech during the reception, Alexandra,” she said, glancing up from her notes.

I was stunned. Linda and I had talked about this. How could she?

“Isn’t that usually reserved for the bride’s mother or father?” Sarah asked, raising an eyebrow.

Grace nodded. “Yes, traditionally, the front row is for the bride’s parents. Since your father will be there and you have chosen to honor your late mother by keeping a place for her, Linda technically shouldn’t be in that spot.

“Additionally, we need to maintain some decorum and respect for family traditions. This wedding is very meaningful, especially with the tribute to your mother.”

I sighed, feeling the familiar frustration rise. “She always has to make everything about herself. I bet she’s got some grand performance in mind!”

Sarah leaned in closer. “We need to be prepared for whatever she’s planning.”

Grace looked at me with a concerned expression. “How would you like to handle this, Alexandra?”

I thought for a moment. “Can we explain to her that the front row is reserved for my mom and dad? Maybe suggest she sit in the second row?”

“That sounds reasonable,” Grace agreed. “I’ll have a word with her. And about the speech?”

I shook my head. “I really don’t want her giving a speech. It’s supposed to be a tribute to my mom and a celebration of the wedding. She’ll just make it about herself.”

Sarah nodded. “We can have someone else speak if needed. Maybe one of us or someone from your mom’s side of the family?”

“That’s a good idea,” I said, feeling a bit more at ease. “Let’s make sure the speeches are meaningful and respectful.”

Grace jotted down some notes. “I’ll take care of it. We’ll ensure everything runs smoothly.”

As we left Grace’s office, Sarah squeezed my arm.

“Don’t worry, Alex. We’ve got this. Linda won’t ruin your day.”

I nodded, hoping she was right.

When I got back to our apartment, I needed to share my concerns with Tom.

“Linda is determined to steal the show,” I said, dropping my bag by the door. “She’s giving a speech at the reception and insisted on sitting in the front row.”

Tom wrapped his arms around me. “We’ll handle it together. Don’t worry.”

I frowned, leaning into his embrace.

“It’s not just that,” I said, pulling away from him. “She has a way of turning everything into a spectacle. She’s not my real mom, but she’s always pushed herself into roles meant for my mother. We want to honor my mother by keeping her place in the front row. I’m afraid she’s going to make our wedding about her.”

Tom smiled reassuringly. “Trust me. I’ve got a plan. Let her have her moment. It’ll all work out.”

“What kind of plan?” I asked, curious.

He kissed my forehead. “Just trust me. It’s a surprise. But I promise, it’ll keep the focus where it should be—on us and your mom’s memory.”

I sighed, feeling a bit better but still anxious. “I hope so. I just want everything to go smoothly. Linda can be so unpredictable.”

Tom squeezed my hand. “I know. But we’ve got this. We’re in this together.”

I nodded, trying to relax. “Thanks, Tom. I really appreciate it.”

“Anytime, love,” he said, giving me a reassuring smile. “Now, let’s enjoy our evening and not worry about Linda for a bit.”

I smiled back, feeling grateful for his support.

Soon, the wedding day arrived.

I was excited and nervous.

While I was still in my bathrobe getting ready, Sarah burst into the room, her face pale.

“You won’t believe this,” she said, pulling me to the window.

I looked out and saw Linda emerging in a full-length, white wedding dress.

“What the…” Okay, this was something I didn’t see coming. How dare she?

“Linda, what are you doing? You can’t wear white to my wedding!” I stormed over to her, unable to hide my fury.

“Oh, darling,” she smirked, not showing even one ounce of regret. “You’re young, Alexandra. You have your whole life ahead of you. This might be my last chance to feel like a bride again. I deserve this attention.”

I felt my anger rising, but Tom pulled me aside. “Trust me, we’ll sort this out later,” he whispered with a mischievous smile.

“But Tom, how could she?”

“Trust me, okay?” he said, and I relented.

The ceremony proceeded, with Linda sitting in the front row, basking in her stolen spotlight. Grace had a helpless look on her face, so it was clear Linda had managed to get what she wanted.

I was boiling inside, but I trusted Tom.

As the ceremony continued, I tried to focus on the vows and the moment. I looked at Tom, who gave me a reassuring nod. But every time I saw Linda’s smug expression, my faith in Tom’s plan wavered.

When it was time for the speeches, I held my breath. Linda stood up, ready to take over. But before she could speak, Tom took the microphone.

“Ladies and gentlemen, before we continue, I’d like to share a special video tribute to Alexandra’s late mother.”

The lights dimmed, and a beautiful montage of my mom played on the screen.

Photos, videos, and heartfelt messages filled the room. Tears filled my eyes, and the guests were visibly moved. Linda’s expression shifted from smugness to shock.

As the tribute ended, Tom looked at me with a knowing smile. “This day is about honoring your mother and our love, Alex. No one can take that away.”

Then he looked at Linda. “Linda, could you join us up here?” he asked.

Linda looked smug, thinking she was about to be honored.

As she made her way to the stage, Tom continued, “Linda has always been a star in her own right, so today, we’ve decided to let her shine even more.”

Another slideshow began to play. The first few pictures were innocent enough, showing Linda in her white dress from various angles at the wedding. But then, Tom’s twist came.

The next photo showed Linda sneaking into my bridal suite earlier that morning.

She was caught on camera trying on my wedding veil, twirling around with a bouquet she’d taken from the floral arrangements.

The room gasped, and Linda’s face turned red.

She tried to stay calm, but Tom wasn’t done.

“Wait, Linda, we’re not finished,” he said, motioning to the DJ.

Suddenly, the speakers played a recording of Linda on the phone with her friend, boasting about her plan to outshine me.

“This little princess needs to learn her place. I’ve waited long enough to have my moment,” her voice echoed through the hall.

The crowd was stunned, and a few people even booed. Tom wrapped his arms around me and whispered, “I told you I had it covered.”

But the surprise wasn’t over.

Tom had arranged for Linda’s ex-husband to be the guest speaker. He took the stage, sharing stories about Linda’s past antics, showing everyone her true nature.

The result? Linda, red-faced and cornered, slipped out of the hall as quietly as she could. Tom and I shared a smile, knowing we taught her a lesson her way. She was in the spotlight as she was wanted but for all the wrong reasons.

Have you had to teach a lesson to someone at your wedding, too?

If you enjoyed this story, here’s another one: When Hannah’s Dad waltzed into her birthday party with her best friend on his arm, she was determined to make him pay. Little did he know that Hannah’s plan was to unexpectedly turn the tables at her graduation party.

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.