I thought my best friend, Caleb, and I were like brothers—college comrades, sharing life’s ups and downs. But when his wedding invite left out my girlfriend, I uncovered a reason that broke our friendship. With my girlfriend, Ava, by my side, I opened Caleb’s wedding invite, a moment we’d been excited for. Ava grinned. “What’s the date?” I checked the card—location, dress code—but my heart dropped. My name was alone, no “and Ava,” no plus-one. “That’s odd,” I said. Ava laughed. “Did his fiancée, Sophie, miss my name?” It seemed possible. Ava, my partner of three years, was part of our group, helping Caleb choose Sophie’s ring and planning his bachelor party.
I texted Caleb: Invite’s missing Ava’s name. Error? His reply took ages, the typing bubble mocking me. Then: Not an error. Let’s talk. My stomach sank. That night, I asked a groomsman, “What’s going on?” He paled. “They didn’t tell you?” he whispered. I found Caleb at the venue, joking with Sophie. “Talk. Now,” I said, pulling him away. “Why’s Ava the only one not invited?” Caleb avoided my eyes, but Sophie walked over, arms crossed. “It’s because of Rachel,” she said coolly. “She’s got a crush on you and would lose it if Ava came.” I stared. “Rachel? The bridesmaid?” Sophie nodded. “She’s struggling, and we didn’t want a scene.”
I felt ill. “You excluded my girlfriend of three years for a bridesmaid’s obsession?” Caleb muttered, “It’s just one night, man. Keeps things simple.” I scoffed. “Simple? This is a slap in the face!” Sophie sighed. “Don’t overreact. Tell Ava to skip it.” My anger surged. “You want me to play single for Rachel’s delusion?” I asked. Caleb looked down, but Sophie snapped, “It’s one day. Get over it.” I shook my head. “I’m done,” I said. “With the wedding and you.” Caleb’s face fell, but I left. At home, I told Ava everything. She exhaled, stunned. “All this for a jealous bridesmaid?” she said, smirking. “Rachel’s pathetic, needing a wedding fixed for her crush.”
Ava took my hand. “I’m glad you chose us.” I kissed her palm, no doubts. Karma hit. At the wedding, Rachel freaked, yelling about love’s lies, flipping a costly spread. She screamed at Sophie, “I should be the bride!” and hurled frosting at her. The cake fell, chaos reigned, and police took Rachel away. A groomsman texted: You escaped a nightmare. Ava laughed. “Think Caleb regrets uninviting me?” I grinned. “He’s paying for it now.”
