Colin and I were about to get married, and his sister Meredith was flying in for the wedding. Though I’d never met her, Colin spoke highly of her, describing her as fun and strong-willed. I was excited to finally meet this important person in his life.

Returning home from work, I found Colin and Meredith already there. The house was filled with laughter, and I could hear them from the hallway. I entered the living room to find Colin tickling Meredith. It seemed playful, but as an only child, I felt a bit unsettled.

“Hey!” I called out, trying to get their attention. They didn’t hear me. I raised my voice. “Colin!”

“Oh, Alexis! I didn’t hear you come in,” Colin said, hugging me.

“You two seemed pretty busy,” I remarked.

“It’s just a game we played as kids,” Colin explained.

“Yeah, he’s always tickling me,” Meredith added with a grin.

I forced a smile. “Meredith, it’s great to meet you. Colin’s told me so much about you.” I attempted a hug, hoping to break the ice.

Her hug was polite but cool. “He hasn’t told me much about you.”

“Not true,” Colin jumped in. “I’ve talked about Alexis plenty.”

Meredith shrugged. “Maybe I forgot. Why didn’t you come to the airport with Colin?”

Conflict between two women and a man| Source: Midjourney

“I was working,” I replied.

“Couldn’t you have taken time off? It’s not every day your future sister-in-law visits,” she said sharply.

“If I could have, I would have,” I said, trying to stay calm.

During dinner, Colin and Meredith talked about their childhood, laughing and sharing inside jokes while I felt ignored. Meredith kept touching Colin’s arm, making me uncomfortable.

Afterward, Meredith announced she’d be waiting in the bedroom for a movie marathon, a tradition from their childhood.

When Colin offered to help me clear the table, Meredith remarked, “I wouldn’t let my fiancé do women’s work, but it’s your life.” She then left with a smirk.

Confused and hurt, I turned to Colin. “What was that about?”

Colin sighed. “I forgot to tell you. Meredith and I always slept in the same room when we lived with our parents. It’s a tradition.”

I was stunned. “You’re sleeping with Meredith? Where am I supposed to sleep?”

“You can stay in the guest room,” Colin said casually.

“Why doesn’t Meredith sleep there? She’s the guest,” I argued.

“It’s just one night,” Colin said. “We haven’t seen each other in so long.”

Reluctantly, I agreed, feeling betrayed.

The next morning, I woke up exhausted. Colin and Meredith had been talking and laughing all night. I made pancakes—Colin’s favorite.

Meredith came into the kitchen and frowned at the pancakes. “Colin likes them with bacon, not chocolate chips.”

“No, he likes them with chocolate chips,” I said, trying to stay calm.

“I think I know what my brother likes,” Meredith said, folding her arms.

“Maybe he liked bacon when you were younger,” I said, “but now—”

Before I could finish, Meredith shouted, “Colin!”

Colin rushed in. “What’s going on?”

Meredith challenged, “What kind of pancakes do you like—chocolate chip or bacon?”

Colin hesitated. “Uh… bacon, I guess.”

My heart sank. “But you always ask me for chocolate chip pancakes.”

“They’re not the same,” he said, avoiding my gaze.

“Not the same?” I asked, bewildered.

“Not the same as Meredith’s,” he said quietly.

Meredith smirked. “Told you.”

Feeling hurt, I put down the spatula. “Fine. Let Meredith make your breakfast.” I walked out, upset.

In the bedroom, Colin entered, looking serious. “We need to talk. Meredith wants to be the maid of honor.”

“What? I already have a maid of honor—my best friend. The wedding is in a week!” I protested.

“Meredith is my sister,” Colin said firmly.

“Colin, no,” I replied. “She clearly doesn’t like me. I’m not changing it.”

“That’s not fair,” Colin said, frustration creeping into his tone.

“I’m your future wife,” I said. “I should come first.”

Colin looked away. “Meredith wants to move in with us after the wedding, just for a while.”

“What? No way!” I exclaimed.

“She’s my sister!” Colin repeated.

“And I’m your future wife!” I shot back.

Colin walked out, slamming the door behind him. I was left feeling devastated.

Later, I overheard Colin and Meredith talking. Meredith’s voice was calm but venomous. “You need to give her an ultimatum: either I’m the maid of honor, or there’s no wedding.”

Colin’s response shocked me. “You’re right. I’ll do that.”

Unable to stay hidden any longer, I burst into the room. “I’ve had enough! If your sister is more important than me, then the wedding is off!”

Meredith smirked. “I told you she was crazy.”

“Well, I’d rather be crazy than deal with a man who puts his sister above me,” I said, storming out.

Meredith’s final comment stunned me. “Next, you’ll say it’s weird to take showers together.”

“You shower together?!” I gasped.

“Of course,” Meredith said nonchalantly. “We’ve done it since we were kids.”

In disbelief, I stormed out, realizing how lucky I was to see Colin’s true nature before the wedding.