I (28F) have always had a complicated relationship with my cousin Jack (30M). We were never close, but our families expected us to be friendly. Before my $50k wedding, my barely-known cousin smirked, “I’m proposing at your reception.”

I was absolutely stunned. My husband and I had meticulously planned every detail of our wedding, spending months and significant money to create the perfect day. I glared at Jack and said firmly, “Don’t you dare. We paid too much for this.”

Well, guess what? He did it anyway.

During the reception, right in the middle of our first dance, Jack dropped to one knee and proposed to his girlfriend. The entire room went silent. My carefully choreographed moment was completely ruined. When I objected and confronted him about his inappropriate behavior, I was somehow cast as the villain. My own family accused me of being “jealous” and “dramatic.”

For two years, I said nothing. I smiled at family gatherings. I sent polite cards. I acted like everything was fine.

Then, two years later, at his wedding, I hit back. When it was time for toasts, I raised my glass and delivered what I’d been waiting to say: “Congrats to the happy couple! And while we celebrate family, my husband and I are happy to announce that we’re expecting twins!”

The room erupted. Jack’s new wife looked shocked. His mother dropped her champagne glass. My husband squeezed my hand, knowing exactly what I’d just done.

Was I petty? Absolutely. Do I regret it? Not for a second.