Lucy and Edward were wed a year ago. Their parents, from both sides, put together a grand wedding celebration. As only children, both families insisted the wedding be utterly magnificent. When Lucy and Edward suggested simply gathering their friends for a barbecue after the ceremony, their mothers dismissed it without questiontheir visions swirled with white gowns and gleaming carriages.
Knowing they couldnt escape the lavish ball, Lucy and Edward prepared for the occasion with earnest care. There was so much to arrange: manicures, makeup, buying the dress and suit, and countless small but significant details. Their parents covered all the expenses except Lucys dress and Edwards suit. They booked the finest restaurant in London, selected a bouquet for the bride, and the cake was to be baked by a family friend renowned for her cake artistry.
The parents meticulously assembled the guest list, aiming to invite every relativeeven those long forgotten. Their justification was straightforward: affluent guests equalled generous gifts, and with the money collected, the new couple could buy a car or set aside a deposit for a flat. After heated debate, distant relations were omitted. A few excused themselves politely. Finally, most guests were friends of the young couple, as they had hoped.
On Lucy and Edwards wedding day, the weather played tricks: morning spoke of rain but sunshine arrived like forgotten memories. Lucy looked enchanting in her silk gown adorned with delicate lace. Edward was utterly charmed, unable to avert his gaze for a moment. Joy coursed through the day, dreamlikea photographer darted about eagerly, snapping shots as if chasing shadows, while guests anticipated the sumptuous restaurant banquet.
After the photos, the newlyweds climbed aboard a snow-white carriage and drifted to the restaurant. Champagne flowed, congratulations echoed like river currents. Gifts appearedmostly envelopes brimming with pounds. Lucy and Edward had made it clear they preferred money, yet several older guests couldnt resist giving blankets, bedding, and plates.
The towering three-tier cake left even the most discerning guest gawking; it shimmered with sugar lace, cream blossoms, and pearls. The wedding was chic, surreal. Only at dawn did weary guests melt away to their homes, and Lucy and Edward wandered to their reserved hotel room.
The next morning, when Lucy returned home, her mother revealed that one of the envelopes was emptygifted by Sarah, a close friend. The anonymous envelope was easily traced. Lucy felt queasy as her mother explained.
It worsened when Lucy recalled how Sarah had insisted that nowadays no wedding gift should be less than a thousand pounds, promising ample support for her friend.
Less than a year later, Sarah herself became a bride and invited Lucy and Edward to her wedding. Sarah advised her friend to bring cash, hoping the wedding gifts would cover more than their festivities. Lucy and Edward found themselves wavering. Lucy suggested returning the favour with an empty envelope. Edward considered giving more, hoping to shame Sarah. Lucys mother recommended a minimal amount, thinking it would quietly reveal nothing about Sarahs trickery, sparing Lucy from confrontation or revenge.
Now, with her friends wedding looming, Lucy stands at the crossroads of dreams, unable to decide what to do, caught between whispering instincts and surreal etiquette.
