Having put my whole heart into creating the wedding cake for my brother, I anticipated receiving thanks rather than being betrayed. On the other hand, when the payment evolved into a scandal inside the family, it was our grandmother who meted out the most compassionate kind of punishment.

There is a lot that can be learned about individuals when there is cake and money involved.

I’m Sophie, and I’m 25 years old. Baking is not just my work; it’s also my passion. At the bakery where I work, I am responsible for making cakes for a wide variety of occasions, ranging from milestone birthdays to “just because” festivities. What was once a pastime for me when I was a youngster gradually evolved into something that I just cannot image my life without. In my opinion, cakes are a kind of love language.

In my perspective, cake is the perfect solution for every occasion, whether it be a birthday, a holiday, a heartbreak, or simply a quiet Sunday.

Since the time I was sixteen years old, I have been piping buttercream roses, and over the course of time, I have developed a tiny but devoted following on Instagram. In all honesty, it is how I was able to secure my present position at the bakery.

Initially, when I informed my father that I was interested in working there, he raised an eyebrow.

Is it a bakery, Sophie? Absolutely?

It’s for the time being,” I assured him. “I want to study, improve my talents, and put money away. Afterwards, I will be attending a culinary school.

The man gave a head shake.

Simply said, it’s a pastime. It won’t be long until you learn that hobbies don’t pay the bills.

The rest of my family did, but he never truly understood what was going on. In addition, I had a tiny rule that I never charged my family for personal bakes that were little in size. When it comes to a cousin’s birthday, cupcakes? It is free. For Thanksgiving, a pie, perhaps? Free as well. On the other hand, if they placed their order via the bakery, it was for business purposes only.

Even in situations when I baked for free, my family would often demonstrate their gratitude by presenting me with a bouquet of flowers, a gift card, or even a little amount of cash that was placed into the pocket of my apron. Respect was the most important thing; it was not about the money.

After that, my younger brother, Noah, became engaged to Harper.

In my perspective, they were both young, but I chose to keep my ideas to myself. Both of them were twenty-three years old.

I told my mother about my fear one evening when we were eating pizza and drinking wine.

Sweetheart, she cautioned, “They’ll think you’re bitter because you’re single,” and she wasn’t kidding.

Mom, I’m not resentful of you. Simply put, I’m concerned.

Sighing, she stirred her wine in her glass.

“I get what you mean. I, too, am concerned. However, Noah believes that Harper is the one, and it is obvious that she loves him. Yes, it is plenty for me.

As a result, I made an effort to ensure that it was sufficient for me as well.

In the process of planning their wedding, Noah and Harper threw themselves headlong into the process, creating Pinterest boards, color-coded spreadsheets, and a budget that appeared to extend by pure willpower. In response to their request that I bake their wedding cake, I enthusiastically accepted the invitation.

But I also needed to be grounded in reality.

I informed them, “Guys, this is not a birthday cake,” and they laughed. Seventy-five guests are hosted on three levels. On their own, the ingredients are not inexpensive. Rather of doing it at the bakery, I will do it at home, which will save you a lot of money; nevertheless, I will still need to charge you for the prices and the work.

Noah gave a little nod.

“Of course, you will indeed receive compensation.”

I provided them with a quotation of $400, which is a significant reduction from the bakery’s proposed price of $1,200. There was no uncertainty in their agreement.

At the bakery, we organized a sample for you. I went to great lengths, including using clean linens, presenting three sample plates, and even lighting a candle with a cinnamon aroma in the backdrop.

Noah wore a smile from the moment they arrived.

“Wow, Soph, this is really neat looking.”

As I spoke to you, I remarked, “I wanted you to feel like clients.”

They tried out three different varieties. With a courteous nod, the chocolate raspberry was acknowledged. Everyone looked at the lemon lavender at the same time. The strawberry shortcake, which consisted of a light sponge, mascarpone cream, and fresh strawberries, however, caused them to get quite excited.

“It’s perfect,” Harper said in a low voice. “As nostalgic as the summertime.”

It was secured for all three layers of the system.

I baked for a continuous period of three days. On the morning of the wedding, I spent hours decorating, and then I drove the cake to the location where it would be served. Honey-glazed strawberries, velvety cream, and a pattern that I had been drawing for weeks were the three levels of perfection contained inside this dessert.

I was thanked by them. He smiled. Photo was taken.

And was never compensated.

To begin, I didn’t give it much thought at first. After the wedding, I anticipated that we would finally be able to settle down. On the other hand, 10 minutes into the reception, Noah surrounded me near the bar and spoke in a low voice.

What are you saying, Sophie? Are you genuinely expecting us to compensate you? To eat cake? You should never charge your family.

I’m sorry, Noah, but this is not a dozen cupcakes.

Harper made her appearance at his side, beaming with that sappy tone that she always employed before she was going to say something that was cutting.

“We considered it to be a present for your wedding ring. Don’t you think you comprehend? Do not be stingy. We are a family.”

I stood there, completely dazed.

Grandma Lillian, unfortunately for them, was able to hear every word that was spoken. Her approbation is the currency of our family, and she is the sort of woman who can make a room silent without raising her voice. She is also the kind of woman who wears pearls to the grocery store.

At a later time, she took the microphone during remarks.

Her first statement was, “I have always dreamed of giving something special to my grandchildren for their honeymoons,” and she continued. I arranged for Noah and Harper to go on a vacation to Greece that would cover all of their costs.

Everyone around me let out a gasp. Harper quickly brought her hand to her chest. His mouth fell in shock.

One of Grandma’s fingers was elevated.

Then again… I’m giving it some more thought.”

Nothing moved in the room.

She said that thankfulness ought to be shown in response to generosity. Most especially inside a family.”

While she was beaming as if she hadn’t just dropped a bomb in the midst of the reception, she gave the microphone back to somebody else.

Once again, I didn’t see Noah until the sun had set. I was sitting outdoors in an effort to get some fresh air. He had a twisted tie, his hair was wet, and he was holding an envelope in his hand that was folded up.

He said, “Here,” as he thrust it in my direction. It’s the $400… plus other fees. I was at a loss for words when it came to arguing with Harper since I had no idea how to avoid getting into a confrontation with her.

It seems that you believed that I would not advocate for myself.

His body jerked.

“That is not the case.”

“Yes, it is. You gave me your word that you would pay me. I saved you a significant amount of money. While I was working myself sick for three days, you behaved as if it was something that was due to you.

At that moment, Harper arrived, seeming flawlessly sweet.

“It was nothing more than a misunderstanding. Please know that we did not want to make you feel underappreciated.

I laughed, but it was a brief and icy chuckle.

Your actions did not elicit any feelings in me. You illuminated for me the precise position I am in.

Her grin started to waver.

In my opinion, it wouldn’t make a difference. You have a passion for baking.

“Yes, I am. This is the reason why it hurts more. You didn’t simply steal money, did you? “You have earned respect.”

$500 was included inside the envelope. Not a note. There will be no apologies. Repairing the damage is all.

I responded, “I’m glad Grandma doesn’t see ‘family’ the way you do,” and then I walked away from the conversation.

After some time had passed, Grandma revisited the room.

“Generosity is not a requirement; rather, it is a gift.” It is imperative that this debt be never returned with greed. At this point, the gift for the honeymoon is still in effect. But what if I come upon anything similar to this once more? I’m not going to simply take away a vacation; I’m going to remove everything as well.

On my birthday, Noah sent me a text message for the first time in years, which was the following week. I saw that Harper was tagging my baked goods on Instagram. She presented me with a thank-you note that included a gift card for a massage when we were at a family cookout.

“The brownies were delicious,” she said in an embarrassed manner.

It was not loving adoration. Caution was the word. As for the truth? That was a brilliant solution.