Some people say blood is thicker than water, but for me, family almost drowned me. I’m Justin, 26, and I spent my life playing second fiddle to my older sister Casey—her every crisis eclipsed my achievements and stole my parents’ attention.

When I asked them to promise they wouldn’t let Casey hijack my wedding, I meant it. On October 15, they bailed because “Buster,” her dog, had a lump, leaving me standing at the altar alone—until my best man, Arnold, stepped in with Veronica’s parents and the real celebration began.

Behind the scenes, Arnold turned Mom’s voicemail excuse into a beautifully edited video captioned, “They skipped my wedding for a dog,” and posted it online. The clip went viral, finally exposing my parents’ favoritism and earning me an outpouring of support from relatives and strangers alike.

Now, three months later, my parents’ calls go unanswered, Casey’s relocated, and I’m free. Veronica and I are stronger than ever, and I’ve learned that self-worth isn’t defined by those who should love you but don’t—and that truth never needs to be taken down.