When my sister Sue asked to use my house for her son’s birthday party, I agreed without hesitation. My place was larger, and I’d be out of town for a work conference. I even left out party supplies, snacks, and a special $400 LEGO gift for my nephew, Ethan. Her sweet texts during the event made me feel like the best aunt in the world. But everything changed when I got home early and noticed decorations that didn’t match a seven-year-old’s party theme.

Instead of birthday balloons and kids’ toys, I found a pink and white balloon arch, glitter confetti, wine bottles, and a banner congratulating someone named Jessica on her baby. That’s when I realized — my sister hadn’t thrown a birthday party at all. She had hosted a baby shower for someone I didn’t even know, and used my home as a venue without telling me. Worse, my neighbor mentioned Jessica had paid Sue $900 for the event — including catering, which Sue had secretly used my money to order.