My enemy's brother

The hall sparkled like something out of a dream. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting soft golden light across the room. White roses decorated every corner, their sweet scent filling the air. Guests sat quietly, dressed in elegance, their eyes fixed on the aisle. Everything was perfect. Everything… except him. I stood at the altar, my fingers tightening around the bouquet in my hands. The soft fabric of my wedding dress brushed against the floor as I shifted slightly, trying to calm the growing unease in my chest. He’s just late, I told myself. But the whispering had already started. “Where is the groom?” “Why isn’t he here yet?” Each word felt like a needle against my skin. I forced a smile, even though my heart was beginning to race. Ten minutes passed. Then fifteen. The music had stopped. The air felt heavy. And then— “He’s not coming.” The voice was clear. Sharp. I turned slowly. Vanessa. My cousin. She walked down the aisle like she owned the place, her heels clicking against the floor. A slow, mocking smile curved her lips. My breath caught. She was wearing white. “No…” I whispered, shaking my head. “What are you doing?” She stopped right in front of me, her eyes scanning me from head to toe as if I were nothing. “Oh, you still don’t get it?” she said softly. A chill ran down my spine. “Ethan isn’t marrying you.” The words didn’t make sense. “What?” My voice cracked. She leaned closer, lowering her voice. “He chose me,” she said. “We’ve been together for months.” The world tilted. My grip loosened. The bouquet slipped from my hands and fell to the ground. “No… that’s not true.” “Then look for yourself.” The doors opened. Every head turned. My heart pounded so loudly I could barely hear anything else. Ethan walked in. Relief rushed through me— For a second. Until he walked past me. Just like I didn’t exist. And stopped beside Vanessa. “I’m sorry,” he said. But his eyes were cold. Empty. “I don’t love you.” A wave of silence crashed over the room. I felt it all at once—the stares, the whispers, the humiliation. My wedding. My moment. Destroyed. My throat burned, but I refused to cry. Not here. Not in front of them. Not in front of her. Before I could even speak, another voice cut through the tension. “Since the groom is unavailable…” It was calm. Deep. Powerful. Everyone turned. A man stepped forward from the crowd. Tall. Dressed in black. His presence alone made people shift uncomfortably in their seats. His eyes found mine—and held them. My breath caught. “Why don’t you marry me instead?” he said. Gasps filled the room. My heart skipped. “Excuse me?” I whispered. He walked closer, each step slow, deliberate. “Marry me,” he repeated. “And I’ll make everyone who embarrassed you today regret it.” I stared at him, my mind spinning. I didn’t even know who he was. But the anger inside me burned hotter than the fear. “Who are you?” I asked. A faint, dangerous smile touched his lips. “I’m the man who can destroy them.” He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a whisper only I could hear. “And…” His eyes darkened. “I’m Ethan’s older brother.”