Married to my brother-in-law

My name is Rubí Balmaceda. My father, Luca Balmaceda, has always been a cruel and ruthless man. He never cared about me or my siblings. My mother is submissive to him and has never defended us. She is everything I never want to be—a woman controlled by a man. However, I must marry because my family is facing an insurmountable financial crisis. In his desperation to maintain our status and properties, my father has struck a deal with the Fosters. In exchange for saving us from ruin, I must marry Diego Foster. I’m happy because Diego is the man I have always loved. Our parents are business partners, and we grew up together. He is perfect for me—loving, kind, a gentleman who treats me incredibly well. We have been engaged for over five years. I was filled with joy as I descended the stairs in my wedding dress. It was long and white, and my hair was styled in an elegant updo. My brother, Ryan, greeted me and took my hand. “You look beautiful, Rubí. You’re the most beautiful bride in the world,” Ryan said with a proud smile. “Thank you, little brother. I’m the happiest woman alive. Diego is the love of my life,” I replied, feeling happiness radiate from within me. “There’s a change of plans, Rubí,” Ryan informed me, his expression turning serious. “What change?” I asked, a flicker of unease settling in. “Let’s go to the church. We’re running late,” he answered, avoiding my gaze. As we drove to the church, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. My future with Diego was about to begin. But when the car stopped at the entrance, my father’s stern gaze met mine. “Ryan, get out now. Rubí, I need to speak with you before you go inside,” he ordered. My brother gave me a look before stepping out of the car. My heart stopped for a moment. What could be so important right now? “What is it, Dad?” I asked, trying to stay calm. “Diego won’t be at the church,” he said, his voice cold and calculated. “Instead, you will marry Michael Foster.” The ground beneath me seemed to crumble. “What? That’s impossible! Diego is my fiancé, the love of my life!” I cried, tears filling my eyes. “Diego ran away with your sister Romina,” my father explained. “Michael offered to take his place to save us from ruin and disgrace.” No. That couldn’t be. Diego wouldn’t leave me for my own sister. It was impossible. My father’s words hit me like one blow after another. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. My entire future, all my dreams, were shattering in that instant. “Dad, I can’t do this,” I whispered, feeling desperation consume me. “Michael Foster is a cruel man.” “Rubí, you have no choice. This is for the good of our family,” he replied harshly. “Now, go inside and do what you must.” As I stepped out of the car, Ryan squeezed my hand. He helped me wipe away my tears, but his gaze was filled with sympathy. I felt betrayed and trapped. When I entered the church, I saw Michael waiting for me at the altar. His deep blue eyes and dark hair gave him an undeniably handsome appearance, but he was cold and self-centered. From the first moment, his gaze was possessive, his posture arrogant. I took a deep breath, trying to summon the strength to move forward. This was the path I had to walk for the sake of my family and our future. As I walked down the aisle, each step felt like leaving a piece of myself behind. My dreams, my desires—everything I had ever wanted was slipping away with every step toward the altar. But I knew I had to be strong, for myself and for those who depended on this sacrifice. When I reached the altar, Michael looked at me with a mix of indifference and determination. “I never thought you’d be the one walking toward me today,” Michael said, his voice firm but devoid of emotion. “From this moment on, you are mine, whether you want it or not.” “Michael…” I tried to protest, but he gripped my hand tighter. “No more discussion, Rubí. This has already been decided,” he said sharply. The priest began the ceremony and asked us to exchange vows. My hands trembled as I looked at Michael, whose gaze remained intense and domineering. “I, Michael Foster, take you, Rubí Balmaceda, as my wife,” he said, his voice unwavering. “I promise to care for you and respect you, in wealth and in poverty, in sickness and in health, all the days of my life.” His words rang in my ears like a decree. “I, Rubí Balmaceda, take you, Michael Foster, as my husband,” I said, feeling the weight of every syllable. “I promise to care for you and respect you, in wealth and in poverty, in sickness and in health, all the days of my life.” The priest declared us husband and wife, and Michael leaned in to kiss me. It was cold and distant, nothing like the kiss I had dreamed of for my wedding day. But I knew I had to stay strong. As we walked out of the church together, the reality of my new future settled in. I was now married to Michael Foster, and my life would never be the same again.