You Are Mine

Chapter 6

Xavier finally reached the wedding venue, his heart beating steadily as he stepped out of the car. The grand decorations and celebratory atmosphere filled the air, but his mind was elsewhere.

As he looked up at the beautifully adorned place, a wistful smile touched his lips. "Don’t know when I’ll find you and when we’ll marry like this," he murmured to himself, his voice laced with longing.

Shaking the thought away, he sighed and straightened his jacket before heading inside. Just as he was about to enter, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He didn’t need to check to know who it was.

"Mom," he said, answering the call. "I’m already here. Just wait a minute."

"How could you get this late, Xavier?" her voice came, exasperated but loving.

Xavier chuckled, spotting her near the entrance. He tapped her shoulder lightly, making her turn. "I got stuck in traffic, Mom," he said with a playful smile.

Her eyes lit up when she saw him. "Xavier!" she exclaimed, hugging him tightly.

He returned the embrace with warmth. "Is it going on?" he asked, referring to the wedding.

"Yes, it’s already halfway through. Jace will be so angry with you for being late," she teased, though her tone held no real scolding.

"I came as quickly as I could, but traffic wasn’t kind today," he replied, his voice apologetic but casual.

"Alright, alright," she said, brushing it off. "Come on in. The ceremony is beautiful."

As they walked, Xavier’s eyes landed on the bride standing at the altar. Her face was obscured by the delicate veil, but her petite frame caught his attention.

"So, this is my sister-in-law," he said, his tone light but curious. He tilted his head slightly. "Isn’t she a bit too short?"

His mother shot him a look, lightly smacking his arm. "Stop making fun of her. She’s adorable!"

"I’ll be the judge of that when I see her properly," he quipped with a smirk.

"You haven’t seen her before?" she asked, surprised.

"If I had, would I be saying this?" he replied dryly, raising an eyebrow.

She sighed dramatically. "What’s the point of your life, Xavier? Such a waste—never even meeting your brother’s bride until today!"

He shrugged nonchalantly. "I’m not that interested, Mom, but since you and Jace sing her praises endlessly, I guess I’ll have to see what all the fuss is about."

"Everything about her is beautiful," she said with conviction.

At that moment, the priest’s voice cut through their conversation.

"From this day forward, you are husband and wife," he declared, his words resonating in the hall.

Xavier’s attention was drawn to the couple. The priest continued, "Now, you may kiss the bride."

Jace’s face lit up with pure joy as he turned to his bride. With a gentle motion, he lifted her veil, revealing her face to the crowd.

Xavier froze.

The world seemed to slow around him, his breath catching in his throat. His smile faltered, fading as his gaze locked onto her. It was her.

The girl he had been searching for. The one who had occupied his dreams and haunted his thoughts for years.

Shock surged through him, followed by a wave of disbelief and fury. His fists clenched at his sides as he watched Jace gently cup her face, leaning in to press a soft, passionate kiss to her lips.

Xavier’s chest tightened painfully, his heart racing. This wasn’t supposed to happen. She wasn’t supposed to be here, dressed as another man’s bride—his brother’s bride.

His blood boiled, jealousy and anguish twisting inside him like a knife. The sight of her standing so close to Jace, accepting his kiss with a shy smile, felt like a betrayal he couldn’t even voice.

His mother’s voice broke through his haze. "See? Isn’t she beautiful?" she whispered, mistaking his silence for awe.

Xavier didn’t respond. His jaw tightened as he forced himself to look away, his mind spinning with emotions he couldn’t contain. The room, once filled with joyous celebration, now felt suffocating.

He clenched his teeth, his thoughts spiraling. How could fate be so cruel?