As my brother’s wedding approached, excitement and worry grew.
Knowing my brother’s penchant for complex pranks and his repeated hints of a “big surprise” set us on edge.
He always was the light of the party and lived on theatrics, so I figured this was no different.
Liam was engaged to Denise after years together. Being invited to be a bridesmaid by Denise was expected.
She smiled and said, “Please, Daphne,” offering me a gift basket of soothing delights. Come with me on my big day. I consider you my sister, not simply Liam’s younger sister.”
Yes, I agreed. Denise had won my heart over the years.
She planned my 21st birthday after my buddies let me down.
Denise mostly told me about her wedding preparation enthusiasm, not Liam.
Liam was rarely engaged in planning. I knew he was covertly making a ceremonial film montage.
Denise asked me whether Liam had cold feet while shopping. I reassured her.
“No way,” I said. “He’s working on something special for you.”
Curiosity lit her gaze. “What? Tell me!”
“I can’t,” I chuckled. “A surprise!”
I came early at their hotel on the wedding morning to check on Liam before joining Denise and the bridesmaids.
He grinned and drank champagne calmly. daph, you have no clue what’s coming.”
“Oh boy,” I joked. “Don’t abandon me.”
The ceremony was perfect, like Denise had hoped. The space seemed wonderful with flowers, calm music, and candle aroma.
Liam looked to the priest before their vows.
“Wait,” he said. “I’d like to share something with everyone first.”
His dramatic remote pull came as two groomsmen carried a TV to the altar.
“This is our love story,” Liam said.
He hit play, and everyone witnessed a poignant montage of their first date, goofy home moments, romantic getaways, comfortable meals, and many wonderful memories.
Emotional visitors sniffled and wiped tears.
However, the priest continued the ceremony and asked for objections.
Liam dropped Denise’s hand and retreated, shocking us.
“I do,” he responded confidently.
Stumped, Denise stared at him. “What are you talking about, Liam? It’s not funny.”
“This isn’t a joke,” Liam said calmly.
He held up the remote again, pushing another button. Screen video changed instantly.
The latest video showed Denise at home in lingerie, deeply involved with another guy.
Denise became pale as a sheet, shocking the room.
“This can’t be real,” she muttered, shaking.
The video’s guy jumped up suddenly, cursing, in the rear row.
“This is why there will be no wedding today,” Liam said.
His quiet voice conveyed agony. “I couldn’t let us stand here, pretending everything was perfect, without everyone knowing the truth.”
Suffocating quiet filled the room. Disbelief and pain replaced joy in an instant.
Denise swayed, kicked off her heels, and grabbed them, desperately scanning the throng.
“It’s not what you think,” she pleaded. “Liam, can we talk privately?”
Denise was like a sister to me, so I felt sorry for her. Video proof was undisputed. She betrayed my brother.
She pleaded with him again, crying.
“How long?” With rage, Liam asked low and shaking.
She stifled, “Not long.” You weren’t meant to know.”
“In our house, Denise?” Heartbroken, Liam spit back. “You brought him home?”
The visitors seemed uneasy, talking or frozen in shock.
The priest moved back softly, perhaps wondering whether they needed therapy instead of a ceremony.
Liam turned and left the altar, leaving the congregation and bride sad.
She chased him and called his name, but he ignored her. Denise’s mother chased them to save the moment.
Later that day, I saw Liam in the hotel bar drinking and eating olives, looking as devastated as ever.
“Did you know?” he questioned, scanning my face.
“Of course not,” I said quietly.
Liam said he accidentally found Denise’s footage while making the wedding video.
He stated, “I was looking through her phone to maybe grab more pictures.” And I discovered that folder. She hadn’t locked it.”
Finishing his drink, he became quiet.
He wondered, “Was I wrong to expose her?”
I paused before responding. “No. Maybe you could have done it privately. No one knows what she will do next.
Though he bowed, Liam showed no forgiveness. He had never tolerated cheating.
I was signaled after a moment. He remarked, “Let’s go eat some of the wedding cake,” almost jocularly. “No point wasting that, too.”
I accompanied him to the empty reception hall to support him. Despite my feelings for Denise, my brother needed me more.
