Days passed
Edward and Carl were in their third year of college. Their days were predictable—morning lectures they barely paid attention to, afternoons spent goofing around, and nights lost in the dimly lit corners of a pub, laughing over drinks. Life was simple.
Or at least, it seemed that way.
But beneath Edward's usual smirk and carefree attitude was something deeper—something he never spoke about.
Chris had invited them over for a special dinner at his place. The moment they arrived, he handed Edward an apron.
"You're cooking."
Edward rolled his eyes but didn't argue. Chris knew how good he was in the kitchen.
While Edward worked the stove, Carl sat on the counter, tossing snacks into his mouth, offering useless comments about how real chefs don't need recipes.
Lilly, Chris's girlfriend, leaned against the door-frame, watching them with amusement. She had always been curious about Edward. Unlike Carl, who was an open book, Edward was guarded, his past hidden behind careful smiles.
After dinner, as they sat around chatting, Lilly finally asked, "What about your family, Edward?"
Carl answered first, sharing his story without hesitation. Then, all eyes turned to Edward.
Before he could speak, Chris interjected, "His parents passed away."
Silence.
Lilly's expression shifted from curiosity to something softer—something sad. Without thinking, she stood up and walked over to Edward, wrapping her arms around him.
"I'm so sorry," she whispered, her voice breaking.
Edward stiffened. It had been years since anyone had hugged him like that. He wasn't sure how to react.
"I can't imagine what you went through," she said, holding on as if she could somehow erase the pain he never talked about.
When she finally pulled away, she smiled. "You're not alone anymore, okay? You have us. We're your family now. Treat me as your big sister."
Something inside Edward shifted. For the first time in years, warmth seeped into the cracks of his guarded heart.
Lilly turned to Chris and declared, "I want to adopt him."
Chris chuckled while Carl smirked.
Edward let out a rare, quiet laugh.
Maybe this is what family was supposed to feel like.
After dinner, while the boys cleared the table, Lilly and Edward washed the dishes together.
"Do you have any plans for Monday?" Lilly asked casually.
Edward shook his head. "No, why?"
"Then come to Lisa's wedding with me and Chris."
The plate in Edward's hands slipped slightly before he steadied it.
"No. I'm not coming. I'm not invited." His voice was firm.
Chris and Carl walked in at that moment.
"Yeah, we should all go," Chris added casually, as if it were a simple suggestion.
Edward's hands clenched. "No! I can't come."
Lilly crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering. "When I say you should come, you will come. Got it?"
Edward sighed in defeat. "Yes, ma'am."
"That's my cute little one," she teased, pinching his cheek.
"But I don't have an invitation," he muttered.
"You don't need one. You're family. If anyone asks, just tell them you're Lilly's younger brother."
Carl glanced at Edward. "Are we really going?"
Edward exhaled sharply. "You heard her. We're going."
Monday Morning
Edward's Point Of View
Today is the day.
Lisa is getting married.
The girl i loved is getting married today and I'm gonna watch it on my own eyes
I adjusted my suit, feeling suffocated. Carl stood outside, already dressed, waiting.
A few minutes later, Chris pulled up in his car.
Wow, you both look good. Isn't that right babe? He said, turning to Lilly.
She smirked. "Hey, it's my sister's wedding, not yours."
We laughed, but my laughter felt forced.
The car ride was short, yet it stretched unbearably long in my mind.
The moment we arrived at the wedding venue, I scanned the hall. Everything was grand—elegant decorations, a sea of guests, cheerful chatter.
But none of it mattered.
Lisa was there. And she was about to belong to someone else.
Lilly went to check on her sister while we found seats. Chris, the devoted boyfriend, focused only on Lilly. Carl? His eyes roamed, scouting pretty girls.
Me?
I sat there, feeling utterly broken.
The first girl I ever loved was about to become someone else's wife.
Lilly hugged Lisa tightly. "Congratulations!"
Lisa hesitated, her smile faltering.
"Am I making the right decision?" she whispered.
Lilly frowned. "What do you mean?"
Lisa hesitated before confessing everything—how her father was forcing her into this marriage to save his business, how her fiancé was dangerous, how she had no way out.
Lilly's hands clenched into fists. "Why didn't you say anything earlier?! If I had known, I would've helped!"
Lisa shook her head. "There's nothing you can do. It's already decided."
Lilly pulled her into another hug. Everything will be okay. Trust me."
But as she left the room, her expression was dark with anger.
She immediately found Chris and Carl, telling them everything.
Chris slammed his fist against the table. "Her father is marrying her off to a criminal to save his business? That's disgusting!"
Carl looked around. "This has to be illegal. Should we call the cops?"
Lilly shook her head. "Even if we do, Lisa's fiancé has powerful connections. He can get away with anything."
I clenched my fists.
I wanted to help Lisa.
But what could I do?
I was powerless.
After sometime later
The groom entered the hall.
He walked with arrogance, his presence dark and intimidating. He looked like a criminal.
Because he was one.
Moments later, Lisa arrived, escorted by her father.
Her face was blank. Empty.
The priest began the ceremony, reciting prayers before finally asking:
"Do you take Lisa as your lawfully wedded wife, to cherish and love for the rest of your life?"
The hall fell silent.
All eyes were on the groom.
Seconds passed.
Then, finally—
"No."
Gasps filled the hall.
Lisa's eyes widened in shock.
Her father stiffened, his grip on her tightening.
And Edward?
He sat frozen, his mind racing.
What the hell just happened?