As my brother’s wedding day approached, excitement mingled with a hint of tension in the air.
We all knew Liam loved dramatic gestures, and he had teased about a “big surprise” more than once.
Liam had always been the life of the party, thriving on theatrics. I assumed this was just another one of his elaborate stunts.
He and his fiancée, Denise, had been together for years. When she asked me to be a bridesmaid, she handed me a gift box filled with pampering treats.
“Please, Daphne,” she said warmly. “I want you by my side on the big day. You’re not just Liam’s little sister — you’re like a sister to me too.”
Of course, I agreed. Denise had earned a place in my heart over the years, having organized my 21st birthday when my friends let me down.
Throughout the planning, Denise often confided in me more than Liam. Meanwhile, Liam appeared detached, but secretly he was working on a video montage for the ceremony.
During a shopping trip, Denise asked if Liam was getting cold feet. I reassured her:
“No way. He’s busy with something special for you.”
Her eyes sparkled. “What? Tell me!”
“I can’t,” I laughed. “It’s a surprise!”
On the morning of the wedding, I arrived at the hotel early to check on Liam. He was calm, glass of champagne in hand, smirking.
“You have no idea what’s coming, Daph,” he said.
“Oh boy,” I teased. “Don’t leave me hanging.”
The ceremony itself was perfect — flowers, music, candles — everything as Denise had dreamed.
As they prepared for their vows, Liam interrupted the priest:
“Wait. I have something to share first.”
He pulled out a remote as two groomsmen wheeled a TV toward the altar.
“This is our love story,” Liam announced proudly, pressing play. The guests watched a montage of their first dates, silly moments, romantic trips, and cozy dinners.
Emotions ran high. Guests dabbed at tears.
Then the priest resumed and asked if anyone objected.
Liam dropped Denise’s hand and stepped back.
“I do,” he said firmly.
Denise looked shocked. “Liam, what are you talking about? This isn’t funny.”
“This isn’t a joke,” Liam replied coolly. He pressed another button on the remote, and the video changed.
It showed Denise at home, intimately entangled with another man.
The room froze. Guests stared in shock. Denise went pale.
“This can’t be real,” she whispered, trembling.
In the back row, the same man from the video stood abruptly, cursing.
“This is why there will be no wedding today,” Liam announced. His voice was calm but pained.
“I couldn’t let us pretend everything was perfect without everyone knowing the truth.”
The celebration’s mood collapsed. Denise staggered, kicked off her heels, and searched the crowd desperately.
“It’s not what you think,” she begged. “Liam, please, can we talk privately?”
I wanted to feel pity for her, but the evidence was undeniable. She had betrayed my brother.
Tears streamed as she tried again.
“How long?” Liam asked, voice low and shaking.
“Not long,” she stammered. “You weren’t supposed to find out.”
“In our house, Denise?” Liam spat. “You brought him into our home?”
Guests exchanged uneasy glances; the priest stepped back silently.
Liam walked away from the altar, leaving a devastated bride and stunned crowd.
Denise ran after him, calling his name, but he ignored her. Her mother hurried to intervene, but the damage was done.
Later, I found Liam at the hotel bar, glass in hand, looking crushed.
“Did you know?” he asked.
“Of course not,” I replied softly.
He explained that while compiling the video, he stumbled upon Denise’s folder on her phone, unlocked and unprotected.
“Was I wrong to expose her?” he asked.
“No. Maybe in private would’ve been better,” I said. “But it was the truth.”
Liam nodded, expression hard. Cheating was a line he would never cross.
After a moment, he said, “Let’s eat some of the wedding cake. No point letting it go to waste.”
I followed him to the deserted reception hall, determined to stand by him. My brother needed me more than Denise ever had.
