Chapter 2

The three of them bustled in at once.

Mom and Dad started in with the exact same routine:

"Caleb is younger, he's just playful! He only chimed in at the ceremony for a laugh. You're the older brother, cut him some slack."

"Exactly. We're family! That’s how it’s always been. Why are you suddenly throwing a fit on your wedding day?"

Even Chloe chimed in, glaring at me with disappointment:

"Ashton, Caleb is your brother. I love you, which means I love your family."

"You're older than him, why take it so seriously? He came in here to smooth things over, so grow up and forgive him. Stop being so selfish, okay?"

I looked at Chloe, a profound chill settling over my heart.

She claimed she loved me, but she couldn't see my hurt or humiliation. In fact, she was forcing me to endure more of it.

A sudden, hollow laugh escaped my lips.

It hit me.

Chloe and I were truly over.

Seeing me smile, Chloe actually assumed I was backing down. She turned around to wave Caleb over from the corner, playing peacemaker.

"Caleb, come apologize to your brother. See? Ashton is reasonable after all."

Caleb tossed whatever was in his hands onto the couch and dragged his feet over:

"My bad, okay? Sorry for ruining your mood. Thanks for forgiving me."

But my eyes darted to the couch, noticing something off.

"What did you just throw?"

Caleb froze, instinctively tucking his right hand behind his back.

I stepped toward the couch.

Tumbled on the cushions was the velvet ring box meant for our wedding bands.

The lid was popped open, and the diamond engagement ring was missing.

Connecting the dots, I immediately knew what he was doing.

I grabbed his wrist and dragged his hand out from behind his back.

The custom-designed diamond ring was shoved onto his ring finger!

"Caleb, did you steal my wedding ring?"

Busted, Caleb yanked his hand away, his face turning red with defensiveness.

"Steal? Why do you always use such vile words?"

"I just tried it on! I'll take it off and give it back, okay?"

His eyes turned red as he began tugging at the band, muttering under his breath:

"You're my brother. What's wrong with letting me wear it for a second? First you ruin the ceremony, and now you're yelling at me."

"Ow! It hurts! It's completely stuck."

He made sure his voice carried across the room.

I knew this act wasn't meant for me.

It was a performance for his audience.

Predictably, the moment Caleb made a show of struggling for the third time, Chloe stepped in to stop him.

"Stop pulling, your skin is raw! If you like it that much, Caleb, just keep it."

"It’s just a symbol anyway. I’ll buy Ashton a new one later."

She turned to me, offering a placating look:

"Right, Ashton?"