Married to my brother.

Big brother's name wasn't Kaleb. His name was Jonathan Carter. We were foster children registered under Grandma Chichi Carter's name. She took Jonathan in first, and then they found me in the same landfill where they found my teddy bear. 

Grandma Chichi said big brother was busy scavenging when he found me.

He was the one who found me.

We've been inseparable ever since. He and Grandma Chichi practically raised me as a child to the woman I am today. And now he doesn't even remember anything about me? Not even my name? 

The wedding ceremony was short and secret. It was as if the Cross family avoided publicizing the marriage. 

There was no walking down the aisle, no tears, no flowers: Just me being surrounded by 10 members of the Cross family and Big Brother, who didn't even put any effort into dressing for the day. He still has the same black sweatshirts and joggers he wore the day before. He didn't look impressed with me. It made me want to cry. Big brother always looked at me with approval and admiration. I was his little pet that he protected even at the cost of his life. Now, he won't even say a word to me.

Are you mad at me for letting you go, big brother?

I couldn't say these words out loud. Not now that they all think I'm the crazy bride.

The Cross family are especially strange. They all came to this wedding union dressed like it was a funeral. However, unlike the groom, they put some effort into their looks. I couldn't tell who was who, as no one was willing to do an official introduction to this family. They only gather around me and Big Brother, looking at me like a meal they couldn't wait to devour.

What a strange family.

Our marriage documents were presented to us. Big Brother signed first. His gaze was nonchalant and distant, and then the documents were presented to me. 

My hands trembled as I held the pen. I had to keep my hand still with my other hand. 

Who would have thought, after all these years, that the only way I can reach my long-lost brother is to marry him?

I wish there were a way out of this. I wish I could scream into his ear to come back to me. But he rose to his feet after signing and walked out of the room, hands in his pockets. His family members trailed him with their eyes like they couldn't dare get in his way. Their eyes were on him till he slammed the door behind him. 

I could sense that the Cross family and those in the room were powerful individuals. There’s a rumor in town about how their wealth is gotten supernaturally. Yet somehow I knew they all revered, if not feared, Kaleb, despite him being the youngest among them.

"Sign the paper." One of the family members said. Her voice was calm, almost like a siren. I felt like I'd fall asleep if I heard it one more time.

Quickly, I drew my signature.

The deal is done.

I'm married to the man I love the most in the world.

A man who doesn't know who I am anymore.

***

There was a small cocktail party thrown after the wedding. The Cross filled the room with bland, rich people's classic music and slurped wine like they were immortals that humans weren't worthy of. 

I remained in the chair where I had signed the registry. Seated all by myself, out of place in this room full of rich, spoiled people. This was an opportunity to reach big brother outside this room and these people.

Maybe he'll stop pretending when none of these people are around. 

I jolted out of my seat, carefully weaving my way through the shadows at the corners, till I got out of the room.

Damn! The place is huge!

I didn't know where to turn to find Kaleb. But I moved anywhere, running through futuristic and aesthetic passageways, rooms framed with paintings worth a planet, to the veranda to see if he was outside. 

I asked aroun,d and the staff directed me to his room. It was on the top floor of the house, almost like Kaleb wanted to be as far away from people as possible. He is usually not like that. He loved being around people.

What could have happened to him?

What did they do to him?

I took the elevator. When I arrived at the door of Kaleb's room, I gulped nervously as I opened the door. Kaleb was in there talking to someone on the phone. He stopped when he noticed my presence. 

"What are you doing here?" He tucked his phone in his pocket. 

I clutched my hands together. How can I sound sane while convincing him that he is my big brother?

"I thought I told you to stay away from me!" His word sliced through me.

"You're not pretending, are you?" I looked into his eyes earnestly, hoping to find the truth there. But there was nothing but ruthless coldness in those eyes. Like he was a ghost.

"Pretending about what? You're lucky I agreed with my mum's crazy plans. I would have kicked you out."

"But I'm your sister. Your-" I hesitated, my emotions clogged my throat so much I felt I'd choke in my tears.

"I'm your little lilly, remember?"

He shook his head. "I never had a sister."

"But you did. We lived next to a landfill with Grandma Chichi. Remember? She'd make us Chicken bone soup and stale bread."

"I hate chicken and I don't eat bread."

I gasp.

For a moment, it felt like I was looking at a stranger. 

No, I told myself. This is my Big Brother.

"What about when you used to carry me on your neck and dance around. It was so silly even Grandma Chichi had a good laugh."

"My grandmother never laughs. She thinks those who laugh are fools, and I agree with her." He spat coldly.

Okay, now I'm losing it. I stepped closer, holding his face to mine.

"What did they do to you, Big Brother? You can tell me!" He pulled away from my grip, but I held it back again. "Those men...those men who shot you..." I stuttered, tears streaming down my face. "What did they do to you? Did they wipe your memories? How can you not remember me?!"

"Enough!" He pushed me away. This time I wanted to fall to the floor, sob, and pull my hair.

"My name is Kaleb!" He barked. "The next time you call me big brother I'd be kicking you out of this house!"

"What's going on here?" A voice sliced through the chaos between I and Kaleb. I hadn't even noticed the door had slid open, and someone was now in the room with us.

I turned and saw a girl with blonde hair and blue eyes in a white dress. She had a champagne flute hanging stylishly between her fingers. 

"It's nothing, babe." Kaleb finally said. 

Babe?

The girl walked into the room, curled her hands around Kaleb, and kissed his lips.

What?!

"Who are you?" I looked at her, more confused than I've ever been. 

"Your rival." She said sarcastically and stretched out her hands for a handshake. "Call me Jeanette. I'm Kaleb's girlfriend."

Girl what?

"Why is she standing there like slug honey?" Jeanette whispered in Kaleb's ears.

"Congratulations on your wedding Lilac." Jeanette turned to me. "I'd have you know that your role is to serve your husband and me, his girlfriend." She chuckled with spiteful playfulness. "Go fix us both a meal. Now!" Jeanette clapped at me. 

I stood there dazed. 

Big Brother has a girlfriend? 

How could he?!