Brotherzoned

Isla’s POVClick. The rhythm of my camera shutter had become the sound of the evening. The scent of white roses, scented candles, and too much perfume filled the air. My assistant, Ava, hurried toward me through the crowd, clutching a clipboard like her life depended on it.“Okay, boss, we’ve got fifteen minutes before the bride makes her entrance,” she said, slightly breathless.“Perfect,” I replied, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear as I scanned the ballroom again. “Let’s make sure the secondary lights are steady near the dance floor, and I want someone stationed by the cake table.”“Yes, ma’am.” Ava grinned and jogged off.This was the biggest job I’d ever gotten, a high-profile wedding with guests whose jewelry alone could fund my entire studio. And I wouldn’t even have been here if not for Silas.Silas, my boyfriend, he’d called in a favor a month ago to land me this gig, told me I deserved to be seen. And here I was, trying to prove him right.I adjusted the lens and capt

IslaRain began to fall, heavy and unrelenting, turning the ground wet.My glasses fogged instantly, blurring the neon reflections of cars passing by. Every step I took was unsure, wobbling, my heels splashing through puddles on the uneven pavement behind the venue. My hands shook, not just from cold, but from shock, humiliation, and heartbreak. The scene inside the hall replayed endlessly behind my closed eyes: Silas’s smirk, that impossible wink, his hand in hers, the kiss. I could still feel the sting of betrayal burning under my skin.I stumbled toward the narrow alley behind the catering trucks, barely noticing the litter, cigarette butts, discarded napkins, half-empty cups scattered across the slick ground. It was lonely and quiet here.“Hey… hey there,” a voice hissed from the darkness. I froze, my chest tightening. Two men emerged from the shadows, their shapes looming, wet jackets clinging to their frames. The rain made them gleam in the light, and their slow approach sent a

ZayneI hated rain. Always had. But tonight, as I pulled into Dustfield, I didn’t even notice the slick, wet streets or the faint drizzle settling on the windshield. I parked outside the house, hands tight on the wheel. My chest was a little tighter than usual, and I hated the faint pulse of relief that rushed through me when I saw the warm lights inside. I stepped out of the car, the air cold against my skin. My shoes clicked against the wet concrete as I approached the front door. My phone buzzed in my pocket and I fumbled for it just to see Silas’s message:Silas: You left before the pictures. Can’t believe my best man ditched before the main show.I typed back immediately. Me: I hate rain. You already know that.Silas: How the fuck was I supposed to know the forecast would change?Me: Not my problem. Just fix me in there. You’ve got your wife—be happy with that.I shoved the phone back into my pocket, Sienna’s voice drifted from inside before I even rang the bell.“Zayne! About