The wedding

Aurora

The morning of the wedding arrived with soft golden sunlight and a sky so clear it looked almost painted.

I stood in front of the mirror in the hotel room, staring at the soft blush-colored bridesmaid dress. It fit well enough after the alterations, but I still felt expose, the fabric clung to every curve I had spent years trying to minimize I forced my shoulders back anyway. I would not hunch not today.

Then my mother stepped out of the dressing room, and for a moment I forgot how to breathe.

Elena looked breathtaking, her ivory dress was elegant and timeless, with delicate lace that clung to her figure in all the right places before flowing gracefully to the floor. Her hair was swept up in soft waves, a few loose strands framing her face, and a simple pearl necklace rested against her collarbone.

She looked radiant younger, lighter, and genuinely happy.

“You look beautiful, Mom,” I said, and I meant it with my whole heart.

She turned to me, and something softer than usual crossed her face. “Thank you, you look lovely too” I smiled warmly.

The ceremony took place in the garden of a private estate. The moment we arrived, I had to admit it was stunning. White roses and soft greenery cascaded from every archway.

Rows of white chairs faced a flower-covered altar, and the air smelled of fresh blooms and cut grass. Everything looked expensive, carefully planned, and almost unreal in its beauty.

I walked down the aisle first, clutching my small bouquet.

Guests turned to watch, but I kept my eyes forward… until I reached the front and saw Dominic.

He was already staring at my mother as if she was the only person in the entire garden. The expression on his face was open and full of quiet wonder when Elena finally appeared at the end of the aisle, his eyes shone with pure love. He didn’t look away from her once not even for a second.

I felt something twist in my chest.

Part of me was glad, she deserved someone who looked at her like that. Another part of me the guarded, proud part still feared it wouldn’t last rich men could be charming until they got bored.

Still, I couldn’t deny how beautiful they looked together.

When Elena reached him, Dominic took her hands like they were made of glass. His voice was steady but thick with emotion as he said his vows my mother actually cried soft, happy tears. For a few minutes, I let myself believe that maybe she had found something real.

Prescott stood beside his father, tall and striking in a perfectly tailored black suit. I felt his gaze on me more than once, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of looking back for long. Whenever our eyes did meet, that familiar spark of amusement danced in his. Even on his father’s wedding day, he seemed to find my discomfort entertaining.

The moment the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, applause rose around the garden. Dominic kissed my mother with so much tenderness that several guests let out soft “awws.” I clapped along with everyone else, my smile polite and carefully controlled.

It was official.

Prescott Zane was now my stepbrother.

The reception took place under a large white tent soft music played, Champagne flowed, I stayed near the edges as much as possible, speaking only when spoken to. Every time I felt eyes on me, I kept my chin high.

I was standing by the dessert table when a familiar voice spoke behind me.

“You cleaned up nicely, stepsister.”

I turned slowly. Prescott stood there in a perfectly tailored black suit, one hand in his pocket, looking completely at ease the afternoon light caught the sharp lines of his face.

“Don’t call me that,” I said under my breath.

He smiled, clearly pleased by my reaction. “It’s accurate now. Legal, even. How does it feel?”

“Like a bad dream I can’t wake up from.”

He actually chuckled. “Harsh. And here I was going to offer you a congratulatory drink.”

“I don’t need anything from you.”

He chuckled, completely unbothered. “You’re really committed to this whole cold-shoulder thing even on a day this beautiful.”

“The day is beautiful,” I admitted quietly, glancing around the glowing tent. “That doesn’t change anything else.”

His eyes studied me with open curiosity. “Most women would be excited to be part of this family. You’re acting like you’ve been handed a prison sentence.”

“Maybe I have,” I replied. “Your world and mine aren’t the same, Prescott. I’m not going to pretend they are.”

Something flickered in his eyes but before he could answer Dominic and my mom called to us…

We walked toward them. My mother’s face was still glowing with happiness, and Dominic’s hand rested protectively on the small of her back.

“We’re leaving for the airport soon,” Elena said, smiling at both of us. “We’re starting our honeymoon in Dubai, and then we’ll be traveling through a few different countries. We’ll be gone for about a month”.

Dominic turned his attention to me. His expression was kind but serious.

“Aurora, I know you’ve been hesitant about accepting a position at the company,” he began. “Your mother told me you don’t want any favors or special treatment I respect that. Truly. That’s why the offer I’m making is not charity.”

I stayed silent, waiting.

“I’d like you to work as Prescott’s assistant,” he continued. “It’s a real position with real responsibilities. You’ll earn your place the same way everyone else does. No special privileges In fact, I’ve instructed not to mention that you’re now part of the family. As far as the staffs are concerned, you’re simply a new employee. I believe that will make things more comfortable for you.”

He glanced at his son. “Prescott, I’m counting on you to train her properly and look out for her while we’re away.

Prescott’s mouth curved into that familiar half-smile. “Of course, Dad. I’ll take very good care of her after all she’s my sister now”.

The way he said it made my skin prickle.

Dominic looked back at me. “The choice is still yours, Aurora. But I hope you’ll at least give it a chance you have my word nothing will be handed to you.”

I met his eyes, searching for any sign of pity I found none. Only calm sincerity.

After a long moment, I gave a small nod. “Alright I accept” after all the other jobs turned me down.

“That’s good,” Dominic replied.

My mother pulled me into a quick hug. “Be good,” she whispered. “And try not to fight with him every day.”

Soon after, the newlyweds were gone, leaving a trail of well-wishes behind them.

The drive to the Zane mansion was quiet, Prescott sat beside me in the back of the black car, scrolling through his phone as if he didn’t have a care in the world. I kept my arms folded and my gaze fixed out the window.

When we finally arrived, the massive house looked even more imposing at night, its modern structure glowing with warm lights.

Prescott stepped out first and some staffs showed up and grabbed my small suitcase before I could reach for it.

“I can carry my own bag,” I said.

“I know,” press replied easily, already walking toward the front doors. “But we have staffs here let them do their jobs, Try not to take it as a personal attack on your independence.”

I followed him inside, my heels echoing against the marble floor. The entrance hall was enormous, all clean lines, glass, and soft lighting.

He led me up the wide staircase and down a long hallway before stopping in front of a door.

“This is your room,” he said, opening it and the staff setting my suitcase inside. “If you need anything, my room is the last door on the left, try not to miss me too much.”

I stepped past him into the room without answering. It was beautiful spacious, elegantly furnished, with large windows that probably had an incredible view in the daylight. But I refused to let myself feel impressed.

Prescott lingered in the doorway for a moment, that same amused expression still on his face.

“Welcome home, stepsister.”

Then he closed the door, leaving me alone in the silence of my new reality.

I sat down on the edge of the bed, still wearing the blush-colored dress, and stared at the unfamiliar walls.

A whole month.

Just the two of us in this house.

Now I have to live with my step brother.