Chapter 1

Samuel's POV

As I wiped away my tears, my voice trembled. "If you kept this secret for so long, why spill it now?"

My best friend, Harley Smith, evaded my gaze and adopted a preachy tone. "After ten years as friends, I couldn't bear watching you stay in the dark forever.

"Besides, Xander really wants your blessing. He feels it wouldn't be complete without you witnessing it. Look, I've told you the truth. After today, stop playing the other man in someone else's relationship, alright?"

Listening to Harley defend my twin brother, Xander Brooks, at every turn felt utterly ridiculous.

So he still remembered we'd been friends for ten years.

I had taken hits from street thugs for him and gotten him into a top company. I even arranged his girlfriend's job.

And now he was calling me the other man.

Ignoring him, I stared at the couple exchanging vows on stage, desperate to walk in and demand answers.

But the second I reached the ballroom entrance, two burly guards blocked my way. "Sorry, sir. This is a private event. Uninvited guests aren't allowed inside."

I pointed at the newlyweds in disbelief. "I'm the groom's brother. Why can't I go in?"

The guards exchanged awkward looks, then pointed toward a nearby sign. "Brother? That tracks. The groom's family specifically asked us to set this up, and they even showed us your photo. They said the groom's health is fragile, so we can't let you inside today."

Following his finger, I saw the line written across the elegant floral easel. "No admittance for Samuel Brooks."

The words struck my face like a vicious slap.

Staring dead at the sign, I couldn't stop my tears from bursting forth.

My fiancee, family, friends, and even total strangers had calculated every scenario to ensure Xander had a perfect wedding. They had even planned for the possibility of me showing up at the door.

Yet not a single person ever thought to give me an explanation.

Upbeat background music swelled as a slideshow video began playing on the main screen.

On screen, photos and videos of the two multiplied until they formed a massive, glowing heart.

I stared numbly, feeling my shattered heart lose its last remaining anchor.

In our five years together, Rosa Monroe and I barely had enough photos to count on both hands. She always claimed she just hated taking pictures.

Yet the screen was brimming with footage of her and Xander.

As the video played frame by frame, my vision blurred.

On our anniversary on July 30th, Rosa told me an urgent company meeting forced her to work overnight.

In reality, she and Xander had gone bungee jumping that day.

On September 8th, when a car crash left me with a broken bone and in need of care, not a single family member or friend could spare the time.

Yet the videos on screen showed that everyone who had claimed to be sick, visiting home, away on business, or working part-time had all lied in unison to plan a proposal surprise for Xander.

I was the only fool left trusting their lies.

Finally, the emcee smiled and asked Rosa, "Starting today, Mr. Xander Brooks takes on a new role in your life. Tell everyone, what is he to you?"

"He's my savior, my love, and most importantly, my husband."

Hearing Rosa's voice, I froze.

Savior?

A sudden wave of absurd anxiety rushed over me. But before I could process it, a voice cut in. "What are you doing here?"