The Wedding Where I Was The Witness, Not The Bride Chapter 03

The Wedding Where I Was The Witness, Not The Bride Chapter 03

For two weeks in the hospital, I followed the wedding preparations online. The simple, elegant venue I’d chosen had been replaced with princess-pink, Wren’s favorite. Balloons everywhere.

My parents, in their formal wear, smiled as Wren served them champagne.

Marcus posted ten videos a day, captioning each one with tears:

Marcus: [Our little crybaby’s all grown up. I’m so proud of you, sis.]

Friends texted me, confused:

Friend: [Clementine, is your sister getting married with you?]

I didn’t answer. I took a cab home.

Grayson was peeling an apple for Wren. When he saw me, he instinctively stepped in front of her. “Why are you here?”

I said calmly, “I need to get some clothes.”

He relaxed, lowering his voice. “Wren hasn’t forgiven you yet. Stay at the hospital a few more days—I’ve covered all the fees.”

I went to my room, packed, and took my ID and passport. I opened the silk box at the back of my cabinet. The jade bracelet was gone. My head buzzed.

I walked back to the living room. Wren was wearing it. The soft green color looked warm and comforting.

Dad didn’t even look up. “She found it a couple days ago and decided she wanted it. Don’t make a scene.”

Marcus cooed, “Who’s my only little princess?” She raised her hand proudly.

I held out mine, my voice hoarse. “Give it back.”

She shrank into Mom’s arms, sobbing. “No! Mean sister!” She started throwing things at me.

Dad shielded her, roaring. “It’s just a bracelet! What, you’re going to die without it?” But I couldn’t feel the pain in my body anymore. It was as if a blade had pierced straight through my heart.

“It’s the only thing Grandma left me. It’s mine.”

He scoffed. “Your grandmother’s dead. Are you trying to tear this family apart? She was Wren’s grandmother too. There’s a limit to this jealousy.”

I lunged for the bracelet. Wren screamed, dodging, falling, scraping her knee. The bracelet shattered.

Blood rose in my throat. I tried to pick up the pieces, my fingers already bleeding. Marcus yanked me up and slapped me across the face—a sound that made everyone stop.

He grabbed my collar. “Are you insane?” He kicked the shards toward me, forcing me to my knees. “You need to learn your lesson, or you’ll think you can do whatever you want.”

He dragged me over like an animal, humiliating me in front of everyone.

Grayson watched. Something flickered in his eyes—hesitation. He even moved his foot, just an inch. Then Wren shed a few tears for him. He turned away and draped his jacket over her shoulders.