“Who dare?”
Chapter 11
Phil strode into the hall, every eye magnetized to him the moment he appeared. His black suit fit him like it was made just for him–broad shoulders, slim waist, exuding that quiet kind of power you can’t help but notice
But it wasn’t just the suit. It was Phil himself those sharp features, the chiseled jaw the piercing eyes that just seemed to see right through you. His hair was swept back, nothing covering the strong lines of his face. And those eyes? They were fixed on Rosa up on the stage, full of a warmth and promise that felt like it was meant for her alone Like he was telling her. It’s okay. I’ve got you
Pinned to his chest was a crisp white boutonniere, right beside a name tag that announced to the world “Groom: Phil
For a heartbeat, the entire room went dead silent. Every single quest froze, almost like time itself had stopped
Flanking Phil were Grandpa Schuler and Granny Schuler, both radiating calm, with a squad of black–suited security behind them. With just a glance from Phil, the quards standing next to Lex, Austin, and Aiden were quietly and efficiently taken down–dragged out without a sound, like it was all part of the plan X
And yet, not a single thing at the wedding was out of place. The security team smoothed over any wrinkle, set every chair precisely, making sure nothing about the perfect ceremony was disturbed
Lev, Austin, and Aiden stood there in shock, totally blindsided.!!
Wan, what? Phil–their uncle–was Ross’s groom?1%
The brothers felt like they’d been hit by a truck. Their minds went blank, the whole world tilting on its axis. If this was really happening then what had they been doing all this time? Bullying their own future aunt?
That realization slammed into them, making it hard to even breathe.
They’d n They’d never wanted to marry Rosa. In fact, they should have been relieved she was marrying someone else today. Shouldn’t they be celebrating?%
But instead all they felt was this strange, heavy ache in their chests–like something important was slipping away and they couldn’t do a thing about it. They looked at each other, seeing the same confusion and panic minored in each other’s eyes)
But the ceremony didn’t pause for them. It rolled on, smooth as ever?
Phil stopped onto the stage and took Rosa’s hand. For once, his normally cool eyes softened, filled with a ram tendemess.
Grandpa and Granny Schuler watched, beaming–their worries finally put to rest
The officiant could barely keep the joy out of her voice, the excitement bubbling over as she spoke ‘Do you, bride and groom, promise to exchange vows today? To support and understand each other to cherish and respect each other, no matter what may come, for all the days of your lives?”
“We do,” Phil and Ross answered, their voices blending as one
The applause that followed was deafening–genuine, heartfelt blessings showering down on the couple.
Everyone except Lev, Austin, and Aiden.
They just stood there, fists clenched tight at their sides, unable to move, unable to cheer
“object” Aiden suddenly blurted out, the words bursting from him before he could stop them.
His head was spinning, his thoughts all tangled up. He didn’t even know why he said it just that something inside him needed to get out.
But his voice got lost in the roar of applause. No one heard him. The spark of courage died as fast as it had come, and when the clapping faded, he found he couldn’t bring himself to speak again
He’d always insisted he hated Base, that he never wanted to marry her. Now, with her marrying someone else, he should feel nothing but relief–no more annoying little shadow trailing after him.!!
This was supposed to be what he wanted.X
Aiden repeated that to himself, over and over, trying desperately to make it true!!
