The Twin Brothers Who Ruined My Wedding

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The pregnancy report was still warm between my fingers as I stood in the middle of my apartment, picturing Julians reaction once I told him. It was his birthday todayhis family had rented an entire garden venue, lanterns hanging, fireworks planned for later. I was supposed to surprise him there, early, before everyone arrived.

Youre going to be a father, Julian. Id been repeating it in my head all morning, like I was afraid it might disappear if I stopped.

Then my phone rang.

His name lit up the screen and I answered right away, a smile already on my face. Julian? Im actually on my way to

Aria, I cant come tonight. His voice cut in fast, almost impatient. Something came up at the office. Emergency stuff. Ill be stuck here for hours.

My smile faded. But its your birthday

I know. Just go home. Well talk tomorrow. No warmth. No hesitation. Just that.

Okay just be safe, I said quietly.

He didnt respond.

There was a faint sound, like the call shouldve endedbut it didnt. A second voice slipped through the line.

Tell Mira I wont be there long, Julian said under his breath. I still have to handle the wedding issue. And Aria keeps asking too many questions.

My whole body went still.

Mira? That name dug up something I hadnt touched in years. High school. Old memories Id rather forget. Was it the same Mira?

Before I could even think, another voice came throughdeeper, rougher, almost identical to Julians.

Your wedding or mine? Youre barely even showing up. Im the one in her bed anyway, right, twin brother?

Twin brother?

My grip tightened on the paper until it crumpled.

Julian hissed back, Shut up, Kieran. Im marrying her because of Grandma. She insisted before she passed out last time, and Grandma adores her. Its her wish.

Kieran laughed like it was nothing. So its Grandmas wedding now? Meanwhile you keep running to Mira like a pet. And me? Im just your replacement when youre busy.

I love Mira, Julian said sharply. And you said youd help me if I handled Grandma. So do it. His voice dropped lower. Ive been trying to delay the wedding until Grandma passes. But its impossible. FineIll divorce Aria after shes gone.

Everything inside me started to fall apart.

Kieran scoffed. Or I just stay the husband. How many times did I sleep with her and she didnt even notice?

A pause. Then Julian snapped, furious. Kieran, I told you not to touch her. If Mira finds out, Im done for.

She never noticed the difference anyway, Kieran said lazily. She doesnt even know you have a twin.

That was the moment everything shattered.

The line went dead.

My phone slipped from my hand and hit the floor, but I didnt move. I couldnt. The room felt too quiet, too far away. The pregnancy report bent and twisted in my fist. My chest tightened until breathing hurt.

Not now please, not now.

My body reacted before my mind could catch uppanic crashing in waves, vision shaking, air thinning. I stumbled toward the drawer, grabbing my anxiety pills with trembling hands.

Just breathe. Just breathe.

I poured a few into my palm and swallowed them quickly. Then more.

But the moment they went down, something was wrong.

It burned.

Sharp. Wrong. Like fire sliding down my throat.

I choked, grabbing the counter. My stomach twisted violently. The room tilted.

What? I gasped.

Sweat broke out across my skin. My knees gave out. I hit the floor hard, my body convulsing as nausea tore through me. I tried to reach for my phonebut my strength was gone.

Everything spun.

Then nothing.

The next thing I heard was distantmachines beeping, rushed footsteps, voices overlapping like I was underwater.

A doctors voice cut through clearly. This isnt her prescribed medication. This is incorrect. Completely wrong.

A nurse answered quickly, Her records show shes been on it for months. Her fianc keeps bringing her refills.

The doctor cursed under his breath. This dosage couldve killed her. Why would she be taking this? Does she even know

He stopped.

A heavy silence followed.

Someone may have wanted her dead.

A cold wave ran through me even though I couldnt move.

And suddenly, it all connected.

Julian was always the one who brought my medicine.

Julian was always the one insisting hed handle everything.

Julian was always saying, Dont worry. Ive got you.

But now

Someone had been trying to erase me.

And he had been the one making sure I swallowed it.

My eyes barely opened through the blur of hospital lights. My hand moved weakly to my stomach.

My baby.

My voice broke in the darkness.

Julian what did you do to me?

I came to with the sharp sting of disinfectant in the air and blinding white light pressing against my eyelids.

For a moment, I didnt know where I was. Then everything rushed back all at once, hitting me so hard it felt like Id been thrown.

My throat tightened as I blinked slowly and forced my eyes open. A nurse noticed immediately and moved closer.

Oh, youre awake, she said softly. Ill go get the doctor.

I tried to push myself up, but pain spread through my body in waves. My hand went straight to my stomach without thinking.

The baby.

Before fear could fully take over, the door opened and the doctor came in, flipping through my file as he walked.

You collapsed because of incorrect medication, he explained calmly. But the baby is still alive.

My breath caught.

Part of me expected relief. Maybe even happiness. But there was nothing like thatjust a strange emptiness sitting heavy in my chest.

Because that baby I didnt even know who I was supposed to be carrying it for anymore.

Julian or Kieran. Either answer felt like poison.

The doctor studied me closely. Would you like to listen to the heartbeat later?

I immediately shook my head.

His brows rose slightly. Ms. Calloway

My voice came out broken. I want it terminated.

He paused. Youre requesting an abortion?

Yes, I said quietly. As soon as possible.

He exCallowayd slowly, like he was weighing every word before speaking. Aria with your condition, you know how hard it was for you to get pregnant in the first place.

I stayed silent.

If you proceed, he added carefully, you may not be able to conceive again. Are you certain?

My chest twisted painfully, but I still nodded.

He looked at me for a long moment, something like pity in his eyes. Alright. Ill schedule it in three days.

Three days.

Three days to cut the last remaining thread tying me to Julian. Three days to erase everything. Three days to learn how to breathe again.

When he left, I sank back into the pillow, staring blankly at the ceiling as my thoughts dragged me somewhere I didnt want to go.

Two years ago.

I was carrying grocery bags in one hand and school books in the other when I saw her collapse.

Julians grandmotherRosemarie.

I didnt know her then. Just an elderly woman suddenly falling on the pavement, clutching her chest, struggling to breathe.

Something in me reacted before I could even think. I dropped everything and ran.

Maam, can you hear me? I asked, lowering her carefully. Her breaths were shallowtoo shallow.

A heart attack.

My hands shook as I called emergency services, then immediately started first aid. I remembered every training I had, every drill Id ever done. I kept her stable, kept her talking, checked her pulse again and again while waiting for help.

When the ambulance finally arrived, she grabbed my hand tightly.

Dont leave me, she whispered, tears in her eyes. You saved me.

At the time, I didnt understand how serious those words were.

The next day, her entire family appeared at my hospitalincluding Julian.

He barely looked at me then. Polite, distant, like I was just another stranger.

But Rosemarie she held onto me like I mattered.

Youre different, she told me. You saved my life. Let me give you one in return.

I was drowning back then. Barely survivingliving in a cramped apartment with my sick mother, juggling hospital shifts and school, terrified my scholarship could disappear any day.

I had nothing stable. No safety net. No future I could trust.

So when she suggested marrying her grandson I thought maybe life was finally giving me something back.

A home. Security. A family. A chance to finally breathe.

Julian smiled at me too. Soft. Kind. At least, I believed it was real.

Two years passed like that.

Dinner dates. Quiet conversations. Hands brushing like it meant something. Waking up next to a man I thought I knew.

Two years of believing I was loved.

Now I knew better.

It was never Julian.

It had always been Kieranthe twin I never even knew existed.

And Julian the real one belonged to someone else entirely.

The realization made my stomach turn.

A knock pulled me back. A nurse came in holding a small cup.

I brought you water. Try to rest, she said gently.

I nodded and took a small sip, even though my stomach was already uneasy.

I closed my eyes for a moment, letting exhaustion pull me under.

Peace lasted barely half a minute.

My phone suddenly vibrated hard against the bed.

I reached for it, expecting a hospital update or maybe something ridiculous like Julian checking in.

But the screen made my blood run cold.

Hospital Alert: URGENT Maria Calloway

My mother.

My chest tightened instantly. She was at the cardiac center.

Before I could even process it, the phone rang again.

This time, it was her.

I answered immediately. Mom? Mom, are you alright?

Her voice was faint, fragile. Aria Im okay. What about you?

Tears stung my eyes. Im fine, Mom. Why did the hospital contact me? Whats going on?

She let out a weak, shaky laugh. I just wanted to hear you. I dont think I can wait until your wedding anymore.

My chest cracked.

Mom, please dont say that. Dont talk like youre

Listen, she interrupted softly, each word slower than the last. Youve always been strong, Aria. Stronger than I ever was.

Mom

Im proud of you, she whispered. And I love you. Always.

A sob broke out of me. I love you too. Please dont hang upjust stay with me

Im sorry, baby.

The line cut.

NoMom! No, no, pleaseMom! I screamed into the dead silence.

I ran.

Out of the room. Down the hallway. Past nurses calling after me. I didnt stop. I couldnt.

My legs barely worked, my vision blurred, but I forced myself outside, got into a cab, and begged the driver to go faster.

The ride felt like it stretched forever, each second crushing my chest a little more.

When I finally reached the hospital and rushed into the ICU, everything went quiet.

A nurse looked up.

One glance at her face told me everything before she even spoke.

Aria she said gently, stepping closer. Im so sorry. Your mother didnt survive.

My mothers funeral felt unreal, like I was just drifting through it without actually being there. I stood beside her coffin like a hollow version of myself, staring at the woman who had been my whole worldnow silent, cold, unreachable.

Her last call kept replaying in my head. The way she tried to sound calm. The way she said goodbye as if she still had time.

Inside, I felt completely empty.

Julian never came. No calls. No messages. Nothing.

So I didnt tell him either. He didnt know my mother was gone. He didnt know I had collapsed. He didnt know I was pregnant. He didnt know I had already chosen to end it.

And maybe that was the truthI wasnt important enough for him to care, unless he chose to. I was just too blind to see it before.

When I got back home, the apartment felt heavier than ever, like even the air had given up. I hugged my mothers worn sweater tightly against my chest and slid down to the floor, crying until my throat felt raw and useless.

I didnt know how long I stayed there.

Maybe hours. Maybe the whole night.

Then the door opened.

Julian walked in like nothing had happened in the world.

Aria? he called casually, almost cheerful. I brought you somethingGrandma said you might like it.

He came in holding shopping bagsexpensive brands, perfumes, clothes I used to love once, back when life still felt normal.

He didnt even glance at my face properly. Didnt notice my swollen eyes. Didnt see how drained I looked. The funeral card was still on the table, but it didnt register to him.

Instead, he smiled like everything was fine. I missed you.

I just stared at him.

He dropped onto the couch and casually pulled out wedding brochures like we were talking about dinner plans. So garden wedding or hotel ballroom? Grandma wants us to decide soon.

My silence didnt stop him. He kept flipping pages. Oh, and I spoke to someone I know who has contacts in London. They can get you into a solid medical program there.

I blinked slowly. London?

He nodded, almost excited. Yeah. Top schools, great future. Youve always wanted to be a doctor, right? This is your chance.

And leave? I asked quietly.

He gave a small shrug. Long distance isnt impossible. Well manage. Maybe its even better. You focus on your studies. And I he smiled lightly focus on business.

Something cold settled in my chest.

If this was the old me, I wouldve believed it was love and support. Now I could only see it for what it wasconvenience. A way to quietly move me out of the picture when I was no longer useful. A way to pass me around without Grandma noticing.

My fingers curled tightly in my lap. Do you want me gone?

He didnt answer.

That silence was enough.

Something inside me didnt just hurtit snapped into place. Like everything suddenly made sense.

I nodded faintly. Ill think about it.

His face brightened immediately. Good. Really, London would suit you.

Of course it would. For him.

He stood, straightening his suit as if nothing heavy had just been said. Actually, I want you to meet someone. Two people, really.

My body tensed.

He opened the door wider.

And I saw him.

Kieran.

Same face. Same eyes. But the expression was completely differentmocking, casual, like he was already enjoying the moment.

Aria, he said with a grin too wide to be genuine. Nice to finally meet you properly.

My lungs tightened. My hands went cold.

Julian looked pleased, completely unaware of what was happening inside me. Thats my twin brother. I shouldve introduced him earlier, but he travels a lot. And well, things with Grandma werent great before. Only recently did he come back and apologize.

I couldnt even process it properly. My chest felt like it was being pressed from all sides.

Then the door shifted again.

And she walked in.

Mira.

The same girl who had made my life miserable since school.

The queen of every hallway she enteredalways loud, always untouchable, always making sure I knew I didnt belong anywhere near her world.

She ruined my name with rumors, turned people against me with whispers, laughed at my clothes, and made sure I never felt safe walking alone. She cornered me, humiliated me, and turned every day into something I had to survive instead of live.

And somehow, she still looked perfect.

Red lipstick. Soft curls. Expensive dress. She lit up the room like she owned it.

Aria! she squealed dramatically, rushing toward me with open arms. Oh my gosh, its been forever!

Before I could even step back, she hugged me.

My body went rigid instantly.

Every nerve in me recoiled at the contact, like my skin refused to accept it.

She pulled away slightly, studying me. Her smile wavered when she saw I wasnt smiling back.

A small pout formed. What, still not over me? she said lightly, tilting her head. Then she gave a soft laugh. Wait shouldnt I be the one scared of you? You used to bully me, remember?

My breath caught.

Julian turned sharply toward me. Bully you? Aria, what is she talking about?

Mira placed a hand on her chest like she was hurt. Oh I guess she never mentioned it, she said sweetly. We were friends once. Until she turned on me.

I shoved Mira hard enough that she staggered back, a sharp gasp escaping her lips.

Youre the one who ruined me! I cried, my voice cracking under the weight of everything. You destroyed my life!

I didnt stay to hear anything else. I turned and bolted out of the apartment, tears already blurring my sight.

Behind me, Julians voice snapped through the air. Aria!

But I didnt stop. I couldnt. My chest felt tight, like something inside me was collapsing in on itself.

I barely made it to the hallway when he caught up. His hand clamped around my arm and spun me back toward him.

What is wrong with you? he hissed.

I cant My breath turned thin and uneven. Panic clawed up my throat. My anxiety I cant be near her

Your anxiety? His eyes turned sharp, almost unfamiliar. Or just another excuse so you dont face what you did?

Julian, please

Mira told me everything, he cut in coldly. How you treated her. How you made her life miserable back in school. And now you want to act like the victim?

The ground felt like it shifted under me. She told you that?

Yes, he said flatly. That you harassed her for years. Spread lies. Humiliated her. Made her feel worthless. His voice dropped lower, colder. I know exactly who you are, Aria. And honestly? Its disgusting.

Each word sliced deeper than the last. Thats not trueshes lying

Is she? He stepped closer, invading every inch of space. Because right now, all I see is you losing control. Yelling. Attacking her. While shes been nothing but polite.

Tears spilled down my face. Julian, you have to believe me

I dont have to do anything, he said sharply. What I need is for you to go home, think about your behavior, and come back ready to apologize. To Mira. For everything.

I wont

You will. His grip tightened painfully. Or this is over. Decide.

Then he let go like I meant nothing, turned his back, and walked straight back into the apartment.

I stood frozen in the hallway, shaking, everything inside me breaking at once.

**

Two days later, his message arrived.

Wedding dress fitting. Tomorrow, 2 PM. Mira will be there. You two need to sort things out. Shes important to me.

I stared at the screen until the words blurred together. He wasnt asking. He was ordering. Forcing me to sit in the same space as the person who had already destroyed me.

And I went anyway.

Because without Julian without Grandma Rosemarie I had nothing left to hold on to.

**

The bridal boutique felt suffocating the moment I stepped inside. Julian and Mira were already therestanding too close, laughing like they shared something I wasnt part of.

When Julian saw me, his expression flattened. Youre late.

Im sorry, I said quietly.

Mira smiled like nothing had ever happened. Its fine, Aria. I know things have been hard for you lately. She touched Julians arm lightly. Should we start?

It felt like I wasnt even real in that room.

Mira chose dresses for me like I was a doll. Julian barely looked up from his phone. When I stepped out in the first gown, she tilted her head.

Its okay, she said, though her tone didnt match her smile. But maybe something less simple? This is Julians wedding too.

Julian nodded without even looking at me. Try another.

By the third dress, her tone had shifted. The fit isnt flattering. Your posture makes it worse. Are you even trying?

I didnt respond. I just changed again, numb, like I was being dressed and undressed for someone elses approval.

Aria, Julian said suddenly, irritation in his voice. Are you going to cooperate or just stand there?

I looked at him through the mirror. What exactly do you want from me?

I want you to stop acting like this, he said sharply. Mira is trying to help. The least you can do is show gratitude.

I am grateful, I said automatically.

Then act like it, he snapped. Right now you just look jealous and childish.

It felt like being slapped without warning.

Mira quickly stepped in, softening her voice. Julian, its okay. Shes just overwhelmed.

His expression changed instantly when he looked at her. Youre too patient with her.

Something inside me cracked quietly.

**

At the jewelry shop, it got worse.

Mira picked the rings, tried them on, gave opinions like she was the one getting married. Julian agreed with everything she said.

When I tried to speak, he cut me off.

Just trust Mira. She knows what looks good.

So I stood there silently while someone else chose the ring that was supposed to be mine.

**

The bridal shower was held at Grandma Rosemaries estate.

For a moment when I arrived, I thought maybe it would be peaceful. But Mira was already there, laughing with guests, completely in control of the room.

She once saved my life, Grandma said warmly to everyone, smiling at me. Aria is a good girl.

For a second, I felt something close to belonging.

Then Mira stood up, raising her glass.

To Aria and Julian, she said sweetly. May they find the happiness they deserve.

Glasses clinked. Everyone drank.

And then Grandma suddenly swayed.

Her glass slipped from her hand and shattered on the floor.

Grandma! I rushed forward and caught her before she fell completely.

Panic exploded around us. Someone shouted for help. Phones came out. Julian rushed in seconds later, face pale.

What happened? he demanded.

I dont knowshe just collapsed

Before I could finish, Mira stepped forward, voice shaking like she was crying.

I saw Aria near Grandmas drink earlier she was doing something with it.

Silence hit the room instantly.

Every head turned to me.

What? I whispered. No I didnt

I didnt want to say anything, Mira continued, tears forming perfectly. But I cant stay quiet if Grandma was in danger.

Youre lying! I screamed.

Julian grabbed my arm so hard it hurt. Did you poison my grandmother?

No! Julian, I swear

Answer me! he shouted.

I didnt do anything! My voice broke. I would never hurt hernever

But he wasnt listening anymore. His eyes were burning with anger I had never seen before.

Get out, he said quietly. Before I do something I cant undo.

Julian, please

He leaned in close, his voice dropping into something worse than anger.

Youre nothing without me, he whispered. Nothing without my family. Without us, youre just a nobody with nothing to her name.

His words sank in like poison.

So remember that, he added. Because I can take everything from you. And you wont be able to stop me.

I woke up to bright white walls and the steady rhythm of machines beeping around me. My body felt strangely heavy, like something essential had been pulled out and never put back.

Ms. Calloway. A nurse stepped into view beside my bed, her voice gentle. Youre awake. How are you feeling?

I tried to answer, but my throat was dry and rough. She helped me with a cup of water, and I drank slowly, fragments of memory rushing back one by one.

The locked room. The darkness pressing in. The walls that felt like they were closing in on me.

Julians voice outside the door: Stay there until you admit what you did.

I remembered screaming until my throat tore, begging, pounding on the door until my hands bled. My claustrophobia took overair disappearing, space shrinking, my chest tightening until I couldnt tell where I ended anymore.

Then everything went black.

The baby, I whispered suddenly, my hand flying to my stomach.

The nurses expression changed immediately. Im so sorry. You miscarried. The stress, the trauma your body went through

Her voice faded into background noise.

The baby was gone.

Logically, I shouldve felt relief. I had already planned to end the pregnancy anyway. But there was nothing like that. Only emptiness. Like something inside me had been quietly erased.

Theres someone here to see you, the nurse said softly.

Before I could respond, the door opened.

Julian walked in.

His face was unreadable as he stopped near the foot of my bed, hands tucked into his pockets, studying me like I was something inconvenient he had to deal with.

Youre awake, he said flatly.

I didnt answer.

He let out a small breath, running a hand through his hair. Grandmas stable. No serious damage. The doctors said it was just a reaction to her medication.

Still, I stayed silent.

Aria. His tone sharpened. I need you to do something. For Grandma. For us.

I finally looked at him. What is it?

Apologize, he said without hesitation. To Mira. To Grandma. For everything that happened.

A laugh slipped out of me, broken and sharp. Apologize?

Yes. He stepped closer. Grandma still wants the wedding. She still believes in you for reasons I honestly dont understand. His eyes narrowed slightly. So youre going to say sorry to Mira for how you acted. Youre going to apologize to Grandma for the stress you caused. And youre going to fix yourself.

Every word felt like pressure on an open wound.

And if I refuse? I asked quietly.

His lips curved faintly. Not warmthsomething colder. Then you lose everything. The wedding. The support. The life youve been holding onto.

I stared at him for a long moment, at the man who no longer felt like the person I once knew.

Okay, I said at last.

He blinked, clearly not expecting it. Okay?

Ill apologize, I repeated evenly. Ill do whatever you want.

Something passed through his expressionrelief, maybe satisfaction. Then he turned and left without another word.

**

Later that day, Grandma Rosemarie came in.

She moved slowly with her cane, her face pale but full of concern. The moment she saw me, her eyes softened with tears.

Oh, my dear Aria she said, sitting carefully beside me and taking my hand. Im so sorry youve gone through all this.

That gentleness broke whatever was left in me. Tears slipped down my face before I could stop them.

I didnt hurt you, Grandma, I said shakily. I swear I would never

I know, she interrupted softly, squeezing my hand. I know you wouldnt. You saved my life once. I trust you.

Those words felt like warmth I hadnt felt in a long time.

But Julian I started.

Hes overwhelmed, she said gently. Confused. But he loves you. And this wedding will still happen. Ill make sure of it.

I wanted to tell her everything. About Julian. About Kieran. About Mira. About all of it. But I stopped myself.

Not yet. Not like this.

So I just nodded. Okay, Grandma.

She smiled faintly, relieved. Thats my girl.

I lowered my voice. Im sorry

After she left, I lay still in the hospital bed, staring at the ceiling.

For the first time in weeks, the noise in my head quieted.

Id been surviving for so long that I forgot I still had a choice.

And I did.

**

Over the next two days, I moved carefully, quietly.

I requested my full medical recordsthe ones showing the wrong prescriptions Julian had been giving me. The ones that made it clear someone had been slowly harming me.

Then I checked my bank accounts. Small withdrawals, repeated over time. Julian had been transferring money from our joint accountmoney Grandma set aside for usinto an account under Miras name.

I kept digging.

Photos. Hotel bookings. Messages. Julian and Mira together, listed openly as companions under his name.

And then I found something worse.

An old email thread between Julian and Kieran. Their plan wasnt accidentalit was calculated. I was never chosen. I was used, because Grandma trusted me more than them.

My hands shook as I read each line. It all confirmed what I had been trying not to believe.

I wasnt part of their lives.

I was part of their arrangement.

Even the pregnancy test, the miscarriage report, my mothers death certificateI kept them all together. Proof of everything that had been ignored, dismissed, or twisted.

And still, none of it mattered to them.

**

On the third day, I made a call.

Professor Park? My voice came out calm, almost too calm.

Aria! His voice brightened immediately. Its been a while. How are you doing?

Im calling about the volunteer program, I said. The medical mission in Africa. Is there still a spot available?

There was a short pause. Actually yes. We just lost someone, so theres an opening. But Aria, its a two-year commitment minimum. Are you sure

Im sure, I cut in gently but firmly. I want to leave. As soon as possible.