Then came the wedding day. I was in the bridal room, surrounded by my bridesmaids, getting ready. The dress was perfect. Everything was just how I’d dreamed it.

Until there was a knock on the door.

I opened it — and there was Jordan.

Before I could even speak, he poured a bucket of green paint all over me. My dress, my hair, everything — ruined.

— “This is for rejecting me,” he said with a smirk.

He shut the door, leaving me in shock.

I collapsed into a chair, overwhelmed and tearful. My bridesmaids rushed to help. One of them, Stacy, dashed off to find something — anything — to replace my dress.

Minutes later, she came back holding a simple but beautiful white gown.
— “Jordan told everyone you left,” she said breathlessly. “Michael’s worried.”I pulled myself together. I wasn’t about to let Jordan win.

As I stepped into the ceremony, guests turned in confusion. I stood tall and raised my voice.

— “I didn’t leave. Jordan ruined my dress and lied to everyone.”

Jordan sat in the front row, casually brushing it off.
— “It was just a joke,” he said with a shrug.

Michael stepped forward, his voice firm.
— “That’s not funny. We’ve had enough.”

He turned to Jordan.
— “Leave. Now.”

His mother stood up.
— “Michael, he’s your brother.”

But Michael didn’t waver.
— “If you support what he did… you can leave too.”

There was silence. Then, slowly, his parents stood and left with Jordan.

I exhaled deeply. The weight I’d been carrying was finally gone.

— “Thank you for standing up for me,” I said quietly.

Michael took my hand.
— “From now on… always.”