I took the camera without really thinking.
Brian inspired me to take up photography to capture our happiest, most authentic moments. But now, he just expected me to film his sweet moments with someone else.
On set, couples shared why they’d fallen for the female guest.”
Brian didn’t make a big speech. Instead, he pulled out little things–Addison’s baby tooth, strands of hair she’d lost, a pink hairpin.
Gasps and squeals erupted from the audience.”
“That’s so sweet!”
“I’m melting! This is what love looks like!”
Addison blushed, but Brian?
He stared at her with a tangled and complex look that sent a chill right through me.”
Right then, I understood his feelings for her. This forbidden thing wasn’t as hateful as he’d made me believe. It wasn’t nearly as disgusting as he said.
Those little keepsakes were proof.
1 held back tears and pressed the shutter, watching the evidence of our love disappear, photo by photo, replaced by their intimacy.”
Meanwhile, giant LED screens on every skyscraper lit up with huge letters:
[Brian Thompson Loves Addison Green.]
The crowd went wild.
“Wow, is this the CEO’s love story? They’re basically serving us their dog food.“}]
“Oh my god, this usually low–key entrepreneur is going public for the one he loves? I’m jealous.”}
Some raved about the perfect match, the handsome man, the stunning woman.
But others whispered, “I know Mr. Thompson. Didn’t he have a fiancée? Or am I imagining things?“>
The room fell silent for a beat.
Addison fired back, “What nonsense! Brian doesn’t have a fiancée. He’s always liked me.“>
Brian’s face darkened. He had the man who spoke up escorted out immediately and then gently comforted the shaken Addison. After she calmed down, he fixed the cameras with his gaze and announced, “Addison is the only one I love. I’ve never had a fiancée before, and I never will.”
My hands went numb. The camera nearly slipped from my grasp. I stumbled back a step.”
That’s when it hit me. Even though he loved me so much, I finally understood why he never made our relationship public.
Even when he sent Addison away to study abroad, he never announced our engagement.
Everything between us had to stay hidden.
And it was because he feared Addison would get hurt if she ever found out.
Couples showed videos of how their love grew, from the first spark to real understanding.”
I thought Brian would show childhood photos, but the pictures surprised me.
They spanned nearly six years.
October 26, on my birthday:
He was watching the aurora borealis with Addison“]
March 15, our anniversary:
They kissed on the Ferris wheel.
Brian was always too busy to be there for my birthdays or when I was sick, but he sincerely apologized every time.!!
When I was upset, he’d stand outside my door for hours, sometimes days.
When I was in danger, he was always the first to protect me. He bore a scar on his left arm from blocking a bottle thrown by a drunkard. Brian made me believe he loved me so deeply.”
That’s why when I took those pills, I forced myself to remember him over and over, even though the medicine made me forget time and time again.
But now it was clear as day.
Those busy days Brian always talked about were spent overseas with Addison.
The overly sweet vlog played in the room, buzzing with excitement. Brian glanced back instinctively at where I stood.
Then, as if remembering I had no clue, I sighed in relief.N
I watched Addison press a kiss to the corner of Brian’s lips. He responded eagerly, and their tongues met.
My hands moved independently, snapping photo after photo, even as my tears blurred the viewfinder.
I felt like the biggest fool in the world. So stupid.
I thought he loved me like his life depended on it.
But what I didn’t know, what I couldn’t see, was that every time Brian disappeared on the days that mattered most to me, it was because of Addison.
Buying her sanitary pads.
Changing them.§
Overstepping all boundaries under the pretense of being siblings.}]
