“This is for rejecting me, witch,” he sneered before walking away.

My bridesmaids scrambled to help, but the damage was done. Then, Stacy burst into the room, breathless.

“Jordan told everyone you ran away! Michael is freaking out!” she blurted.

Fury burned through me. Enough was enough.

I stormed into the church, heads turning as I entered. Michael stood at the altar, his expression devastated.

“I didn’t run away!” I announced. “Jordan poured green paint on me. Then he lied!”

Jordan leaned back, smirking. “It was just a harmless joke.”

Michael’s expression darkened. “Get out!” His voice was sharp, unwavering.

“Michael, he’s your brother,” his mother protested.

“If you support him, you can leave too,” he replied without hesitation.

A tense silence followed. His parents exchanged glances, then grabbed Jordan and left without another word.

Michael turned back to me, his eyes softening. He pulled me close, resting his forehead against mine. “I was so scared,” he whispered.

I exhaled, feeling the weight of everything lift. “Thank you for standing up for me.”

“From now on, always,” he promised.