A Family Affair

THE END

- Relax, nothing bad happened to Elijah.

- Then what's up?

My sister joins me on the piano bench, her face filled with emotions.

- I'm sorry it took me getting hurt for me to realize that we can't go on like this.

- What are you talking about?

- Elijah and I got divorced.

- What? But Father's will said you'll only make CEO if you're still married by the end of the transition period.

- Turns out the old man said I have to be married but didn't specify to whom.

- What are you saying?

- I'm going to get married to Ryan.

My jaw falls slack.

- Before the six – month deadline?

- Today.

She checks her watch.

- In about two hours.

- Victoria, I'm so happy for you.

A grin light up Victoria's entire face.

- We chose a very private venue, and Ryan knows someone who can officiate. We're not inviting people, but I don't want to do this without you.

- What will I be? Your witness, bridesmaid, maid of honor?

- You'll be my person. Because I love you so much my little sister.

Victoria beams at me, and my heart bursts with joy.

- I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Two hours later. Victoria walks down an improvised aisle in her favorite historical building. I follow closely, my eyes immediately drawn to the striking man waiting next to the groom. It's Elijah. My knees threaten to buckle when Elijah's head whips around to me with eyes filled with adoration.

- You look so handsome, Ryan. Victoria said.

- And you look like a dream come true, Vic.

I choke back a sob, and my sister starts chuckling.

- No more of that, or Ella will flood us with her ugly tears. Victoria said.

- Sue me, I'm a sucker for weddings. But only when it comes to love marriages. I've had enough of those arranged relationships to last me a lifetime.

- Agreed. Elijah said.

Elijah shoots me a playful wink, and my eyes gleam with happiness. The ceremony is short and beautiful, and it concludes with a kiss that looks straight out of a romance movie. Then the officiant takes off, leaving me and Elijah alone with the newlyweds.

- Is it completely twisted that the bride's ex – husband and his lover are the only guests at the wedding? I ask.

- Maybe. Elijah says.

- Definitely. Victoria said.

- But we wouldn't have had it any other way. No one outside this circle understands the struggles we went through and what it took to get here. Ryan adds.

- We're connected by our secrets. I say.

- No, sissy. We're connected by our love.

- Victoria, that's the cheesiest I've ever heard you speak. And you dare call me sappy.