FORCED MARRIAGE WITH BROTHER IN LAW

chapter 56

The house was eerily silent. Not because there was no one there—but because she was alone.

The wedding venue was miles away, filled with laughter, music, and the glow of celebrations. Her family, her parents, her brother—everyone was there, rejoicing in the union. Everyone except Y/N.

No one had told her to stay behind.

No one needed to.

She wasn’t meant to be a part of the festivities. She never was.

Instead, she was left behind to prepare for the bride’s arrival.

Everything had to be perfect. The house had to be spotless. The decorations had to be arranged just right. The sweets had to be plated in a way that impressed the guests. She had to ensure that when they all returned, there was no sign of her exhaustion, no trace of how much effort she had put into it.

Because her efforts were never meant to be seen.

Her fingers ached from kneading the dough for the sweets. Her feet burned from hours of standing, decorating the entrance, setting up the gifts, making sure every detail was flawless. If anything was out of place, she would be the only one blamed.

She wiped the sweat from her forehead, glancing at the clock. They would be back soon. Her new bhabhi would be stepping into this house for the first time, and Y/N’s presence—no, her absence—wouldn’t matter.

Her mother’s words from earlier still rang in her ears.

“Don’t embarrass us, Y/N. Stay back and make yourself useful for once.”

She should’ve been hurt.

But she wasn’t.

She had expected it.

She had grown up knowing that she wasn’t a daughter in this house—just someone who existed within its walls.

As she lit the lamps at the entrance, arranging the flower petals on the floor, she heard the distant sound of approaching cars.

They were here.

Taking a deep breath, Y/N stepped back, ensuring everything was in place. Then, just as quietly as she had worked, she moved to the shadows.

Out of sight.

Out of mind.

Exactly where they wanted her to be.

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