My Fiancé Betrayed Me, So I Married His Brother

Do you still want to marry Chase Redmond?

Alina Vale asked the question gently, too gently, afraid that her daughter, Emery Vale, might break again if she raised her voice.

Emery stood barefoot in the doorway, hair tangled, skin still scented faintly of seawater and adrenaline. Her hands were empty, but her voice wasnt.

Ill marry anyone, she said, flat. Ill marry a stranger. A friend of a friend. Hell, a man off the street if I have to. Just not Chase Redmond.

Her mother froze.

Emery, she said slowly, you just survived

I know. Emerys voice became cold. I know I almost drowned, almost died. Thats why Im done.

She reached into her coat pocket, an engagement diamond big enough to fund someones college degree.

She set it gently, deliberately, on the countertop. Face down.

The diamond glinted like nothing had changed.

But everything had.

Her mother stared at it. At her. Her eyes held a question, but she didnt ask it. Not yet.

I dont want his apology, Emery said. And I dont want a future built on a lie.

She turned away before the silence grew teeth.

Im taking a shower, she added. Then Im going to figure out who deserves to stand next to me at the altar.

The memory of the yacht shimmered beneath string lights and champagne dreams. Waves lapped gently at the hull, the sunset bleeding gold across the horizon.

Waiters carried silver trays of oysters and wine. The music pulsed soft and expensive.

It was Emery Vales birthday.

She stood in the center of it all, wearing navy silk and a smile that didnt quite reach her eyes. People laughed. They kissed her cheeks. They raised their glasses. She thanked them, hugged them, said all the right things.

But inside, something was off.

Chase Redmond wasnt by her side.

He stood near the bar, laughing with two of his finance buddies. One arm slung casually around Ivy Wrens shoulders, too casual. Too familiar.

Chase was Emery's fianc. The Redmond heir. The man everyone said she was lucky to have.

He was the boy who once slid handwritten notes under her dorm door. The one who held her hand when her grandfather died. Who used to say he wanted forever with her, before the ring, before the business dinners, before the distance.

Now the man who hadnt looked her in the eye all evening.

And Ivy.

Her best friend since third grade. The orphan girl everyone pitied. The one Emerys family brought on vacations, fed at their table, sheltered through storms.

Now the girl who wore the same perfume as Emery. Told the same jokes. Smiled at Chase like she owned him.

Emery had noticed it before. Little moments. Ivys laugh lingering too long in Chases direction. Chases hand on her lower back during group photos. Inside jokes Emery wasnt part of.

Tonight, it all felt louder.

Emery moved toward the bar.

Chase saw her. Smiled that half-smile he used when he was trying to hide something. Hey, babe. You good?

Ivy turned too, flashing teeth. Em! This party is insane. You really went all out.

I didnt plan it, Emery said coolly. You did.

Oh. Right. Ivy giggled, eyes wide and innocent. Guess I got carried away.

She hadnt. Every detail had Ivys fingerprints, the flower arrangements, the guest list padded with Chases friends, even the yacht. Emery hated boats. Ivy loved them.

Lets take a photo, Ivy chirped. All three of us.

No thanks, Emery said.

Chase arched a brow. Em

I just need air.

She walked to the upper deck. Quiet. Cool. The stars were beginning to come out, the city skyline glowing far in the distance. Emery gripped the railing. Her chest felt tight. Her dress too snug. Her world too small.

Footsteps behind her.

Ivys voice, sweet and sticky, Dont be mad. You always get weird on boats.

Im not mad, Emery said. Im just thinking...

Thinking what?

Emery didnt answer. She stared out at the water, trying to slow her pulse.

Then Ivys tone shifted, just a fraction. Youre really lucky, you know. Some girls would kill for this life.

The words hung oddly.

Emery turned her head slightly. Would they?

Ivy stepped closer. Too close. I mean, Chase is kind of amazing.

Emerys fingers clenched around the railing. What are you trying to say?

Im saying, Ivy murmured, you should hold on to him tighter.

And then she smiled.

And then she pushed.

It wasnt hard. Just a light touch.

But it was enough.

Emery stumbled. The heel of her shoe caught a gap in the deck. Her balance vanished. The railing struck her ribs. And suddenly

Cold.

Black.

She hit the water like a dropped stone.

Her breath vanished. Her dress wrapped around her legs like seaweed. The ocean roared in her ears. Salt invaded her throat. She kicked, flailed, reached for light, but it was gone.

Then, faintly, she heard her name.

Not Ivys voice.

Not Chases.

Deeper. Fierce. Male.

Emery!

Strong arms. A splash. A gasp.

She was pulled upward.

Air hit her like a punch. Her lungs seized. She coughed. Sobbed. Collapsed.

Hands pressed to her back. A voice near her ear.

Stay with me.

She blinked up into gray eyes and a jaw clenched in anger.

Ash.

Chases brother.

The one who never said much. Who disappeared at family events. Who watched everything and said nothing.

Until now.

Back home, Emery stood in her bathroom, dripping and silent.

Her phone buzzed.

CHASE: You good? Ivys shaken up. We all are.

No apology. No explanation.

Another buzz.

IVY: Call me? Please? Im freaking out. You know I didnt mean to. It was an accident. I swear.

Emery stared at the messages. Then deleted them.

She walked back into the kitchen, towel around her shoulders.

Her mother was still there.

Im going to marry someone, Emery said. Her voice was quiet now. Dead calm. But it wont be the man who watched me drown.

Emery stood in the foyer of her apartment, clutching her phone like a weapon.

Everything was quiet.

Too quiet.

No Chase. No Ivy. No fake friends lining up to check if she was okay. Just silence, and the distant hum of the city outside her window.

She turned slowly, still damp from her hospital stay. Her skin smelled like bleach, rubber gloves, and ocean memory. The bruises hadnt set in fully yet. But they would. And she was ready for them.

Emery fidgeted her phone as she smiled at the thoughts of what happened at the hospital.

The ceiling above her was too white.

Too clean. Too still.

Emery blinked once. Then again. Her lips felt cracked. Her throat burned like salt had soaked into her lungs.

Where am I?

She turned her head, slowly. A window. A beeping monitor. The smell of antiseptic. Then, footsteps.

The door creaked open.

Ivy walked in like a ghost in soft makeup, eyes glassy, voice soft. She held a bouquet of yellow tulips. Cheap hospital flowers. Cheerful, fragile, fake.

Em oh my God. Youre awake.

She rushed forward with a too-tight hug, careful to place herself within full view of the nurses and any potential cameras. A concerned best friend. A tragic witness.

Emery didnt hug back.

She coughed, letting her eyelids flutter slowly. What happened?

They said you were unconscious all night, Ivy said quickly. They had to pump your lungs. It wasGod, it was awful. They said you were under for over a minute. I was so scared.

Emerys eyes fluttered. She let her lips part slightly, just enough to fake disorientation.

Liar.

Ivy was scared that Emery would open her mouth.

Where she croaked.

Ivy leaned in. You fell in the water, Em. It was so dark. So fast. But Ash pulled you out. He jumped in after you. Chase was shouting, but Ash didnt even hesitate.

Emery let her voice go soft. Fragile. Ash?

Hes outside, Ivy said quickly. Hes been waiting for you to wake up. Everyone has.

Everyone.

As in Chase.

As in the man who stood still while she drowned.

A shadow moved outside the window. The door creaked again.

Chase walked in, tie undone, hair rumpled in a way that said deliberate, not distressed. He smiled gently, like they were in some cheesy hospital drama.

Hey, babe, he said gently. How are you feeling?

Emery turned to look at him. Her expression was blank.

Chase smiled. It was an accident, okay? Everyones shaken. Were just glad youre alright.

I was so scared, Ivy whispered. I didnt know what to do.

Emerys throat burned. But her mind was crystal clear now.

They were lying.

Playing their parts like nothing happened.

She felt something coil inside her.

Fine.

She could play too.

She let her eyes flicker between them. Frowned faintly. I I dont understand.

Ivy tilted her head. What dont you understand?

Emerys voice came soft. Broken. Who are you?

The silence grew instantly.

Then Ivys face crumpled.

What?

Im sorry, Emery said softly. Do I know you?

Chase blinked.

Em, thats Ivy, he said, laughing a little. Your best friend. Dont mess with her like that.

I dont remember, Emery whispered.

Ivy stumbled back. Em, stop. Its me. Ivy. Your best friend since third grade.

Emery let her lips part slightly, confused and soft. Sorry. I dont

The panic in Ivys face was delicious.

She turned back to Chase. And you are?

Em, come on, Chase said, stepping closer. Its me. Chase. Your fianc.

Fianc? she echoed, blinking like the word tasted wrong.

Yes, Ivy cut in. Youre getting married. You and Chase. Weve been planning it for months.

Emery turned her face away. Her heart beat slowly, steady, powerful.

I think Emery said slowly, I remember someone. A voice. Pulling me out of the water.

Then she looked at the door.

Perfect timing.

Ash stood there with a paper cup of coffee and that ever-present shadow in his eyes. The quiet brother. The one no one noticed. Until now.

Ash, Emery said, her voice a breath. I remember you.

Ivy turned like shed seen a ghost.

Ash blinked, and looked directly at Emery, his brow furrowed. You do?

She nodded. You pulled me out. You saved me.

He hesitated. Yeah. I did.

Chase frowned. Whats going on?

Emery smiled faintly. Youre my boyfriend right?

Ash froze.

Chase choked on a breath. What?

Ivy blinked hard. Waitwhat?

Emery stared at Ash, voice barely above a whisper now.

Were engaged, right? Emery asked softly. I remember a ring. And you. You pulled me out. Youve always been there.

Ivy let out a strangled sound, something between a gasp and a sob.

Emery, nohes not She looked at Ash in horror. Tell her! Youre notthis is just confusion! Shes mixing things up!

Emery reached her hand out across the bed.

Toward Ash.

Her fingers trembled.

Ash looked at her hand. Then at her face. He wasnt stupid. He saw something in her eyes, something that said, This isnt confusion.

Ashs grip on the coffee cup tightened.

He looked at Chase. Then at Ivy.

Then at Emery once again.

His jaw flexed once. Slowly.

And then, Ash walked across the room and sat at her side. He reached for her hand and laced his fingers through hers like it had always been that way.

Yes, he said. Were engaged.

The room fell silent.

Ivy stared like the walls were spinning. Chases jaw locked tight, hands curled into fists at his sides.

Ash, Chase said, voice low. Can I talk to you. Now.

Ash didnt move.

Ivy stepped forward instead. What are you doing? she snapped. This is insane.

Emery blinked slowly, dazed on the outside but inside, fully present. Good. Let them show their cracks.

She doesnt even know what shes saying, Ivy went on, her voice shaking now. Shes obviously confused. Maybe she hit her head on the water. She doesnt remember me, and now you

I remember him, Emery interrupted, softly. And I remember how he saved me when no one else did.

Ivys mouth clamped shut.

Ash gave her hand the faintest squeeze. Emery felt it.

Frustrated, Ivy grabbed Chases sleeve and dragged him into a quiet hallway, her heels clacking against the tile.

The moment they left the hospital room, Ivy exploded.

What the hell was that?

She yanked Chases wrist, ignoring the nurses who turned to look. Her eyes were wide, glassy, wild.

Chase rubbed the bridge of his nose. Lower your voice.

No, you dont get to calm down me right now. Ivys voice shook. She said shes engaged to Ash. TO Ash.

She emphasized every word with greeted teeth.

Do you even hear me? That wasnt part of the plan!

I know what she said.

Shes supposed to marry you, Chase! Ivy hissed, nails digging into his arm. Shes supposed to get her trust, you get the power, you get the Vale money, and I stay close enough to enjoy it. Everyone wins. That was the deal.

Keep your voice down, Chase muttered, glancing around. Youre going to blow this if you act like a lunatic.

Shes playing us! Ivy said, gripping her head. Shes playing you! And shes doing it in front of everyone. If she marries Ash, that entire fortune goes out of reach.

Chases jaw tightened.

I had this mapped out, Ivy whispered, almost choking. Emerys parents trust me. They never questioned me. I stood by her for years. And now shes cutting me out for Ash?

She wont go through with it, Chase said. Shes bluffing.

You better be right, Ivy snapped. Because if she doesnt marry you, then neither of us gets a damn thing.

She stepped closer, her voice lowering to a deadly whisper. Fix this. Or I will.

Back inside the hospital room, Emery sat upright, adjusting the bandage on her wrist. Ash stood at the window, arms crossed.

So, he said finally, are you going to tell me what that was?

She looked up at him. What it looked like.

Thats not an answer.

Im not confused, if thats what youre wondering.

Good, Ash muttered. Because I am.

Emery smiled faintly. I faked amnesia. I claimed you. Thats all.

He shook his head. Thats not all. Thats nuclear. You faked amnesia. You declared an engagement to someone you barely know. Youre about to set fire to your entire life. Thats not nothing, Emery.

She tilted her head. Youre right.

Ash turned. So why me?

Because I trust you more than I trust them.

Ash blinked.

Thats a low bar.

Its still something.

She continued, her voice low. Everyone else stood on that deck and watched. Ivy cried. Chase froze. But you jumped. You didnt hesitate. And I remembered that.

Ash looked down.

I couldve played the victim, she said. Laid there and let them build the narrative. But thats not me. And if Im going to burn what they built, I need someone they dont expect.

And thats me? he asked, skeptical.

Emery nodded, gesturing it is already happening as it is.

He studied her for a long moment. And what do you get out of this?

Emery smiled faintly. My life back.

Ash didnt blink.

You dont play their game, she clarified. Youve always been outside of it. Unbothered. Quiet. And now youve got my hand in yours and a front-row seat to chaos. Doesnt that sound fun?

Ashs expression flattened. Fun isnt the word Id use.

Then pick another.

He walked forward slowly. Youre asking me to lie. To carry this thing with you like its real.

No, Emery said, standing. Im asking you to stand still while I rearrange the pieces. You just have to hold my hand and nod when needed.

Ash studied her face, like he was trying to find the crack in her armor.

But Emery wasnt cracked.

She was sharpened.

He sighed. This is reckless.

Its justice, she replied.

He looked at her for a long time.

Then nodded once. Alright. Lets make your ex sweat.

By the time the discharge papers were signed, Ivy was gone, stormed out under the excuse of getting air.

Chase stood by the elevator, holding his keys, rehearsing his expression.

When he saw Emery and Ash approaching, he stepped forward.

Hey. His voice was soft. Gentle. A tone hed used once before when he first said I love you.

Ill drive you home, Chase said.

No, Emery said immediately.

Chase blinked. Its just a ride.

No, thank you, she repeated.

I dont mind, Ash offered, keeping his voice even.

I insist, Chase said, forcing a smile. Youve been through enough. Lets not make this more complicated than it already is.

Emery didnt slow her pace.

I dont want you catching a cold, Chase added. I know hospitals freak you out. Let me drive.

Emery stopped two feet away from him.

Ash stopped beside her.

She tilted her head. You want to take me home now?

Chase nodded. Of course I do.

Where was that energy when I was underwater?

Chase blinked.

Emery met his gaze.

I asked Ash to take me, she said coolly.

Chases jaw clenched. Youre serious about this?

She smiled, sweet but sharp.

Why would I ride with a stranger when I already have my fianc?

Back at her apartment, everything was silent, the kind of silence that made your ears ring. But inside her head, it wasnt quiet at all.

She hadnt slept.

She stared at the wall, unmoving, her legs curled under her on the couch like a statue of herself. Not a single photo of Chase remained. Shed cleared them out before the sun rose. One by one. Swipe, delete. Swipe, delete. Gone.

But she left one message unread, just to look at it.

CHASE (12:04 AM)

Please. Let me talk to you. Ivy didnt mean it. Just let me fix it.

Fix it?

She almost laughed.

Instead, she stood up. Walked barefoot to the bathroom. Looked in the mirror.

Then said out loud to her reflection, Im marrying Ash Redmond.

Her mouth didnt even flinch at the lie.

Because maybe it wasnt one.

Not anymore.

The next morning, the Vale family dining room smelled like heritage and power.

Heavy wood. Polished silver. Decades of tradition.

Emery stepped inside wearing ivory trousers, a pearl-buttoned blouse, and no makeup. Her skin was pale, but her expression was clear.

Her parents were already seated. Her father, Gregory Vale, with his reading glasses balanced on the bridge of his nose. Her mother, Alina, sipped from a bone china teacup like nothing had gone to hell in the last 48 hours.

Chase was there too already seated, pressed navy suit, every hair in place. As if that changed anything.

And Ivy.

Ivy sat beside him, too close, wearing pastel like she was mourning someone elses life. Her eyes darted up as Emery entered, eager, but scared.

Emery, Alina greeted warmly. Come sit.

Emery nodded, walking slowly toward her chair at the end of the table. The one shed always had, since she was seventeen. The good daughter spot.

She took her seat. Folded her hands. Waited.

Her father cleared his throat.

I trust youre feeling better.

Im alive, Emery said. That counts for something.

Her mother smiled gently. How are you feeling, darling?

Still a little foggy, Emery replied. But better.

Her father wasted no time.

Your mother told me youve lost some memory, he said carefully.

Yes.

How much?

Emery shrugged. Enough.

Gregory leaned forward slightly. Do you remember being engaged to Chase?

Chase looked up immediately. His eyes were soft. Practiced.

I remember a ring, Emery said slowly. But not him.

Her father pressed. You understand why this matters, dont you? The wedding arrangements. The trust. The families. There are expectations. Commitments.

I understand, Emery said. But its hard to make commitments when you dont even know who you are to someone.

Gregory narrowed his eyes. So youre saying the marriage is uncertain?

Im saying Im uncertain.

Em, Chase said gently, I know youre shaken, but you and I, weve been together for three years.

Im sure we were, Emery said coolly. But I dont feel it.

Chase frowned. What does that mean?

You watched me drown, she said suddenly.

The room went quiet.

What? Gregory asked.

Alina stiffened.

Emery didnt look at Chase. When I fell into the water, it was Ash who jumped in. Not Chase. Not Ivy. Just Ash. So if Im supposed to trust someone with my life

Her voice turned colder.

I chose the man who didnt hesitate.

Ivys eyes widened. Youre seriously saying youd marry Ash?

Im not saying it, Emery said, standing slowly.

Im announcing it.

A silence stretched, until Ivy stood abruptly, smoothing her dress.

Emery, she said with a soft, practiced smile, can I speak to you privately? Just for a minute?

Gregory raised a brow. Is that necessary?

I think itll help, Ivy said. Weve known each other since we were kids. She trusts me.

Emery nodded slowly. Okay.

The door clicked softly shut behind them. Ivys voice dropped low the second they were alone.

Em, she began, reaching for her hand, this is a lot. I know. But I need you to listen to me, like you always have.

Emery stared at her, letting her hand be held. Go on.

You and Chase have been together for years. Youre in love. You just dont remember because of the trauma. The fall. Everythings scrambled.

I guess that makes sense

Ivy smiled too fast. Of course it does. I was there, remember? I helped with the wedding planning. I picked out centerpieces with you. We FaceTimed about veil styles for two hours, remember?

Emery blinked like she was trying to recall it.

You trusted me, Ivy whispered. Im your best friend.

I know.

And I wouldnt lie to you, would I?

Emery gave a small, innocent nod.

So youll tell them its Chase.

I will, Emery said softly.

Ivy squeezed her hands like shed won.

Thank you. Thank you. Youre doing the right thing.

Im glad you reminded me, Emery said. Id be lost without you.

Ivy hugged her like she owned her again.

Back in the dining room, Ivy slid back into her seat beside Chase with a syrupy smile. She leaned close, lips grazing his ear as she let her fingers trail under the table to his thigh.

Its handled, she whispered. Shes going to say yes to you.

Chase barely concealed his grin. He reached down and laced his fingers with hers under the table.

I knew youd fix it, he murmured back.

At the head of the table, Gregory straightened. So. Emery.

Everyone turned to her.

She didnt sit.

She looked at every face in the room like she was studying a chessboard.

I had some clarity just now, she said, voice even. Thanks to Ivy.

Ivy smiled proudly, leaning back.

So Ive made my decision.

Gregory nodded. And?

Emery took a breath.

Then she met Chases eyes dead-on.

Im marrying Ash Redmond.

She let the words settle. Let the air tighten.

The one who saved me when no one else did.

She glanced at Ivy. Then at her parents. Then back to Chase, slowly.

I will marry Ash, my fianc.