The bridal boutique was bathed in soft lighting, its walls lined with ethereal wedding gowns that shimmered under the chandeliers. Ophelia’s face lit up as she stepped inside, taking in the beauty of the shop. “These are so pretty,” she said, her excitement bubbling over.

“They really are,” April replied with a smile, though her mind was elsewhere.

As Ophelia darted from dress to dress, Sen excused himself, pulling out his phone. “You two take your time. I’ve got some calls to make,” he said, settling into a plush couch by the entrance. He spoke in hushed tones, engrossed in his conversation, while Ophelia’s excitement began to dim. She glanced at him, disappointment flickering across her face.

April, noticing her sister’s frown, smiled to herself. Serves her right, she thought.

“Sis, what do you think about this dress?” Ophelia asked, pointing to a gown with delicate lace detailing.

April glanced at it, then held up a different dress—a bold design with exposed shoulders. “I think this one’s nicer.”

“It’s pretty,” Ophelia admitted, “but I don’t think it suits me.”

“Never mind then,” April said with a shrug, wandering to another section. As she browsed, her eyes landed on a gown encased in glass—a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with intricate beading and a flowing train. The sight of it sparked an idea. “How would it look painted in red?” she whispered to herself, her lips curling into a smirk.

Before she could entertain the thought further, Ophelia’s voice interrupted her. “I want this one!” she exclaimed, pointing at the very same dress.

April’s expression darkened, but she quickly masked it as the shopkeeper approached.

“I’m sorry, miss, but that dress isn’t finished yet,” the shopkeeper said.

“My wedding isn’t for another two weeks. Can it be ready by then?” Ophelia asked hopefully.

The shopkeeper shook her head. “The designer is out of town and won’t return until next month.”

“Oh,” Ophelia said, disappointment washing over her. “I’ll keep looking then.”

As Ophelia walked away, April leaned in close to the shopkeeper. “I’d like to book that dress,” she said quietly. “Once it’s completed, I want it delivered to me.”

The shopkeeper nodded. “Of course. I’ll make sure it’s ready as soon as the designer returns.”

April smiled, satisfied that her sister wouldn’t get her hands on the gown. The rest of the shopping trip went smoothly, with Ophelia finally choosing a dress that earned Sen’s approval. “You look beautiful,” he said as she emerged from the dressing room.

“Yes, she does,” April agreed, though her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

Two weeks later, the day before the wedding, April and Sen were aboard The Pearl, inspecting the final arrangements. The venue sparkled with opulence, from the polished marble floors to the elegant floral arrangements that lined the aisle.

“Looks like everything’s almost done,” Sen remarked, glancing around. But April seemed distant, her gaze unfocused as she wandered through the space.

“April, are you okay?” he asked, concerned. She didn’t respond. “Hey, April!”

“Huh?” She snapped out of her thoughts. “What’s wrong?”

“I should be asking you that,” Sen said. “Are you okay?”

April hesitated, then said, “I was just wondering something.”

“What is it?” he prompted.

“I never thought you’d be interested in my sister,” she said, her voice quiet. “Not that she isn’t great, but… I didn’t see you being with anyone.”

Sen sighed, his expression thoughtful. “Honestly? I don’t love her.”

April’s heart skipped a beat, and she couldn’t stop the small smile that crept onto her face. “Then why are you marrying her?” she asked, masking her delight.

“I don’t have anyone I love right now,” he admitted. “My dad wants me to get married and start a family. This marriage will make him happy, and I can’t say no to that. But I won’t mistreat her, April. I’m hoping love will grow in time.”

April’s smile vanished, replaced by a simmering anger. “Why her then? It could be anyone.”

Sen rubbed the back of his neck, nervous. “It’s easier with her being your sister. It feels… comfortable.”

April let out a bitter laugh. “Comfortable? Then wouldn’t you be more at ease with me?”

Sen chuckled, thinking she was joking. “Yeah, I guess.”

“Then why not me?” April shouted, her voice trembling. Sen froze, staring at her in shock.

“April,” he began, his tone cautious.

“Don’t tell me you see me as a little sister,” April said, her laugh hollow and mocking.

“No,” he said carefully, “but I’ve never seen you as a woman either.”

The words hit her like a punch to the gut. “You’re my best friend,” he continued, his voice soft. “The one who’s always supported me. I love you, April, but as a friend.”

April’s eyes widened, her heart shattering as his words sank in. “I’m marrying your sister. I’ll always be your friend, though. I’ll protect you no matter what.”

Tears spilled down April’s cheeks, and though a faint smile graced her lips, the pain in her eyes was unmistakable. Sen, feeling guilty, reached out to hug her. “I’m sorry,” he said softly.

April pushed him away, unable to bear his touch. She turned and fled, her heels clicking against the marble as she disappeared down the corridor. Sen watched her go, guilt weighing heavily on him.

Back at home, April locked herself in her room and stepped into the shower. The water poured over her, mingling with the tears that refused to stop. Her breath hitched as she gasped for air, clawing at her chest in a futile attempt to calm the storm inside her.

When she finally stepped out, she caught her reflection in the mirror. Her tear-streaked face stared back at her, a mix of heartbreak and fury.

With a sharp cry, she grabbed the flower vase on the counter and hurled it at the mirror. The glass shattered, shards scattering across the counter and floor.

As the silence settled, April stood amidst the wreckage, her reflection now fragmented and distorted. She stared at the broken pieces, her heart as shattered as the glass. “Enough,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “No more tears.”