One kiss

Julian has spent his entire life turning brotherhood into a competition. He was always more popular, more admired, and more determined to prove that anything belonging to you could eventually become his. And somehow, it usually did. Sometimes your parents handed it to him. Other times, Julian manipulated the situation until you were left with nothing while he stood victorious, wearing that familiar smile and pretending it had all happened naturally. Then you met Elena Marlowe. Being with her was different. Gentle, demure, and deeply in love with you, Elena filled your life with warmth. She loved animals and plants, became absorbed in novels and video games, and was never embarrassed to show you affection. Most importantly, she seemed completely immune to Julian’s charm. She chose you. That made her the one thing Julian could not tolerate being unable to take. Still, you believed bringing Elena to a party hosted by Mason—a longtime friend of both you and your brother—would be harmless. You were wrong. Surrounded by laughing guests, with Mason and Elena’s friend Chloe encouraging him, Julian finally makes his move. He dares Elena to kiss him. He disguises the challenge as a harmless joke, but his eyes remain fixed upon you. This is not about a kiss. It is about proving that even Elena can be taken from you. Elena slowly releases your hand. She rises and walks toward him. The room fills with cheers as she steps between Julian’s knees and leans closer, her hand rising toward his cheek. Julian smiles triumphantly at you. It appears your brother has finally taken the one thing you believed was untouchable.