I Killed My Brother on His Wedding Day

After my parents died in an accident, my brother took me to live with my would-be sister-in-law’s family. Her parents took me in and provided for me. But on her wedding day, I killed her family and left my brother wishing for death. Afterwards, I quietly opened the door, allowing the bloodstains to spread unchecked. It wasn’t long before the police arrived.

***

The air was thick with the metallic stench of blood, mingling with the fading aroma of freshly cooked food. The house, once brimming with warmth and joy, now stood silent except for the soft click of my footsteps.

When the police kicked the door open and rushed in, I was standing in the living room, pulling the last wedding decoration off the wall. The colorful streamers and balloons now seemed like a cruel mockery of the carnage around me.

“Hands where we can see them!” the captain barked, his voice sharp and commanding.

The sudden noise startled me and a sharp, searing pain erupted in my abdomen, forcing me to bend over. My breath hitched and I pressed a trembling hand to my stomach.

“Damn, kid,” the officer muttered, his eyes scanning the scene. “Did you kill all these people? Why?”

Another officer whispered something in his ear and his stern gaze returned to me, now tinged with disbelief.

“We know the Collins took you in and loved you like their own. How could you do this to them?"

I straightened slowly, letting out a shaky breath. Despite the pain, I forced a smile onto my lips, a bitter, almost deranged curve.

“Tom and Sarah were good to me,” I began, my voice soft but steady. “They treated me well for eight years. Better than I deserved. Everyone said I was like their second child, even better off than Anne.”

The shattered champagne glass, a symbol of joy, now glinted coldly under the harsh police lights. This was supposed to be a day of celebration, a day filled with laughter and love. Tom and Sarah, with hearts full of generosity, had gifted the newlyweds a beautiful home and a luxurious car. But fate had intervened, turning their happiest day into a tragedy.

The officer took a cautious step closer, his gun trained on me. “So why did you do it?”

My lips twitched into a bitter smile, but I didn’t answer.

***

Earlier that day, the house was filled with laughter and warmth. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the cozy living room. Sarah bustled around the kitchen, her apron tied neatly around her waist, while Tom hummed softly as he tended to the plants on the balcony.

“Bianca, does David have any food he doesn’t like?” Sarah called out, her tone gentle and caring. “He rarely comes home and I’m worried I’ll cook something he won’t enjoy.”

I sat cross-legged on the couch, pretending to scroll through a show on my tablet. My chest felt tight, an ache I couldn’t name spreading through me. Despite everything, I curved my lips into a sweet smile, masking the turmoil within.

“Don’t worry, Sarah,” I replied lightly. “David isn’t picky. He’ll eat anything when he’s hungry. You don’t need to trouble yourself.”

Sarah smiled warmly, the kind of smile that could melt anyone’s heart. She wiped her hands on a kitchen towel and came over, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You’re such a thoughtful girl. I know it’s hard without your parents, but you’ve been such a blessing to this family.”

Tom chuckled from the balcony. “That’s right. You and David are both good kids. We’re lucky to have you.”

The praise felt like needles pricking my skin. I tightened my grip on the tablet, forcing myself to look up and smile back. “Thank you, Tom. I’ll always be grateful to you and Sarah.”

Sarah ruffled my hair affectionately, her touch gentle but suffocating. She handed me a bag filled with wedding decorations—balloons, decals, tablecloths.

“Here, Bianca. Could you help with the decorations? And don’t forget, when you find someone you like, you’d better bring him home for us to meet!”

Her words were lighthearted, teasing, but they struck a nerve I didn’t know was so raw. My smile faltered for a fraction of a second before I forced it back into place.

“Of course,” I said softly, clutching the bag tighter and tighter until the edges of the plastic dug into my palms.

Tom pretended to scoff, shaking his head with a mock frown. “She’s just turned eighteen, Sarah. Don’t push her out of the house already! Bianca, don’t listen to her. There’s no rush. You’re part of this family for as long as you want to be.”

The sincerity in his words was unbearable. My vision blurred for a moment and I blinked rapidly, swallowing the lump in my throat.

***

I shook my head, snapping back to the present. The officer was still staring at me, waiting for an answer I had no intention of giving.

“Bianca,” he said, his voice softer now, almost coaxing. “Whatever happened, we can help you. Just tell us why.”

I let out a slow breath, my gaze drifting to the blood-soaked carpet beneath my feet. “Some things,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper, “can’t be forgiven.”

My mind then wandered to what happened earlier.