My late mother once gave me a ring that had been passed down through generations. She left it to me as her eldest child. My younger brothers never really believed in keeping up family traditions, so I asked my girlfriend to marry me with this very ring. She was absolutely thrilled.
But just a few weeks after my proposal, my brother announced that he too wanted to propose to his girlfriend, using the same ring.
Sorry, mate, but Ive already asked my fiancée with it, I told him firmly.
How could you give it to someone youve only known for a few months? he shouted. What if you break up? What happens to the ring then?
My brothers been living with his girlfriend, Emily, for over five years. Mum was always fond of Emily, but shed never promised him the ring.
I honestly didnt think youd end up marrying Emily, I replied. Anyway, Mum left me the ring as her eldest.
Our argument dragged on for ages. In the end, I made the difficult choice not to invite him to my wedding. But I knew, deep down, he wouldnt pass up a chance to rain on my parade.
Sure enough, he arrived at the wedding and started a dramatic scene:
Ladies and gentlemen, I know youve come here to celebrate Tom and his bride, he called out, voice quivering with emotion, but nobody here knows my brother is a thief.
I saw the guests exchanging glances, whispering among themselves.
His brides a thief too. Together, theyve stolen our mothers wedding ring…
The ceremony carried on, but the celebration was ruined for us. My wife was devastated. After that, I didnt speak to my brother for six months. The only person I stayed in touch with was our youngest brother.
Recently, my youngest brother came to tell me he was getting married, and he hoped wed all be there. The memory of what my brother did flashed through my mind. I refused to attend. Now everyone says Im cruel. We used to have such a close bond, but I feel nothing but bitterness when I think about him now. I doubt Ill ever forget how he destroyed the most important day of my life.
