The night before my wedding, I got a huge bouquet of roses from my fiancé, Mark — or so I thought. Tucked inside was a simple, chilling note: “I don’t.”

Heart racing, I rushed to Mark’s apartment, only to find him confused and denying he sent anything. Hours later, the truth came out: his brother Eric had sent the bouquet. Why? Because he was in love with me — and hoped the note would make me cancel the wedding and choose him.

I was stunned. Furious. But I told Mark the truth. And on our wedding day, he confronted his brother and kicked him out of our lives.

We still said “I do,” but now I know — real love doesn’t run, lie, or manipulate. It shows up and fights for what’s right.