My Brother's Final Joke

My brother Ethan always called himself a prankstercockroaches in my food, cutting my belt before an award ceremony. I complained to our parents, but it was useless.

At my wedding, during his toast, he pulled out a fake medical report. My brother didnt mean to hide his HIV diagnosis, he said tearfully. He just loves his bride too much.

The room erupted. My father-in-law had a heart attack; my fiance Olivia died rushing him to the hospital.

I hunted Ethan down. He shrugged. Just a joke. How was I to know theyd be so fragile?

My parents locked me in my room. He was testing your in-laws, they said. Its their fault for not trusting you.

I jumped from the windowsill.

Then I opened my eyes again. This time, Id give Ethan a taste of his own medicine.

The blinding flash of a camera jolted me. I stared, bewildered, at the photographer directing our poses.

Olivia, my fiance, noticed my unease. She gently wiped the sweat from my brow, her face etched with concern.

Noah, are you not feeling well, honey? Were about to change for the next set anyway. Why dont you rest for a bit? Ill go grab you some juice.

My head was spinning. It wasnt until Olivia helped me to a chair in the waiting area and I saw the date and time on the digital wall clock that it finally sank in.

I was back.

I had returned to the day of our wedding photoshoot, exactly one week before the ceremony.

In my past life, I had spent a month meticulously planning every detail to ensure our wedding would be perfect. But I never could have anticipated the moment my own brother, Ethan, would snatch the microphone during the family toasts.

Im so incredibly happy for my brother, he had announced. And I hope he stays strong. I know he can beat this diagnosis.

My mind went blank. Before I could even process his words, Ethan continued, his voice thick with false sympathy.

Noah begged me to keep his secret, but my conscience wouldn't let me. Especially seeing how devoted Olivia is to him I couldnt let her and her family stay in the dark.

Then, he produced a forged lab report. With sickening detail, he wove a tale of my supposed promiscuity, starting from middle schoolhow Id tricked girls into bed, scammed one into taking out loans to fund my lifestyle, and finally, how Id cheated on Olivia and contracted a disease.

The joyous celebration instantly soured, replaced by a chorus of curses and accusations. Olivia was devastated, her eyes red with unshed tears, unable to form a single word of question. Then her father collapsed from a heart attack. The ensuing car crash on the way to the hospital killed them both.

Someone posted a video of the scene online, and I was crucified by an endless wave of public hatred. With no one to turn to and no way to clear my name, I chose suicide. Only in my final moments did I learn the truth: to Ethan, it had all been a prank. A joke to liven things up.

The memory of that suffocating despair washed over me. I watched Olivia approach, a gentle smile on her face as she handed me my favorite juice. In that moment, my resolve hardened into steel.

This time, I would not only protect our happiness. I would make my brother understand the true cost of his "jokes."

The wedding day arrived, the venue even more lavish than before. We had even invited a few popular influencers to livestream the event, sharing our joy with the world.

As the makeup artist was doing some final touch-ups, Ethan burst into the room, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Wow, bro. Quite the wedding. And you didnt have to spend a cent. Really making the family proud.

He leaned in conspiratorially. And Olivia damn. Not only is she hot, but she didnt even ask for anything, just showered you with expensive watches and cars. I noticed her chest looks even bigger today. Guess youve been working hard to keep her happy in bed, huh?

He sighed dramatically. I dont get it. We came from the same parents. How come you get all the luck with women? Youve always had gorgeous girls throwing money at you.

Our father, Robert, who had followed him in, chimed in with a greedy grin.

Dont be stupid, kid. The money your brother saved can go to you. And you like his car, right? Just take it. Anything you want in the future, just ask. Olivias family is loaded. Its all in the family now. When its your turn to get married, they can foot the bill for the wedding and the house. We cant let you get the short end of the stick.

Ethans eyes lit up.

Just then, Olivia walked in. Her face darkened as she overheard them, but for my sake, she said nothing.

My whole life, Ethan had been spreading malicious lies about me, and my parents blatant favoritism had always forced me to swallow my anger.

Not this time. I was done being their doormat.

I glared at Ethan, my voice rising to a sharp crescendo. Did Mom and Dad only teach you how to spew shit? Youre jealous because youre useless. You have hands and feetif you want nice things so bad, go be a gigolo! You want us to pay for your wedding? Maybe you should just start calling us Mom and Dad instead!

They were stunned into silence. I had always been the compliant, easygoing one. My outburst left them speechless.

After a long moment, Ethan finally found his voice, sputtering with indignation. It was just a joke, man! Why are you being so sensitive?

He sneered. Besides, I wouldnt want your life anyway. Youre just marrying into her family, a kept man living off her money. Everyone knows it. People are going to be looking down on you. Its pathetic, really.

Who knows, he continued, his voice getting louder, maybe one day Olivia will get tired of you, find a new boy toy, and kick you to the curb

Before he could finish, my hand connected with his cheek in a sharp crack. Even if I am marrying into her family, Olivia and her parents treat me with more respect than you ever have! They treat me like their own son. Youre the one who wants to be a leech, so dont project your pathetic ambitions onto me!

The commotion drew a crowd. Ethan, clutching his reddening cheek, was overcome with shame and rage. He started shouting.

You have the nerve to say that? You think youre so clean? Olivias family has been nothing but good to you, and youre still cheating on her behind her back! You even sleep with men! And the most disgusting part is, you contracted AIDS and youre hiding it from her!

Youre a sick freak!

At his words, a hush fell over the crowd. The whispers and murmurs died. Even the hotel staff paused, their eyes fixed on me.

In that moment, I was the shameless, disgusting man he painted me to be. Everyone instinctively believed him. After all, why would a brother lie about something so serious on his own brothers wedding day?

But that was Ethan. He never knew where the line was.

It started small, with stupid gag toys. A fake cockroach in the rice cooker. A rubber snake in my bed. Id be scared out of my wits while hed be doubled over, howling with laughter.

When I stopped reacting to his childish pranks, he decided to escalate.

He once snuck into my company dorm while I was out, drenched himself in fake blood, and lay on the floor. When my roommate and I returned, we found him and started screaming in terror. Just as we were about to call the police, he leaped up, yelling, Surprise!

My roommate was so freaked out he had me kicked out of the dorm.

Another time, during an important video conference with a client, he burst in dressed as a masked robber, holding a toy knife to my back. He wanted to see me panic and make a fool of myself.

I lost the client. I lost the deal.

I was on the verge of a breakdown, but Ethan just put on a wounded expression. Come on, bro, youre always so stressed. I was just trying to make you laugh.

And my parents, as always, backed him up.

Ethan was just trying to cheer you up. Cant you take a joke? Its not his fault youre so timid.

Thats right, my father would say. Youre the older brother. You should be more tolerant. Now, apologize to Ethan.

They never understood. Because of his good intentions, I didnt just lose a job I had fought tooth and nail for; I became a running joke among my colleagues.

Thinking of this, a cold smile touched my lips. I slapped him again, harder this time.

Ive put up with your crap for years, but did you forget what day it is? How dare you run your mouth with this garbage today.

Some of our relatives, who knew Ethans tendencies, tried to smooth things over. Come on, Ethan, youre always pulling pranks on your brother, but you cant joke about something like this on his wedding day.

Seeing that some people were still on my side, Ethans anger flared. He pointed a trembling finger at me, his other hand covering his stinging cheek. Im not a kid! You think Id say something like this without proof? I know everything hes done. And deep down, he knows it too!

Olivias expression flickered with a hint of uncertainty, but she stood firm. Ethan, I dont know whats gotten into you today, but Ive been with Noah for a long time. I know the kind of person he is, and I know he wouldnt lie to me.

Her friends, who had gotten to know me well, started murmuring in my defense.

Their support gave me the strength I needed. You said you have proof? I challenged him. Well, youd better show it. Otherwise, get the hell out of my sight and never come back.

At my words, our father, Robert, exploded. You bastard! Havent you embarrassed us enough? Why did we ever have a disgrace like you for a son?

Our mother, Margaret, quickly jumped in. Ethan is just trying to help you get ahead of the story, before Olivia finds out and its too late to fix things. Its already out in the open, so why are you still denying it? Apologize to her and her family right now!

I looked at the three of them and let out a cold, humorless laugh. I pulled out my phone, opened the livestream, and shoved the screen in Ethans face. You see this? There are influencers here, broadcasting this to thousands of people. If you cant produce that proof, the whole world is going to know youre nothing but a pathetic liar.

Seeing the stream of comments mocking him, Ethans face contorted with rage. Fine! You asked for this! You want proof? Heres your proof!

He ripped a folded document from his bag and held it up for everyone to see, his finger pointing at the conclusion.

A friend of mine at the hospital asked me to give this to my brother. The diagnosis is right here, clear as day: HIV-positive.

He smirked, his eyes glinting with malicious triumph. Well? Theres your proof. Try talking your way out of this one!

If I hadnt found this by chance, he would have hidden it from me too! He probably wouldve tried to infect me and then blame me for it! And this is after Ive kept so many of his other dirty little secrets.

Dont let his clean-cut act fool you, he spat. Hes always been rotten. He was sleeping with girls in middle school, tricking them into taking out loans for him in high school. After college, he barely came home. I found out later it was because some rich old guy was keeping him. Hes a disgusting, twisted pervert!

He was right about one thing: I rarely went home. There was never a place for me there, and I was sick and tired of him.

Seeing the evidence, the people who had been defending me instinctively took a step back. The online comments immediately flipped.

Whoa, he really has proof. The groom is toast.

He looks so normal, but what a scumbag. Good on the brother for speaking up. The bride dodged a massive bullet.

That brother is a hero. The groom is disgusting, sleeping with everyone. He should be locked up, not getting married. The bride needs to get tested ASAP.

I stared at Ethan, my voice laced with disbelief. Ethan, where did you get this? Are you trying to destroy me in front of everyone? You know I never even held a girl's hand before I met Olivia. How could I possibly have a disease like that?

It was as if he didnt hear me. He glanced at the livestream comments, then turned to Olivia, his face suddenly crumpling into a mask of sorrow. He grabbed her hands, tears and snot running down his face.

Olivia, please dont blame my brother, he sobbed. He only did these things because he was jealous that our parents loved me more. He was just acting out, desperate for attention. Its all my fault.

Im so sorry, on his behalf. He really loves you. He promised hed get treatment and that hed never mess around again.

Please, he begged, turning to include her parents, please forgive him.

His performance earned a wave of sympathy from the crowd and the online audience.

Olivia, however, just stared at him like he was an idiot. She pulled her hands away and looked at me, her eyes full of questions.

I put on a frantic, desperate act. Mom! Dad! I shouted at Robert and Margaret, who were watching the show with grim satisfaction. Are you just going to stand there and let him do this? Are you trying to ruin my life? Say something! Defend me!

They exchanged a look, a silent agreement passing between them.

Then Robert pointed a finger at me and roared, Shut your mouth! We have no son as vile as you! Must you air all your filthy laundry in public? Its bad enough you were reckless, but to get a disease Youve brought nothing but shame on me and your mother!

Olivia, he said, his tone softening slightly. You know the situation now. If you still want to marry our son, we wont stop you. If you dont, we understand. But one thing is for sure: all the money and gifts youve given our family, we wont be returning them.

They played their parts perfectly, their little scheme clicking along. At first, I thought Ethan was just jealous. But having died once, I knew the truth. They saw me as a tool, a handsome face they could use to swindle wealthy women out of their money.

In that moment, any lingering connection I felt to them was severed for good.

I took a deep breath, my voice suddenly calm and clear.

Brother, I said, with a hint of pity. Why dont you bring that report a little closer? Let everyone see whose name is signed in the patient field.

"Because from here," I said, my voice cutting through the silence, "it looks like it says 'Robert Sterling.'"

The room went still. Every eye in the place widened in disbelief. The guests who had just been glaring at me with contempt were now frozen, their mouths agape, their heads swiveling back and forth between me and Ethan.

Ethan flinched, then let out a derisive snort. "Bro, it's over. Are you still trying to squirm your way out of this?"

"I got this report from the hospital myself," he insisted. "How could it have anyone else's name on it? Just give it up!"

But as he instinctively glanced down at the paper in his hand, the name came into focus. The smug smile froze on his face. The report nearly slipped from his fingers.

Seeing his reaction, a dark premonition washed over Margaret and Robert. They rushed forward and snatched the document from Ethan's hand.

Margaret scanned the name, again and again. A primal scream ripped from her throat. She whirled on Robert. "What is this? How could you get a disease like this?"

Robert's face was a mask of sheer panic. "I I can't be sick," he stammered. "There's something wrong with this report. It has to be fake."

He grabbed Ethan, who was still in a state of shock. "You little bastard! This is another one of your stupid pranks, isn't it? You're always pulling this crap!"

A cold, bitter laugh rose in my chest. So, they knew Ethan was always pulling crap. Funny how when I was the victim, they called me intolerant, but the second it happened to them, they couldn't handle it.

I feigned a look of sudden understanding. "Oh, I get it now," I said, my voice filled with mock sympathy. "Ethan must have seen Dad's diagnosis and found out his secret. The shock was too much for him. He couldn't accept it, couldn't bear the thought of our family falling apart, so his mind broke and he projected it all onto me."

I turned to Ethan. "Ethan, have you been tested? Living with Mom and Dad all the time aren't you worried you might have been infected? And now now everyone knows you all have AIDS."

"You shut your mouth!" Robert shrieked, his expression feral. "One more word and I'll break your legs!"

Ethan finally snapped out of his trance. He shoved Robert's hand away, stumbling backward. He stared at the report, turning it over and over. "Impossible," he muttered. "I typed this up myself. How could it"

He looked up, his eyes wild. "This report is a fake! The sick one is Noah! My dad is fine! I'm fine! I'm not a child, I wouldn't joke about something like this!"

He was still trying to pin it on me.

This time, before I could say a word, Olivia spoke. Her voice was cold and clear. "Enough!"

She held up her phone, displaying a digital document. "Look closely. This is a full medical report that Noah and I took last week in preparation for starting a family. Every single marker is normal. HIV-negative. It has the hospital's official seal and can be verified by anyone."

One of my best friends stepped forward. "I can vouch for that. I was with them when they picked up the results."

Ethan looked like he was about to implode. "No Dad can't be sick I can't be infected the report has to be fake"

The livestream chat went wild.

"This family is a train wreck. I feel so bad for the groom."

"Thank god the bride trusts him. This could have been a disaster."

"Hold on, guys. I just checked the hospital seal on the brother's report. It's real too!"

A wave of murmurs rippled through the guests.

"So does that mean Robert Sterling is really the one who's sick? He must have been cheating on Margaret for years."

"No kidding. He always seemed like such a stand-up guy. Guess you never know."

Margaret's face contorted with pure rage. She grabbed the nearest centerpiece and hurled it at Robert. "You animal! I've been a slave to you and your son for years! I gave you everything! And this is how you repay me? You schemed with him to hide this, to try and get me sick!"

"Tell me!" she screeched. "Which tramp gave this to you?"

Robert had always been terrified of his wife's temper. "No, it's not true!" he pleaded, shaking his head frantically. "I would never! Don't listen to them!"

Getting nothing from him, Margaret turned her venomous gaze on Ethan. "You knew about this, didn't you? Tell me!"

Ethan flinched. It was the first time in his life his mother had ever looked at him with such fury.

"Dad don't listen to them," he stammered, his voice weak. "The report is a fake. I was just trying to pull a prank on Noah."

"I didn't mean any harm! I just wanted to make his wedding more unique. More memorable."

"It was such a stupid trick, I was sure Olivia would see right through it."

"I was just trying to help! To test if Olivia's love for him was real! I was worried he'd get pushed around after marrying into her family!"