Stolen Heart, Shattered Truth

My younger brother, Brett, always competed with me.

When we were kids, he fought for our parents' attention. When we grew up, he went after my girlfriends.

But every time he tried to sneak into Serena's bed, she'd ruthlessly kick him out.

"I'm your brother's girlfriend, no one's taking me away."

I was 25 when I passed the police academy's final assessment.

Brett brought over a cake, his eyes, usually filled with a defiant glint, surprisingly subdued.

Serena held a bouquet of flowers, and the engagement ring she raised glinted in the warm light.