The Night My Boyfriend Became My “Older Brother”

Chapter 1: Huge Age Difference

The first time the server called my boyfriend my brother, I thought I had misheard him.

It was my birthday, and the four of us were sitting around a polished wooden table in one of those restaurants where the lights are low, the glasses sparkle, and everyone automatically speaks a little more quietly than usual.

Across from me sat my sister and my best friend. Beside me was my boyfriend, looking completely relaxed as he studied the menu.

We had been dating for about ten months. He was sixteen years older than me, and although the age difference had caused a few awkward moments before, nothing could have prepared us for what happened that evening.

The night had started perfectly.

My boyfriend had arranged the dinner as a birthday treat for me. He had invited my sister and my best friend because he knew I would enjoy celebrating with the people closest to me. It was a thoughtful gesture, and I had spent most of the evening feeling lucky.

The restaurant was warm and elegant. Soft music played in the background while servers moved between the tables carrying trays of food. My sister and best friend chatted as we looked over the menu, while my boyfriend asked what I wanted to order.

“Choose anything you like,” he told me. “It’s your birthday.”

“Anything?” I asked.

“Within reason,” he replied, smiling.