“Amelia, how many times have I told you? I’m a guy—call me bro!”
Song Daniel puffed out his chest dramatically.
Amelia Fairchild giggled, patting him playfully. “Calling you ‘bro’ just doesn’t suit you!”
Laughter erupted among the bridesmaids. They joked and teased, as if I, the Adrian, didn’t even exist.
Finally, when the noise died down, Daniel turned to me with a grin. He jabbed a finger in my direction, then at Amelia.
“You two owe me an apology. But I won’t take just words. Here’s the deal—each of you down a bottle. That’ll settle it.”
Cheers broke out.
“Yes! That’s my sister—so generous!” Vanessa clapped, beaming.
The others followed her lead, clapping and whistling, while my face grew darker.
The waiters quickly brought out two bottles of beer. Daniel poured a glass, handing it to Amelia.
“Amelia, I know you’re not feeling great. Let me drink half for you.”
He tipped it back in one gulp. The crowd applauded as if he’d just performed a heroic feat. Amelia, touched, drained the rest of the bottle.
“Thanks, bestie! We’ll be best friends forever!” she cheered, throwing her arms around him.
Then, as if rehearsed, every gaze turned to me.
“Your turn, Adrian!”
Vanessa slipped an arm around my waist, her voice syrupy. “Don’t call him that—call him brother-in-law.”
“Yes, yes! Brother-in-law, bottoms up!”
Vanessa leaned close, whispering in my ear, “Adrian, drink. Do it for me.”
I stared at her, unblinking. “Vanessa, you know I’m allergic to alcohol.”
She froze. The memory flickered in her eyes.
Years ago, she’d been drinking with clients and called me for help. Her colleagues wouldn’t let her leave unless I drank. To free her, I downed a full bottle of wine.
She only got drunk. I almost died.
The doctor said my organs nearly shut down. One more minute and I wouldn’t have survived.
When I was discharged, Vanessa had sworn through tears, “Adrian, I’ll never let anyone force you to drink again.”
And now, just to entertain this so-called male best friend, she wanted me to do it again.
Seeing my silence, Vanessa’s smile faltered. She lowered her voice. “Don’t make a scene. My friends are watching. It’s just beer—low alcohol. Drink it, then go to the bathroom and throw it up. It won’t hurt you.”
Her tone was coaxing, but her eyes gleamed with smugness. For the first time, I wondered if marrying her was a mistake.
“Come on, brother-in-law!” someone shouted. “Don’t keep us waiting!”
Daniel laughed loud enough to shake the walls.
“Don’t call him brother-in-law—it sounds too suggestive. What if his animal instincts kick in and he takes all of you as his sisters-in-law too? Imagine the chaos then!”
My brow furrowed. I turned to Vanessa. “What does he mean by that? He’s already humiliated me in public and now he’s spreading filth again?”
Daniel gasped, covering his mouth in mock horror.
“Oh no, did I just say what I was really thinking? Oops! What a fool I am.” He tapped his head playfully, acting cute.
And Vanessa—my bride-to-be—laughed and took his hand.
“Alright, alright. Your pig brain isn’t smart to begin with. Don’t make yourself look dumber.”
Daniel pinched her waist, feigning outrage. “Who are you calling a pig? If I’m the pig, then you’re the piglet!”
They started bickering like a couple in love.
My patience snapped. I picked up a bottle of beer.
