I lifted the beer bottle and said coldly, “You want me to drink to apologize? Fine. I’ll drink.”
Daniel’s grin widened. “Good! Finish this bottle and I’ll forgive you.”
I raised the bottle and laughed.
“Funny—I remember you just drank half a bottle for Amelia. So why don’t you drink the other half… for me?”
Before he could react, I upended the bottle—pouring its contents straight over his head.
The banquet hall erupted. Screams rang against the ceiling as beer streamed down his hair, dripping onto his expensive suit.
Daniel stood frozen, drenched and humiliated.
I didn’t wait for the fallout. Ignoring the chaos behind me, I strode out, climbed into my car and drove straight home.
When I opened the door, the house was draped in red silk and festive decorations, bright symbols of joy and union.
But as I stood there, staring at it all, a suffocating heaviness pressed down on my chest. I slid down the wall, clutching my heart as tears spilled before I could stop them.
This was supposed to be the happiest moment of my life. Yet why did it feel like the beginning of a nightmare?
Memories crashed over me.
Vanessa and I had met in college. At first, I only thought she was beautiful. When she confessed, I agreed almost casually. Then, disaster struck. My family’s business teetered on the edge of bankruptcy.
But Vanessa hadn’t left. Instead, she emptied all her savings, offering them to my parents. When she saw I couldn’t afford my usual designer belt, she worked part-time through summer and surprised me with a new one.
I’ll never forget the sight of her in a ridiculous mascot costume, handing me the gift with a shy smile. That day, I decided. This was the woman I would marry.
By some miracle, my family’s business recovered. After graduation, my parents had doubts about her background, but I was adamant. No one else would do.
Moved by my resolve, my parents gave her a branch company and bought us a luxury apartment downtown as a wedding gift.
Tomorrow was supposed to be the beginning of our new life.
But today, her so-called best friend had humiliated me in front of everyone, while Vanessa stood by his side.
My stomach churned. I barely made it to the bathroom before vomiting.
The front door slammed. Vanessa stormed in, her voice like a whip.
“Adrian! Who gave you the right to treat my best friend like that?!”
I was still retching over the sink. And her first words weren’t concern for me but fury over him.
I wiped my mouth, bitter laughter bubbling out. So, this is what our marriage means to her.
I turned, voice cold. “Best friend? Tell me. Did he lose something down there, or did you grow something? Otherwise, why are you treating him like he’s your other half?”
Vanessa’s face burned red. She slapped me hard across the cheek.
“Adrian, shut your mouth!”
The sharp crack echoed in the silence. My pride flared as my cheek stung.
“You hit me—for another man?”
Her expression softened. She sighed, reaching to embrace me.
“Baby, don’t be mad. Daniel’s just my childhood friend. There’s nothing between us, I swear. Tomorrow is our wedding. Your parents spent so much effort, don’t let their hard work go to waste.”
Her lips curled in a playful smile, as if she could sweet-talk me into forgetting everything.
I shoved her away. “Are you threatening me?”
Vanessa shrugged. “Just stating facts. Besides, Daniel is one of my bridal parties. We can’t exactly have a missing bridesmaid, can we?”
I barked out a laugh. “I’ve never heard of a male bridesmaid in my life!”
She rolled her eyes. “There are plenty of things you’ve never heard of. Stop making a fuss.”
“Making a fuss?” My voice cracked with bitter laughter. “Last Valentine, I booked the best restaurant six months in advance. Then he called and you disappeared all night. That’s just trivial too?”
