Their unrestrained laughter filled my ears, ringing loud and mocking.
I clenched my fists tightly, desperately restraining the urge to explode.
I repeated to myself, over and over.
Just wait, this isn't the time yet!
Soon, the long-anticipated wedding day of Orion Winters and Isla Elander arrived.
The celebration was grand, befitting a wealthy family. Amid cheers and confetti, they got into their luxurious wedding car, drawing envious gazes from the crowd.
The motorcade paraded through the busiest streets, announcing their union to the entire city.
The venue, the most prestigious hotel in Eldoria City, was dazzling and decorated with huge lamps and flowers.
There were hundreds of guests attending the event, further showcasing the Elander Family's high status.
Even our former high school classmates and teachers were invited.
When I walked into the hall wearing my best man suit, they all whispered in surprise and disbelief.
"Wait, is that Vincent Hayes? Holy cow! He actually has the nerve to be Orion's best man!"
"This loser still has the gall to show up here. Miss Elander is already married to Orion today. Is he still trying to please them by being the best man?"
"Tsk, pathetic. Some people just don't know how to keep their dignity."
Sure enough, I could guess that Orion's true intent behind asking me to be his best man quickly came to fruition.
I could feel the disdainful stares of my old classmates piercing through me as their fingers pointed at me.
I noticed the faintest smirk curling at the corners of Orion's lips.
Surrounded by their mocking comments and ridicule, I stayed silent.
I stood in the audience, maintaining my composure, my gaze steady on Orion and Isla as they stood together on stage.
With the emcee's voice narrating every moment, the couple exchanged rings.
Under the applause and heartfelt blessings of the crowd, they embraced each other.
When it came time for the bouquet ceremony, Orion stepped forward and handed me the beautifully arranged bouquet of flowers.
Holding the microphone, he turned to me with a warm smile and spoke gracefully, "Vincent, we grew up together and I've always seen you as my best friend and brother."
"So, I truly wish for your happiness as well."
"This bouquet symbolizes my hopes that you find it. Isla has a sister who has always admired you deeply and I sincerely hope the two of you can be together."
As he finished speaking, he glanced toward the crowd, drawing attention to Isla's sister, who was born with cognitive disability.
She stood there, grinning childishly, drool dripping from the corner of her mouth as she looked at me with a silly smile.
At that moment, I finally understood that Orion had not made me his best man just to show off in front of our old classmates.
This was far worse than I had anticipated!
Evelyn was the first to react, leaping to her feet in delight. Clapping her hands, she exclaimed, "Oh, this is wonderful! If my disgrace of a son can marry Isla's sister, it would be the greatest fortune of his life. He must have suffered for eight lifetimes to deserve this happiness!"
"Vincent, Orion always has your best interests in mind! Why don't you thank him properly?"
Seeing how excited Evelyn was, laughter suddenly filled the room.
"Haha! The bootlicker finally licked his way to success by marrying the landowner's idiot daughter!"
"But hey, isn't that a blessing? She's still part of the Elander Family, so he technically married into wealthy Elander Family!"
"This is brilliant! Vincent's dream finally came true. He made it into a rich family!"
I remained silent and my face was emotionless. My eyes were cold as I stared at the scene indifferently.
Isla's voice broke through, dripping with sarcasm. "What? Are you upset about marrying my sister?"
"Weren't you always so desperate to marry into our family?"
"Are you so overwhelmed with joy that you can't speak now?"
Still, I said nothing, but Evelyn stormed toward me, grabbing my head roughly. She forced me into a bow before Orion.
