Chapter 1

Joshua's POV

The wedding ring landed in the trashcan with a resounding clang.

The two people before me were flummoxed for a moment.

My older sister, Vanessa Hutton, frowned. But before she could say something, Chester Hastings burst into laughter, cutting her off.

“You’re finally here, Joshua! Quick, tell me how handsome I look today!”

Chester spun in a circle before me, chattering uncaringly.

“I mentioned to Aria that I liked this suit when we passed by the boutique the other day. I didn’t think she would remember it! Look at this ring, too. It’s my favorite design!

“Aria said this was all thanks to you, for helping her with the wedding preparations. I’m so lucky to have you as a friend, Joshua.”

I was stunned for a moment.

No wonder Aria Quentin had changed the design of the suit after I had taken so much time to pick one.

No wonder the diamond on the ring had been changed to one twice as big.

It seemed that the wedding I had been working so hard to prepare had not been for me at all.

I laughed self-deprecatingly.

Vanessa visibly panicked and quickly said something before I could speak, “Yes, you’re so handsome today, Chester! You’re the most handsome groom ever. We should record this for posterity!”

Emery McCall quickly picked up a camera to comply.

“Yes, yes, this is the perfect time for a group photo!”

When the surrounding guests heard us, they took up some party poppers as they joined the call.

Vanessa and Emery quickly squeezed over to stand by Aria and Chester.

The four of them fit perfectly in the front row before all the other guests.

Emery tossed the camera to me.

“You’re great with photography, Joshua, so make sure to take more pictures.”

A spotlight fell on them.

In his pristine suit, Chester threw his arm around Aria affectionately.

Aria looked up at him with her gaze filled with deep love.

Everyone pressed up as close as possible, celebrating the newlywed couple.

Everything was playing out exactly like my own dream wedding.

Everyone started to chant, “Kiss, kiss, kiss!”

A blush rose on Aria’s cheeks as she hesitated, but Chester had already bent down to peck her lips.

My brain buzzed as shrieks and wolfwhistles rang out.

Emery chastised me loudly, “What are you standing there for, Joshua? Take the pictures! You have to record this historic moment!”

I raised the camera mechanically.

The party poppers exploded, and confetti rained down. I snapped a photo.

I took one, two, dozens of photos as excited shouts filled the air.

Aria shifted position as she and Chester kissed again.

Everyone was laughing, and I was the only one with tears gathering in my eyes.

After a long time, a tentative voice sounded beside me.

“Sir, the reception is starting. Should I add a seat for you?”

I came back to myself and realized that everyone had drifted away.

Everyone had taken their seats in the ballroom except me.

There were 300 seats, and every one was filled.

There was not any space for me at all.

I grimaced. “There’s no need.”

Since there was no space for me, there was no need to stay.

I also did not want my friendship with the four of them any longer.