Chapter 1

Anton's POV

The moment I finished speaking, my childhood sweetheart, Vivian Wilder, frowned and said, "Anton, your mom is right. A wedding is a big occasion. You won't be able to handle it."

Julian Cadwell tried to persuade me, "Anton, leave the wedding to me. Don't push yourself."

I opened my mouth, wanting to tell them that I had practiced my wedding vows over a hundred times. There was no way anything could go wrong. But my throat seemed to seize up, and I couldn't force out a single sound.

Mom snorted coldly, "A mute will always be a mute. Why bother talking to him at all?"

Just like that, the video call ended with a beep.

Vivian posted the wedding livestream link on her social media. When I clicked on it, the wedding had already begun.

Julian walked into the venue, smiling brightly, wearing the exact same suit as me and carrying my favorite flowers.

The livestream chat was lively.

"So Vivian really did choose Julian!"

"Vivian and Julian are made for each other. I won't accept any objections!"

I typed in the chat. "The groom is Anton Collins."

Someone immediately replied, "So what? Haven't things always been this way? Julian has to do everything for him."

"LOL. The mute can't survive without his best friend."

I stared at the screen, my fingers trembling. Back in school, whenever I couldn't speak, Julian would always step in and speak for me. He would confront the classmates who mocked me, answer the questions on my behalf, and even take my place in speech competitions.

Over time, everyone simply assumed I was mute, even though I was perfectly capable of speaking. Vivian and Julian would make every decision for me without ever waiting for me to speak.

This time was no different. No one bothered to ask for my opinion. They simply replaced me as the groom. The screens in the hall were still displaying the wedding photos of Vivian and me. But no one spared them a glance. Everyone's eyes were on Julian.

He held Vivian's hand as they exchanged rings and vows under the officiant's direction. When the officiant asked the groom if he was willing to marry the bride, he answered confidently, "I do."

Those were the words I was supposed to say.

The guests burst into thunderous applause. Vivian's best friends cheered in unison, "Kiss him! Kiss him!"

Julian lowered his head, blushing, and tugged on Vivian's sleeve, asking what they should do.

Vivna stepped in front of him and said, "That's enough, guys. Anton is the actual groom. Julian is just standing in for him."

"Drop the act, Vivian! Everyone knows you like Julian."

"That's right. You've already replaced your groom, so why are you still denying it?"

"You two must have been planning to use this as an excuse to get married all along!"

Everyone around her burst into laughter. No one thought of me. After the wedding, Julian posted on social media. In the photo, he and Vivian were leaning against each other. My life-size standee stood beside them, alone.

The caption read, "This was my first time being the groom. It feels pretty good! Wishing my best friend and childhood friend a lifetime of happiness together!"

Vivian was the first to like the post.

Someone commented, "Julian is such a classy guy. If it were me, I'd have just stolen the bride! You two are perfect for each other!"

I stared at the screen in shock. I had no idea how long I had been standing there.

But then, Mom sent another video. In the video, Julian had changed into another formal suit and was accompanying Vivian as she went from table to table, toasting the guests in my place. He wore a polished smile and carried himself with ease. He drank smoothly and showed no sign of getting drunk, no matter how much he drank.

There was a hint of pride in Mom's voice. "Having a son as outstanding as Julian is a blessing to our family."

I had always known that everyone liked him, including Mom.

Julian and I were part of a blended family. Even though I was Mom's biological son, she had always favored my stepbrother, Julian.

At the end of the video, the wine glass in Vivian's hand suddenly slipped and fell to the floor. She braced herself against the table with both hands, unable to stop herself from dry heaving.