Chapter 7 - The Second Wedding

"They're both my best friends, and I hope their happiness lasts long." Anna closed her statement with a sincere smile to her two best friends upfront. She raised her glass, making a gesture for them to toast.

"Thanks a lot, Ann. I hope you'll find someone to make you happy too," Rebecca replied and raised her glass. Then they drank their wine in their own position.

Anna sat back down after finishing her essential task. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as everything was under control.

"Are you okay?" Sidney whispered beside her while holding her hand. Yes, she knew about her feelings for Matt. And Sidney knew well her nervousness was not only about the wedding ceremony but also her fear of dealing with that. That was why she paid attention to her and asked about her condition several times.

Anna turned her head and showed a weak smile. "I'm okay." She returned her grip to calm her down. That was family. Sidney knew her deepest secret without her telling that. Sidney said her feelings were so obvious. But how could Matt, her best friend since high school, not notice that?

Oh, Anna forgot. Men were insensitive.

Next, the event continued with a casual party while enjoying the food.

"Ann!"

The call caught her attention from biting and enjoying a macaron. She gestured with her eyes, asking Rebecca why she called her.

"Come here. We need a photo together."

So, Anna hastened her eating. The macaron disappeared into her mouth in an instant. She then walked to her while chewing her food.

"Have you swallowed it?" Matt asked once Anna was there.

Rebecca rolled her eyes. "Don't overdo it, Matt. I just called her to take a picture together. You sound like I forced her to be here," she grumbled.

"But she should enjoy the party, too. She works hard for this."

It started again. Anna usually heard petty debates from them. They really something still did that on their wedding day.

"Hey, stop," Anna interrupted. "I don't want to hear your argument today, okay?" she insisted. They should show happiness, not blame each other.

They were silent for a moment, then looked at each other awkwardly.

"I just need to stand here, right?" she asked, taking her place next to Rebecca. Then she purposely pushed Rebecca closer to Matt. "The photographer is waiting," she reminded them when she saw they were still silent.

Fortunately, they complied. Matt and Rebecca then took some pictures with Anna.

"I just saw that," Rebecca said before Anna left.

That words automatically thwarted Anna's plans to minimize her interaction with them. "What?" she asked, not understanding what Rebecca meant.

"Your ring," Rebecca pointed with her finger. "I think I just saw it today. Right, honey?"

Matt was interested in the chat and noticed the ring on her finger. "It's like a wedding ring."

Getting those comments clearly made Anna nervous. She didn't expect Rebecca to notice, even though she had covered it up by putting another ring on her other fingers. 

However, that was called a best friend. Rebecca knew for sure about her fashion sense, including that she rarely wore accessories. Thus her collection was limited, and Rebecca must have seen them all.

"Wedding rings aren't like that." Rebecca raised her hand to where her wedding ring was pinned. It had a clear stone in the middle. "This is a wedding ring," she said proudly.

That was her difference from Rebecca. Her best friend loved to wear accessories, at least one for every occasion, while she preferred to keep them in the box.

"But I've also seen a wedding ring like that."

Anna closed her eyes at his response. She had no choice but to explain instead of them arguing again. "I saw this ring yesterday, and I thought it was nice to wear to your wedding," she lied. The world knew where it came from.

Matt and Rebecca nodded in understanding. It managed to end their debate.

Anna turned back and was about to leave when a hand suddenly grabbed her. That was Rebecca. Again. Her brows furrowed in confusion. This time, what else?

"Wait, Ann. I have someone to introduce to you." Then Rebecca looked around to search for that person. "Oh, there! Jeff!" She called out a name.

Anna looked at Matt for an explanation. He knew very well that she didn't like being introduced to someone, especially a man.

"Rebecca wants you to be happy."

That was not an explanation but an excuse. And Anna was happy without them introducing a man to her. After all, she was in a situation where she couldn't have a relationship more than a friend with a man anymore. She was married.

Of course, the fact only she and Dave's family knew. She didn't dare to explain it to her family, including her two best friends. Not yet. So, she couldn't possibly refuse it with that excuse.

"Here he is. Our best man," Rebecca said as the person in question got closer.

Anna took a deep breath. She should have escaped before he came. Or should she do it right away?

"Why called me? Is there something you need?" asked a foreign, heavy voice.

Anna sighed again. She would deal with him and explain everything later.

"No. I want to introduce you to my best friend." Rebecca smiled meaningfully at Anna.

Did she need to sigh again? Oh, forget it. After all, she was determined to face this situation. And so, she turned around and found a handsome man in a suit. She recognized him as one of Matt's best men.

"Who?" The man lowered his voice at the end when he saw Anna. Interest shone in his eyes.

Rebecca saw it. So, she took on the role of their medium. "Jeff, she's my bridesmaid, Anna. And Anna, he is the best man, Jeff."

Jeff remained silent with a refined look at her. The way he looked at her was like someone was fascinated by something.

"Hi," said Anna awkwardly. She was a little uncomfortable being seen like that.

"Hi," he replied with a big smile. His eyes didn't leave Anna.

Rebecca smiled happily, knowing her plan had worked. She deliberately cleared her throat loudly to get their attention and said, "I'll leave you two. Enjoy the party." She immediately took Matt's arm and pulled him away.

Anna could only stare blankly at them. After trapping her in this situation, they abandoned her. How cruel!

"That's a beautiful name."

Jeff's voice forced her to focus on him again. What should she do?