Chapter 2

Betsy

We arrived at the ceremony, and soon the groom stepped in first. Oliver wore a white tuxedo with black pants, his hair perfectly styled, a bright smile plastered across his face. Behind him stood none other than Benjamin, his best man, my brother.

Oliver looked so happy, his expression full of pride as he faced the crowd.

When the wedding bells rang, the groom’s smile wavered slightly, as if he couldn’t wait to see his bride.

And then Aqua stepped into the hall. My chest tightened, my heart pounding. It was happening. The wedding… they were about to get married.

Irritation bubbled under my skin. I wanted to scream, to shout that this shouldn’t be happening, but I couldn’t. I forced my gaze away from him as we all rose to honor the bride.

I had promised Barnes I’d be okay, but with every passing second, that promise felt like it was slipping through my fingers.

Then Barnes took my hand gently in his. I turned to look at him.

His soft smile was encouraging, silently telling me I was doing fine.

Soon, Aqua reached the altar. I watched with dread as she took Oliver's hand, my stomach twisting. I glanced at Benjamin, all smiles, so proud that his best friend was getting married, completely oblivious to his sister’s broken heart.

We all sat down, and Barnes hold on me tightened, offering silent reassurance. Just as the priest was about to begin the ceremony, the doors burst open.

Everyone turned toward the entrance.

“This bastard,” Barnes muttered beside me, amusement in his voice, and I couldn’t help but smile slowly.

In strode none other than Roman Saint himself, walking as if the entire world had to pause for him.

He had made it to his brother’s wedding — something I honestly didn’t think would happen.

Oliver’s brother. Barnes’s best friend.

He walked in majestically. Tall—so tall he probably towered over everyone, maybe six-foot-plus easily. He wore a dark, finely tailored suit that looked made just for him.

His hair was slicked back, though a single strand fell across his face. Nobody said a word; we all just watched as he strode to the front.

Then his head snapped in our direction. His eyes flicked to Barnes, who was already chuckling beside me, before landing on me.

He raised a brow, a small smile tugging at his lips, and he winked. I shook my head slightly at him, a smile still plastered on my face.

Eventually, he made his way to his seat and sat down quietly beside his mother, cool as ever.

The priest cleared his throat, bringing everyone’s attention back to the ceremony, and my heart sank all over again.

The ceremony dragged on painfully as they began exchanging their vows. Everything around me felt like it was burning, and my grip on Barnes tightened without me realizing it — until the priest’s voice rang out.

“Is there anyone who has anything against this union? Speak now or forever remain silent.”

The moment those words left his mouth, Oliver and Aqua scanned the crowd.

I was about to look away when my eyes collided with hers.

Aqua.

She was staring directly at me, her gaze sharp and knowing — as if she could read every thought running through my head. As if she knew how badly I wanted to stop this wedding. As if she knew I had loved her man all along.

Slowly, a smile curved her lips.

Mocking.

My chest started pounding wildly. It felt like she could see right through me.

“If there is none,” the priest continued, drawing everyone’s attention back, “by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride.”

Oliver leaned down to kiss her, sealing it.

I looked away as the crowd erupted into cheers.

Barnes leaned closer to me. “You did well, Bet. You did well,” he whispered softly.

I nodded stiffly, fighting the tears threatening to spill, doing everything I could not to cry — not to ruin my makeup.

They stepped down from the altar as petals were tossed into the air, laughter and cheers filling the hall. Their faces glowed with happiness as they walked out, guests smiling, offering warm wishes and congratulations.

Mrs. Saint took the microphone. “All roads lead to the reception, where we’ve prepared some delicacies for you all.”

“Come on,” Barnes said, and I forced a nod. My legs felt unsteady, but I walked anyway.

“Today is my younger brother’s day. Soon it’ll be yours.”

That familiar masculine voice made us both turn.

Roman.

Barnes released my hand and walked over to him, the two of them hugging and laughing.

“Never knew you’d make it. How’s business, my friend?” Barnes asked, stepping back with his hands on his hips.

“Splendid. If I didn’t show up, my mother would’ve killed me,” Roman joked, his gaze drifting to me — that teasing smile appearing again.

“By the way, I’ve missed you, kiddo.”

I let out a small chuckle. “Kiddo? You do realize I’m a twenty-four-year-old woman, right?” I raised a brow.

He laughed. “Let’s just stick with kiddo. Wouldn’t want to start looking at you like a woman.”

The words caught me off guard.

Before I could react, Barnes punched him lightly in the stomach.

“Don’t talk like that to my sister.”

I covered my mouth, laughing softly as Roman clutched his stomach, still smiling. “Can’t a man joke?”

My laughter only grew.

“Yes, a man can joke. Not a playboy like you,” Barnes shot back.

Roman straightened, flashing his teeth. “Spoken like a true gentleman.”

“Shouldn’t we be heading to the reception?” Benjamin’s voice cut in, and we all turned toward him.

“My brother should be honored to have a friend like you,” Roman said, suddenly serious as he pulled Benjamin into a hug.

“You really did take us by surprise with that dramatic entrance,” Benjamin teased.

Roman smirked. “You know I like surprises.”

His eyes flickered to me again.

He looked so much like the man who had unknowingly broken my heart — or maybe it was Oliver who looked like him, since Roman was the older one. Either way, seeing that face… It hurts. Being reminded of Oliver would always hurt.

“It seems our dearest Bet is frowning on such a joyous day,” Roman said, tilting his head.

And honestly, he wasn’t wrong.