2. Best Man

KAYLA

“We’re here!” Maddie exclaimed. I must have been spacing out, because I didn't even realize we've already arrived at the church where my sister is about to get married.

A sea of people gathered outside at the entrance, all dressed in shades of champagne and gold. The women wore long dresses that shimmered gently, and the men were in sharp, well-fitted suits. Since the driver was still looking for a parking spot, I stayed inside the van, taking a quiet moment to observe everything from my seat.

Everyone seemed to be smiling and chatting excitedly, their voices blending into a happy hum I couldn’t quite catch. I spotted my mom among the crowd, speaking to a man whose back was turned. Even from this distance, I could see the joy on mom’s face–the kind of joy that radiated straight from the eyes. Of course she was happy; one of her daughters was about to marry one of the richest men in the city.

I watched as the organizer approached my mom to say something. Mom then pulled out her phone and tapped quickly. Moments later, my phone began ringing. I haven't checked it since the shoot ended, but from the look on her face, I figured everyone had been looking for me.

I let the phone ring without answering. I'm here anyway.

“I’ll carry your stuff, so feel free to join your mom and relatives over there,” Maddie said. I just nodded at her before the van door opened, revealing me to the public.

I put a smile on my face as I looked at the people ahead of me.

Kayla Danes, the actress, is back on.

“Oh, finally!” mom said, relief flooding her voice.

“Sorry, the shoot took longer than expected,” I replied with a quick kiss on her cheek. I smiled at the people watching me, recognizing some familiar relatives and others I didn’t know. Likely members of the groom’s family, judging by their elegant dresses and glittering jewelry.

At least the wealthy ones had etiquette. They didn’t swarm me like my fans sometimes did. I adore my fans, but boundaries were not always their strong suit. Being around these people is definitely a breath of fresh air.

“Is it starting?” I asked the organizer.

The woman checked her watch, then her iPad. “Right on time.”

And as if cued by a movie director, the bridal car pulled up and stopped in front of us.

I was supposed to be in that car with my sister, but my schedule didn’t allow it. So I started walking towards her as the organizer gathered the guests to give them instructions.

“Hi,” I greeted Casey, who looked like an angel in her satin off-shoulder dress. The soft V-neck and gentle shine of the fabric made her glow, as if she had stepped out of a fairytale.

I felt my eyes sting with tears. “You look so perfect.”

“Oh, thank you, Kayla. Please don’t make me cry,” she said with a laugh. I fanned my eyes, trying to hold back the tears. “And I’m so glad you made it on time!”

I laughed. “Now, let’s get you married!”

Casey nodded excitedly.

We stepped out of the car, watching as the crowd began to settle inside. When it was my turn to walk, I squeezed Casey’s hand one last time before moving away.

Just like earlier, I walked down an aisle with everyone’s eyes on me. But this time, I know most of the faces watching and this time, the moment felt real, even if it wasn’t my wedding.

Some cameras were still pointed in my direction, but I didn’t mind.

As I slowly reached the altar, I saw Jordan standing there waiting. There was excitement and joy in his eyes, exactly the reaction I had hoped for. I smiled at him, and he returned it with a smile and a salute, the way he always does whenever we see each other. After seven years with my sister, he had become really close to me, like a true brother.

Then my gaze shifted to the man standing beside Jordan–his best man. I've never seen him before. Jordan had mentioned he traveled often.

The man caught my glance, and the way he looked at me made me scowl a little. I couldn’t read his expression at all. Perhaps he recognized me from my movies or endorsements. That was nothing new.

When I reached my spot at the front, I could still feel his eyes on me. I turned slightly, and sure enough, he was still watching. It feels as if his gaze never left me once.

I raised an eyebrow. He smirked in response. It was… odd.

I quickly looked away, trying to ignore the strange exchange.

Then the opening notes of 'Forevermore' filled the church, and everyone rose to welcome the bride.

Everything else seemed to blur around me as my focus was now solely on my sister.

The singer was singing the song soulfully, as Casey stepped inside, glowing from head to toe. Cameras clicked and flashed, but all I could see was her joy, her excitement, the moment she had dreamed of since we were young.

We used to talk about this day when we were younger. We both dreamed of marrying someone we truly loved and who loved us even more. My sister is finally getting her dream come true.

As I watched Casey walk down the aisle, I couldn’t help but smile through the tears. I didn’t even care about how my make up would look after this. I'm just so happy for her.

Even if my own heart was quietly breaking.

I stole a quick glance at Jordan. His eyes were fixed on his bride, full of love and devotion, and I could see the certainty in his gaze. He’s absolutely ready for this, ready for the life they would build together. And even though my own happiness felt far away, I found comfort knowing my sister would be deeply loved and well cared for.

Abbie, one of the bridesmaids, gently handed me a tissue. “You need it,” she whispered with a smile.

I murmured thanks and dabbed carefully at my face.

When I lifted my gaze again, my eyes met the best man’s from across the altar.

He was looking at me again, this time, his eyes filled with concern.