2. Best Man

“We’re here!” Maddie exclaimed. Kayla must have been spacing out, because she hadn’t even realized they had already arrived at the church where her sister is about to get married.

Outside, a sea of people gathered 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, Kayla stayed inside the van, taking a quiet moment to observe everything from her seat.

Everyone seemed to be smiling and chatting excitedly, their voices blending into a happy hum she couldn’t quite catch. She spotted her mother among the crowd, speaking to a man whose back was turned. Even from this distance, Kayla could see the joy on her mother’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.

Kayla watched as the organizer approached her mother to say something. Her mother then pulled out her phone and tapped quickly. Moments later, Kayla’s phone began ringing. She hadn’t checked it since the shoot ended, but from the look on her mother’s face, Kayla figured everyone had been looking for her.

She let the phone ring without answering. She’s here anyway.

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

She put a smile on her face as she looked at the people ahead of her. Kayla Danes, the actress, is back on.

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

“Sorry, the shoot took longer than expected,” Kayla replied with a quick kiss on her mother’s cheek. She smiled at the people watching her, recognizing some familiar relatives and others she 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 her like her fans sometimes did. She adored her fans, but boundaries were not always their strong suit. Being around these people is definitely a breath of fresh air.

“Is it starting?” Kayla 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 them.

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

“Hi,” she greeted her sister, 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.

Kayla felt her eyes sting with tears. “You look so perfect.”

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

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

Her sister nodded excitedly.

They stepped out of the car, watching as the crowd began to settle inside. When it was Kayla’s turn to walk, she squeezed her sister’s hand one last time before moving away.

Just like earlier that day, Kayla walked down an aisle with everyone’s eyes on her. But this time, she knew most of the faces watching and this time, the moment felt real, even if it wasn’t her wedding.

Some cameras were still pointed in her direction, but she didn’t mind.

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

Then her gaze shifted to the man standing beside Jordan–his best man. She had never seen him before. Jordan had mentioned he wasn’t local and traveled often.

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

When Kayla reached her spot at the front, she could still feel his eyes on her. She turned slightly, and sure enough, he was still watching. His gaze hadn’t left her once.

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

She 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 Kayla. Her focus was now solely on her sister.

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

They used to talk about this day when they were younger. They both dreamed of marrying someone they truly loved and who loved them even more. Her sister was finally getting her dream come true.

As she watched Casey walk down the aisle, Kayla couldn’t help but smile through the tears. She didn’t even care about how her make up would look after this. She’s just so happy for her sister.

Even if her own heart was quietly breaking.

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

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

Kayla murmured thanks and dabbed carefully at her face.

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

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