The best man

Chapter 1

I felt numb after the interaction—confused, guilty for something I didn't even do, yet somehow responsible. First, I ruined the gathering. Everyone could probably sense the tension. And then there was Conor... his words had messed me up, leaving me spinning in circles.

Wasn't I good enough for him? Why didn't he offer any reassurance when I needed it most? His words echoed in my mind, making me question everything. I was overwhelmed with guilt for ruining the moment, but at the same time, I was the one left broken.

"I'll give you an answer soon, Conor. But right now, I need to be alone. Do you mind?" I asked, still dabbing at my tears.

"Okay," he said softly before leaving the room.

Thank God I had brought makeup with me. I couldn't go back out there looking like a mess. I had to play it off—fake it, smile through it, and pretend everything was fine. Even though it hurt deeply, I had to accept that Conor would never be mine. I had been living in a dream, clinging to a delusion for too long. It was time to let it go.

But the thought of letting him go made my heart ache even more. How could I just walk away from him now? It didn't seem fair to just stop talking to him, to cut him off after everything we had been through.

He wasn't entirely wrong. We had never been a couple. I was just as much at fault for allowing it—the cuddling, the going out like we were something more. I let it happen, foolishly hoping for something that was never going to come.

Now, I had to accept it. I had to be his best man, no matter how painful it would be to stand by and watch him kiss someone else, to see them share the moments I had dreamed of. It was going to hurt, but I couldn't change what had happened.

I just had to endure it.