The best man

Chapter 9

As the game winds down, everyone settles back into the cozy atmosphere of the living room, drinks in hand, partners nestled close. I lean against Ethan, feeling the warmth between us, as the laughter still lingers in the air.

But Conor breaks through the easygoing chatter with a sudden question, his tone heavy with bitterness. "So, how did you two meet, anyway?" His words feel less like curiosity and more like a challenge.

Before I can respond, Ethan steps in calmly, his voice steady. "We met at the library. I was working, and when I went to help after hearing some books fall, there was Lily, trying to pick them up. We didn't talk much at first, but eventually, we connected."

Conor snorts, his eyes narrowing. "Isn't he a bit too old for you, Lily?" His voice drips with disdain, making my heart sink.

"Conor, that's enough!" James calls out, his voice strained, trying to stop things before they escalate.

Ethan straightens, his calm demeanor sharpening as he locks eyes with Conor. "You've got a problem, say it to me," he says quietly, each word measured, with an undercurrent of threat. "Don't attack her because you're feeling small."

The room goes still, everyone suddenly alert to the tension between them. Ethan's presence is strong, protective, and commanding, a quiet power radiating off him that demands respect.

Conor's smirk falters. "Who do you think you are? Some guy just coming in, thinking you've got it all figured out?" His voice rises as he tries to regain control. "Did he fuck you so good, you lost your brain-sell, Lily ? You could choose better, honestly, it's disappointing."

Ethan stands up, his eyes darkening with controlled anger, and the room grows even more tense. "Say one more word like that about Lily, and you'll regret it," Ethan warns, his voice dropping to a chilling calm. "I dare you to talk to her like that again... I'm here for Lily, unlike you, for your fiancé. You're fighting the wrong fight, buddy."

The silence is heavy, everyone waiting for Conor's reaction. Shelly and James exchange uneasy glances, unsure of how to stop the brewing conflict.

Conor, clearly rattled, scoffs, trying to keep his tough exterior. "Whatever," he mutters, his voice lacking the strength it had before.

Ethan doesn't back down, his gaze still locked on Conor. "Good. Now let's move on and actually enjoy the night."

Shelly steps in, trying to salvage the mood. "Come on, guys, let's not ruin the night over this. We're here to have fun, right?"

Conor doesn't seem ready to let it go. "I just don't get it. What do you even see in him?"

"That's not for you to understand," Ethan replies firmly. "And it's none of your business."

Anne finally speaks up, her voice sharp and laced with frustration. "You are so embarrassing. Just so pathetic!" shaking her head in disbelief. The room falls into a stunned silence as her words hang in the air, cutting through the tension like a knife. Her eyes flash with anger as she glares at Conor, unable to contain her disgust any longer.

Without waiting for a response, Anne stands up abruptly. "I can't even be around this anymore," she mutters, storming out of the room, her footsteps heavy with anger.

Conor glares at us, then suddenly stands. "I need some air," he mutters, moving toward the door.

The room feels heavy as the door closes behind them. James sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Sorry about that. Conor's... He's got some stuff going on."

"It's not your fault," Ethan replies, but his arm tightens around me protectively. I can see the concern in his eyes as he looks down at me.

"Let's just get back to the fun," Shelly says, trying to brighten the atmosphere again. "Refill the drinks, ignore the drama!"

James nods in agreement. "Yeah, let's move on and enjoy the night. Conor's just... being Conor."

As everyone tries to move past the tension, I lean into Ethan, grateful for the way he stood up for me, though the words Conor threw at us still sting. I take a deep breath, reminding myself I'm with someone who truly cares about me.