Page 112 of Falling for the Billionaire Best Man

Cullen shook his head, his expression incredulous. “Kaisen, that’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. You’re telling me you’re just going to walk away from the best thing that’s ever happened to you because you’re scared? That’s not you, man.”

I didn’t respond. I couldn’t. Because deep down, I knew he was right. But that didn’t change the fact that I was terrified of hurting her, of becoming my father, of losing her in the end anyway.

Before Cullen could say anything else, the photographer called us over for a picture with Dorie. As maid of honor and best man, we had to stand together. The moment I touched her, I felt that same fire ignite in my blood. She was so close. It took everything in me not to pull her into my arms.

“You look beautiful,” I said softly, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

She froze, her eyes flicking to mine for the briefest moment before she looked away. She swallowed hard, her throat working as she fought to keep her composure. Without a word, she stepped away.

“Are we done here?” I asked the photographer.

“We’re done,” he said.

I watched her go, my chest aching with a mix of regret and longing. I wanted to follow her, to explain, to beg for another chance. But I didn’t.

There were two limos waiting to take us to the nearby venue for the reception. Cullen and Eliza had ended up in one with Dorie and her parents. I was with the rest of the bridal party.

We climbed out of the limo and into the venue. The space was transformed into a romantic wonderland, with twinkling lights, lush floral arrangements, and elegant table settings. But my attention was immediately drawn to the centerpiece of the room—the wedding cake.

Dorie was there, guiding the caterers as they assembled the massive, intricate cake she’d made for the event. It was stunning, a true work of art. I couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride as I watched her work.

Next to the wedding cake was the groom’s cake, which… well, it wasn’t nearly as impressive. I’d helped decorate it that night at my house, before everything fell apart. The difference was painfully obvious. Cullen noticed me staring and came up beside me, a grin tugging at his lips.

“Not bad, right?” he said, gesturing to the groom’s cake. “I mean, it’s no wedding cake, but it’s got character.”

I snorted, shaking my head. “Yeah, character. That’s one way to put it. I honestly thought she would have fixed it. Sorry.”

He chuckled. “It’s fine. It’s funny. Add a little humor to the situation.”

“Yeah, definitely not as elegant as that wedding cake.” I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Dorie. She was concentrating so hard as she added the finishing touches.

Cullen’s grin faded as he followed my gaze to Dorie. “You know, Kaisen, I think you’re making a huge mistake.”

I didn’t respond, my eyes still fixed on Dorie. She was laughing at something one of the caterers said, her smile lighting up the room. It felt like a knife to the chest.

“I’m just saying, if you let her go, you’re going to regret it for the rest of your life. You need to talk to her and fix whatever it is you did.”

I swallowed hard. “Maybe. But if I stay, I might hurt her. And that’s something I can’t live with. You know me, Cullen. You know what kind of man I am. I’m not the kind of man that settles down and makes a woman happy.”

Cullen sighed, clapping me on the shoulder before walking away. I stood there for a moment, watching Dorie, before forcing myself to join the rest of the wedding party for dinner.

We were seated at a head table with me next to Cullen and Dorie next to Eliza. Waiters filled our glasses while we waited for the first course to be delivered.

“Got your speech ready?” Cullen asked quietly.

“Yep.”

“And you’re not going to embarrass me, right?”

I winked. “Would I ever do that?”

“Dories’s going first.”

Dorie moved to the front of the room. The DJ handed her the microphone. She looked nervous as hell.

Dorie cleared her throat, her hands trembling slightly as she gripped the microphone. The room fell silent, all eyes on her. She looked out at the crowd, her gaze briefly flickering to where I sat before she looked away again.

“Hi, everyone,” she started, her voice soft but steady. “First of all, I want to say how honored I am to stand here today as Eliza’s maid of honor. Eliza, you’ve been my best friend from, well, the womb. You’ve seen me at my best and my worst, and you’ve loved me through all of it. And Cullen… well, you’re not so bad either.”

The room erupted in laughter, and even Dorie managed a small smile. She glanced at the newlyweds, her expression softening.

“Eliza, I know I don’t say it enough, but I’m so proud of you. You’ve always been the strongest person I know, and seeing you find someone who loves you as much as Cullen does? It’s incredible. You two are perfect for each other in every way. You balance each other out, challenge each other, and most importantly, you make each other happy. Welcome to the family, Cullen.”

Everyone clapped. She handed the microphone back and took her seat.

It was my turn. I’d prepared a speech, something light and funny, but as I looked out at the crowd, the words I’d written felt hollow. They weren’t the truth. Not anymore.