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I know this will cause problems, but Kieran trusts me. He should understand it was not about betraying him, but about helping my friend.
“Thank you, bestie. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
Her breaths deepen. I lean against the bed frame and type:I’m in bed.
My phone pings.
Good night, sweetheart.
I fall asleep with a smile.
The next morning, it’s a rush of getting ready. When the beauty team is done with Chiara’s makeup and hair, she looks incredible in her white mermaid-style dress.
“You look beautiful.” We both have tears in our eyes.
“I have never felt worse. At least I get a proper wedding.”
The chat ends when her parents come into the bedroom and nod in approval.
On the drive to the church, I bite my tongue so hard, I taste blood.
“Don’t cause Cato problems. How he deals with you is no longer my concern.”
I have never witnessed my friend so despondent as if the fight has left her. But knowing her, it’s just a reprieve.
I arrange her veil and her sister picks up the train. With her arm looped around her father’s we step inside the church, flowers and candles on each side of the pews, hundreds of people watching her entry. A dramatic but melodious song reverberates through the old walls. My eyes stay on Kieran and when we reach the altar, I stand next to Chiara.
Kieran winks at me, and for one moment, I forget why we’re here. But the priest begins the ceremony and when hepronounces them husband and wife, applause erupts. Everyone zones in on the couple.
Cato pushes the veil back, whispering something to Chiara. He leans into her, his lips lingering on hers a few more seconds, her fingers trembling around the bouquet. I look elsewhere. It feels like I’m intruding.
As we leave the church, Kieran says, “I won’t let you sleep without me from now on. It was torture.”
His emotions shine so bright in his eyes that they warm my insides like hot cocoa. I wrap my hands around him.
“It still feels like I am in a dream.”
“It is very real, sweetheart.”
He places his palm on my cheek and his brow furrows. “You deserved a big wedding. I’m sorry.”
I lean into his touch, placing my hand on his. “It’s just a day, and I had mine, including the dress.”
“The dress in which all I could think was I wanted to fuck it off of you.”
I slap his chest and he says, “I won’t forget how you looked wearing it. You looked ethereal, out-of-this-word beautiful. An angelic face, a body to kill; a lethal combination in a dress that was made to send me to my knees.”
“You’re totally exaggerating.”
“Am I?”
We reach the reception. It’s held at a lavish and elegant ballroom filled with women and men in impeccable attire. Trays with appetizers and champagne are passed around by waiters. A band plays in the corner. We spend the next few hours mingling and dancing. Kieran and I keep feeding each other while others stare at us.
I don’t care. I am happy, until I see my best friend wearing a fake, strained smile on her face. My gaze drops to my fingers, and Kieran whispers in my ear.
“This is about them and it has nothing to do with you.”
“It’s just…She’s my best friend, Kieran. I want her to be happy.”
