Chapter 22
It seemed like that minor disturbance didn’t draw much attention. After the security guards took care of Kade, the wedding ceremony continued without a hitch.
In the end, only those four men, who used to share a dorm back in university, had a noticeable change in their expressions. Sean managed to witness everything unfold from backstage. A sudden realization struck him as he saw Kade rushing toward the stage, and his face immediately fell.
After being informed that the best man’s speech was ten minutes away, Sean removed his jacket, flexed his wrists, and walked out.
Upon reaching the doorway, Sean found himself face–to–face with Kade, who was completely out of his mind, and Adam and Camden, who were left dumbfounded by the whole scene.
He roughly grabbed Kade by the collar, his eyes flashing with anger as he snarled, “What was that objection about, Kade? And who was it directed at?”
Kade’s gaze was lost and unfocused as he stared at Sean. After a while, he managed to speak through gritted teeth, saying, “It was directed at Yvie.”
All the suspicions that had lingered in Sean’s mind were finally validated by what Kade had said. A strained smile appeared on his face as he asked coldly, “Who are you to object to Yvie’s wedding? What gives you the right to say something like that?”
“I’m her boy-”
Yet, before he could say “friend,” Sean’s fist flew out, landing squarely on his face.
“I told you to look after my sister, and this is how you do it, huh? You’ve dated her for six years, yet you’ve never said a thing about it! What am I to you? What is Yvie to you? I had invited you to come to Shandra City years ago, yet you refused every single time. And now you actually have the audacity to show up here?”
It took three calls from the emcee before the three groomsmen finally rushed onto the stage for the best man’s speech.
Upon seeing Sean standing at the very end with visible injuries on his face, Yvette’s smile instantly faltered.
As if feeling her gaze on him, Sean grimaced and looked up, showing her a dazzling smile. He then silently mouthed, “It’s a happy occasion–smile and be happy.”
Yvette figured out what he was mouthing, so she mimicked him, flashing an even more dazzling smile.
As Sean began his speech, his bruised face was shown in full detail on the big screen, prompting the emcee to tease him, saying, “It seems like our best man is sporting some sort of abstract makeup look. Is he perhaps going to show us some special performance later?”
All of the guests, who had been looking at Sean with concern earlier, were now chuckling at the emcee’s witty remark.
Sean rubbed the back of his head and grabbed the microphone with a sheepish grin. “I fell backstage, so that’s how I ended up in this state. I did have a speech all planned out, but I lost my notes during the fall, so I’ll just have to improvise it. I hope you all don’t mind it.
“I’m here as the best man, but I also have another identity–I’m the bride’s brother. I’m Sean Giles, Yvette’s older brother by four years. We’ve been at each other’s throats since we were young. She’s kind to everyone else but loves to bicker with me. And I, of course, love to tease her back, often getting on her nerves.
“There were moments when I knew I went too far and wondered if I should apologize. Yet, whenever I stood before her, the pride I felt as her older brother always drowned out the guilt, and I couldn’t bring myself to actually apologize to her. And so, here we are–ten years later, and I still haven’t said it.
“Today is the day my sister and my best friend are getting married and starting their new life together. And while I’m thrilled for them, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. Yet, as her older brother, I feel like it’s my duty to offer her some life advice.
“It’s alright to fall sometimes, Yvie. You just have to remember to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep moving forward. You see, with time, your wounds will heal and the pain will fade.
“I know I haven’t always been the best brother. I’ve made mistakes, and I’m truly sorry for any pain I’ve caused you. I swear in front of everyone that I’ll never make the same mistakes again, and I’ll never let anyone hurt you again. Can you please forgive me, Yvie?”
At the end of his speech, Sean was sobbing uncontrollably.
Upon seeing his tearful expression, all of the guests smiled understandingly, thinking that Sean was just really sad about letting Yvette go.
It was only Yvette who fully grasped the weight of his apology, understanding why he was suddenly apologizing. Her heart tightened, and tears began to well up in her eyes.
Zephyr, who was standing by Yvette’s side, silently reached out and took the bouquet from her hand. He then let go of her hand and said gently, “Go ahead.”
Yvette, unable to contain her emotions any longer, sprinted toward Sean, throwing herself into his embrace.
They held each other close, their tears falling together.
