Chapter 28

Chapter Twenty Eight

Third Person POV.

Richard sat at the bar, a nervous energy buzzing through his veins. He took a deep breath, stealing a glance at his best friend, Killian Dane, who sat beside him.

The private bar in the club gave them some sort of privacy, and Richard knew this was the right time to share his big news with his best friend.

He turned to Killian, a serious expression on his face.

“There’s something I have to tell you,” Richard began, his voice almost a whisper. “But no matter what, Killian, you have to promise me that you won’t scream,” he quickly added, knowing that Killian had the tendency to yell whenever he was shocked.

Killian’s curiosity piqued, his eyes widening with anticipation. “What in the world are you talking about, Richard?” he asked. “Now you’ve got me all curious. Just spill the beans already!”

Richard let out a heavy sigh, contemplating how to break the news. “I… I’m getting married,” he finally confessed, watching Killian’s jaw drop and his face contort into a mixture of shock and confusion.

Killian blinked, trying to process Richard’s words. “Wait, did I hear you right?” he asked, his voice filled with disbelief. “You mentioned marriage, right? As in, you’re actually getting married?”

Richard nodded calmly, his expression serious. “You heard right. I’ll be getting married in the next few days.”

Killian’s eyes widened, his confusion deepening. “What are you talking about, Chard? Is this some kind of arranged marriage situation? Are your parents trying to force you into this?” he blurted out, concern edging his voice.

Richard scowled, a hint of frustration creeping into his tone. “No, Killian, it’s not an arranged marriage,” he responded firmly. “And I’m not being threatened by anyone. In fact, my parents didn’t even know about the wedding until I told them yesterday.”

Killian’s surprise was evident on his face, his brows furrowing. “Then what in the world is going

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Chapter Twenty Eight

5 Stars

on?” he asked, his voice filled with genuine bewilderment. “Why on earth, Richard, of all people, are you getting married? And to whom?”

Richard hesitated for a moment, his gaze fixed on the counter before him. “You’ll find out who my

bride is on the wedding day” he replied cryptically. “But the reason I’m mentioning it now is because… well, I want you to be my best man.”

to be

Richard felt a knot tighten in his stomach as he watched Killian freeze for a moment, the shock evident in his eyes. When his best friend finally spoke, his voice was filled with confusion and disbelief.

“Richard, how do you expect me to just accept being your best man for a wedding that I still don’t understand?” Killian asked, his words laced with a mix of frustration and hurt. “We’ve been best friends for almost twenty years, and it makes no sense that you’re only just telling me about your wedding a few days before the event.”

Richard swallowed hard, knowing that he couldn’t reveal the true nature of his upcoming marriage to Amber. He couldn’t share the details of their contract arrangement, because he had assured himself that the agreement would only be known by himself, Amber and his assistant.

Instead, he mustered up a lie, desperately hoping that Killian would accept it.

“I know it seems sudden, Killian, but the truth is my parents have been pressuring me for years to settle down,” Richard quickly responded. “I finally made the decision to get married, just as they wanted.”

Killian scoffed, frustration evident in his voice. “Richard, you didn’t even have a girlfriend last time I checked,” he pointed out, his brows furrowing with skepticism. “How all of a sudden do you have a fiancé you’re about to marry in such a short period of time?”

Richard met Killian’s gaze, fabricating another lie in a desperate attempt to maintain the facade. “Just because you didn’t know about my girlfriend doesn’t mean she didn’t exist,” he replied, his voice trying to sound convincing. “I’ve been keeping our relationship private because I didn’t want to put her in the limelight unnecessarily. But now, I’m ready to marry her, and we’re getting married in a week.”

Killian let out a sigh, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized Richard. “Is this some kind of contract marriage, Richard?” he asked, his voice filled with a mix of suspicion and concem. “Because I can’t believe any of the lies you’re telling me. I know you better than anyone, and I won’t just accept a

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Chapter Twenty Fight

half–hearted explanation.”

5 Stars

Richard’s frustration grew with each passing moment as Killian continued to question and prod him.

about his upcoming wedding.

“Killian, can’t you just accept the role of being my best man and attend the wedding without asking. so many questions?” Richard finally burst out, his voice laced with a combination of frustration and

exasperation. “I’ve already explained it to you, and you’re the one refusing to believe my

explanation.”

Killian’s brows furrowed, his jaw tensing as he glared at Richard. “Richard, you know I deserve a proper explanation,” he retorted. “We’ve been through everything together. I can’t just stand by blindly without knowing what you’re getting yourself into.”

Richard took a deep breath, attempting to calm the surge of frustration in him. He understood

Killian’s desire for an explanation, but he couldn’t reveal the true nature of his marriage to

Amber.

“I get it, Killian. I understand why you’re struggling to believe me,” Richard said, his voice softening just a fraction. “But right now, I would really appreciate it if you could just accept it

without further questions.”

Killian sighed heavily, shaking his head in disbelief before a quick smile danced across his l*ps. “Well, Richard, I always knew you would end up losing your mind,” he said jokingly, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. “But fine, I’ll be your best man. Not because I fully believe your explanation, but because I want to believe that you wouldn’t do something like this without a good

reason.”

A small smirk tugged at the corner of Richard’s l*ps. “Thank you, Killian,” he replied.

“So, Richard,” Killian started. “Is your soon–to–be wife pretty? Be honest with me.”

Richard’s smirk grew into a wide grin as he let out a chuckle. “Believe me, Killian, when who I’m going to marry, you’ll be green with envy.”

you meet

Killian raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Oh, really now? Is she that stunning?” he asked, a playful challenge in his tone. “Because I swear, if she’s not. I’m walking out of that

wedding hall.”

Richard laughed heartily the sound achnine through the room “lust nu wait my friend. You won’t h

wedding hall.”

Richard laughed heartily, the sound echoing through the room. “Just you wait, my friend. You won’t be

able to take your eyes off her. I promise you that.”