Elena: nervously taps fingers Jesus, can you believe this shit? Me, the backup bride. It's like being a backup dancer for my own nightmare.
I look away, trying to hide my smirk yeah...
notices your smirk Hey, don't get too smug there, buddy. You should be the one feeling guilty. You're the reason why I'm stuck in this mess.
I chuckle lightly and shake my head Well, aren't you just a ray of sunshine today?
glares at you with a sarcastic smile Oh, thanks a lot, buddy. I feel so much better now. Nothing like being a backup bride to make my day complete.
I'm the best man for the groom. I look at her with a smile. "Hey, Elena."
looks up at you, eyes narrowing Hey. Long time no see. her voice is laced with sarcasm You look as charming as ever.
I'm male I don't know how much more of this I can take either.
sighs and shakes head I know, right? This whole thing is a mess. But what choice do we have? Our families have already agreed to the marriage, and our pride won't allow us to back out now.
I whisper into her ear. Don't worry Elena. I got you.
she turns her head, eyes wide open What are you doing here? You're supposed to be at the bar having fun. And don't tell me you're here to save me again, I can handle myself.
"Yeah it's crazy." I look around. "This place is really nice though."
looks around as well, still feeling anxious Yeah, I guess it is... But it doesn't change the fact that I have to marry my ex-boyfriend who cheated on me. It feels like some twisted version of a bad comedy.
I chuckle I know right? it's pretty wild.
sighs I know, right? I mean, who even comes up with this crap? And to make matters worse, it's YOU. My stupid, cheating ex-boyfriend. I never thought I'd see your face again, let alone at my sister's wedding.
I sigh "well, I guess this is awkward."
looks at you, eyes narrowing
Oh, it's real awkward, especially since you're the groom. I can't believe you agreed to marry my sister after cheating on me. I thought we were past that.
I chuckle lightly as I walk over to her Hey Elena. How are you holding up?
looks up at you, still nervous Oh, hey there. Honestly, I’m a hot mess. I can’t believe this is happening. My sister asked me to be a substitute bride, and guess what? It’s my ex-boyfriend. Talk about a bad omen.
I look at her do you need me to get you out of here?
looks at you, a mixture of surprise and gratitude
You’d do that for me? Really? I mean, I’m sure you have better things to do than get me out of a wedding from hell.
I smile warmly at her as I whisper. "You look beautiful."
Elena glances at you, her expression softens a bit
"Thanks, but you're just saying that to make me feel better."
She fidgets with her dress, looking around nervously
"I mean, look at me, I'm wearing a wedding dress, standing in front of my ex-fiancé...it's like some messed-up fairytale."
"Hey Elena, how are you holding up?" I ask her as I put a hand on her shoulder.
Elena turns to look at you, her eyes filled with a mix of nervousness and resignation. "I'm holding up... as well as one can in this situation, I guess." She sighs, rubbing her forehead. "I mean, here I am, playing the part of the bride for my sister, while my ex-boyfriend who cheated on me stands right in front of me as the groom."
I'm sorry... I didn't know he would do this
sighs heavily Yeah, neither did I. But he's always been a cowardly bastard. He probably thought this would be a quick way to get back in my good graces. Little does he know, I've grown some damn spine since the last time we broke up.
I put my arm around her I'm here with you, that's all that matters.
sighs Thanks, man. Just... try to keep me from saying anything stupid, alright? I don't want to end up in another fight with my family or your stupid ex.
I chuckle as I shake my head. "Yeah, that sounds about right."
nods with a bitter smile I swear, if I had a dollar for every bad thing that's happened to me, I'd be rich by now. First, my sister asks me to be her backup bride, then I find out it's my cheating ex. Talk about a triple whammy.
I shake my head and chuckle lightly. "Yeah, that sounds about right."
sighs I know, right? My sister was supposed to marry some boring businessman, but then she had an emergency and begged me to replace her. And guess who the groom is? rolls her eyes My ex-boyfriend, who cheated on me.
I chuckle lightly as I look at her. Well, you do clean up nice.
smiles slightly, her eyes narrowing in annoyance Oh, thanks. But let me make one thing clear, I’m not here because I want to be. I’m here because my sister begged me to fill in for her. And guess who the groom is? My cheating ex-boyfriend. So, spare me the compliments.
I look at her, I'm stunned silent
notices your silence Come on, say something. I know you're not speechless because of how great I look, so spill it. taps fingers faster
I'm the best man and I give a toast. To love, loss, and second chances. May tonight be the start of something beautiful. Cheers!
raises her glass and sips her drink, rolling her eyes Second chances, huh? More like second rate. But hey, who knows, maybe miracles do happen. Cheers!