My Groom Kissed His Bestman in Live Stream

The cold weight of platinum settled against my skin as Marcus slid the ring onto my finger. His touch lingered, thumb brushing over my knuckles in what two million viewers would interpret as tenderness. His eyes—those lying, beautiful eyes—held mine with practiced adoration.

"Forever," he whispered, just loud enough for the microphone to catch.

The livestream counter ticked up to 2.7 million. Comments scrolled by in a blur of hearts and congratulations. #PerfectMatch and #LinaAndMarcus were trending worldwide.

My turn now. I lifted his ring with fingers that trembled ever so slightly—not from emotion, but from the volcanic rage building beneath my composed exterior. As I slid the band onto his finger, I caught Dylan's eye over Marcus's shoulder. The guilt there was unmistakable—fear too, lurking in the shadows of his expression. He knew. He was wondering if I knew.

I held his gaze a beat too long. Confusion flickered across Dylan's face, followed by a flash of panic that he quickly suppressed. Good. Let him sweat.

"With this ring," I said, my voice clear and steady despite the hurricane inside me, "I thee wed."

In the front row, Victoria Thompson watched with smug satisfaction, her silver-streaked hair swept into an immaculate updo that matched her rigid posture. The Thompson family matriarch had finally gotten what she wanted—the perfect daughter-in-law to complete her son's public image. Her eyes narrowed slightly at Dylan's fidgeting, disapproval tightening her features. She had no idea her precious son was the cause of his best man's anxiety.

Behind her, I spotted the Valentino representatives, phones discreetly angled to capture content. The Cartier team was monitoring social engagement, exchanging pleased glances at the numbers. This wedding wasn't just a ceremony—it was a marketing event, a branding opportunity, a content goldmine.

And I was about to turn it into something else entirely.

"Now," the officiant announced, her voice warm with rehearsed sincerity, "Marcus and Lina have prepared personal vows to share with each other and with all of you witnessing their union today."

Marcus stepped forward first, unfolding a crisp paper with steady hands. The confidence of a man who believed his secret was safe. The arrogance of someone who thought he could have everything—the public wife, the private lover, the perfect life built on perfect lies.

"Lina," he began, his voice carrying through the venue and to millions of devices worldwide. "From the moment we met, I knew you were the perfect partner for me."

I maintained my radiant smile, though something twisted painfully in my chest. Perfect partner. Not love of his life. Not soulmate. Perfect partner—like a business arrangement. Which, I supposed, was exactly what we were.

"With you," he continued, "I've found someone who understands the importance of building a dream life together. Someone who values truth and authenticity as much as I do."

The irony was so thick I could choke on it. Truth. Authenticity. From a man who had been kissing his best man yesterday in this very venue.

"I promise to be your rock, your partner, your biggest supporter as we build our empire together. I promise to stand beside you in the spotlight and behind the scenes."

Behind the scenes. Where he thought I couldn't see. Where he thought his real life happened.

The audience sighed and murmured appreciatively. The livestream comments scrolled faster: "I'm crying!" "Couple goals!" "So genuine!"

Marcus finished with a perfectly crafted line about forever that made Victoria dab at her eyes with a monogrammed handkerchief. The performance was flawless.

Then the officiant turned to me with an encouraging smile. "Lina, would you like to share your vows now?"

I stepped forward, my heart thundering against my ribs. This was the moment. The culmination of years building my brand, my image, my perfect life. And the beginning of something entirely new.

"I had vows prepared," I said, my voice clear and steady as it carried through the microphones to millions of ears. "Beautiful vows about partnership and dreams and forever."

I paused, looking directly into Marcus's eyes.

"But I think I'd rather show everyone what love really looks like. What truth looks like."

Marcus's smile faltered, just slightly. Just enough.