Isla sneered with mockery in her voice. "Tch, do you really think I'd believe that?"

"Someone like you? That’s like a pauper trying to marry a queen."

"But don't kid yourself. It's impossible. You're not even worthy to carry my shoes!"

Orion spoke up, pretending to mediate.

"Isla, I asked him to be my best man. After all, it was our agreement back then."

"Vincent, please don't take it personally. I still treasure our old friendship."

"Even though we haven't stayed in touch all these years, I've always considered you my best friend and brother."

The moment Isla learned that Orion wanted me to be the best man, her expression softened slightly.

"Only Orion would be kind enough to show pity on you!"

"But let me warn you one last time. Don't cause any trouble at my wedding!"

With that, she opened the cake box and the celebration resumed. Once again, everyone was gathered to celebrate an unforgettable birthday for Orion.

No one, however, seemed to remember.

Today was my also birthday.

Years ago, it was because Orion and I were born on the same day that Evelyn had swapped us at the hospital.

She took me to a life of hardship while granting him a life of luxury.

One child was raised in heaven, pampered and adored by everyone.

The other was cast into hell, enduring years of domestic abuse.

Midway through the celebration, Orion paused, turning to look at me.

"Godmother, how could you forget? Today is also Vincent's birthday!"

"In that case, I'll order another cake right away so we can celebrate Vincent's birthday properly and welcome him back."

I have to say that Orion had perfected the art of rubbing salt into my wounds.

His suggestion drew applause from the others, especially Evelyn, who beamed at him like a proud mother.

"Orion, you're so thoughtful. Even though this ungrateful son of mine doesn't deserve it, you still remember him."

"Honestly, I don't know what luck he has to have such an amazing friend like you."

"But he's the only one who doesn't deserve to celebrate his birthday! I can't even stand calling this trash my son!"

Isla chimed in, her eyes filled with contempt as they bore into me.

"Vincent Hayes, don't even think about celebrating your birthday!"

"You don't deserve to share the same birthday as Orion. What a disgrace!"

I stayed silent, enduring their scolding just like before.

Then, Orion took the leftover half of the cake and inserted a few candles into it.

"How could we let this go uncelebrated? Vincent has never had a proper birthday all these years."

"Vincent, how about using the leftover cake?"

Before I could even respond, he immediately continued, "Oh wait, no, that's too shabby."

"I'll go buy a new one downstairs. Just wait for me!"

However, he moved toward the door but kept glancing back as if expecting someone to stop him.

Sure enough, Isla grabbed his arm quickly.

"Orion, why are you so nice to him?"

"Even this leftover cake is more than he deserves!"

"Vincent, you don't like it? Let me help you have a 'good' birthday, then!"

Before I could react, she picked up a piece of cake and smashed it into my face. The fork embedded in the slice jabbed my eye, sending a sharp pain through me.

"Haha! Smashing cakes is such fun on birthdays!"

Encouraged by her actions, Orion joined in, picking up another piece and throwing it at me with an amused chuckle.

Evelyn was even more delighted watching her precious son laugh so joyously.

Go ahead, have fun! As long as Orion is happy, that's all that matters!"

One by one, pieces of cake flew at me.

They hit my face again and again.

Their unrestrained laughter filled my ears, ringing loud and mocking.

I clenched my fists tightly, desperately restraining the urge to explode.

I repeated to myself, over and over.

Just wait, this isn't the time yet!

Soon, the long-anticipated wedding day of Orion Winters and Isla Elander arrived.

The celebration was grand, befitting a wealthy family. Amid cheers and confetti, they got into their luxurious wedding car, drawing envious gazes from the crowd.

The motorcade paraded through the busiest streets, announcing their union to the entire city.

The venue, the most prestigious hotel in Eldoria City, was dazzling and decorated with huge lamps and flowers.

There were hundreds of guests attending the event, further showcasing the Elander Family's high status.

Even our former high school classmates and teachers were invited.

When I walked into the hall wearing my best man suit, they all whispered in surprise and disbelief.

"Wait, is that Vincent Hayes? Holy cow! He actually has the nerve to be Orion's best man!"

"This loser still has the gall to show up here. Miss Elander is already married to Orion today. Is he still trying to please them by being the best man?"

"Tsk, pathetic. Some people just don't know how to keep their dignity."

Sure enough, I could guess that Orion's true intent behind asking me to be his best man quickly came to fruition.

I could feel the disdainful stares of my old classmates piercing through me as their fingers pointed at me.

I noticed the faintest smirk curling at the corners of Orion's lips.

Surrounded by their mocking comments and ridicule, I stayed silent.

I stood in the audience, maintaining my composure, my gaze steady on Orion and Isla as they stood together on stage.

With the emcee's voice narrating every moment, the couple exchanged rings.

Under the applause and heartfelt blessings of the crowd, they embraced each other.

When it came time for the bouquet ceremony, Orion stepped forward and handed me the beautifully arranged bouquet of flowers.

Holding the microphone, he turned to me with a warm smile and spoke gracefully, "Vincent, we grew up together and I've always seen you as my best friend and brother."

"So, I truly wish for your happiness as well."

"This bouquet symbolizes my hopes that you find it. Isla has a sister who has always admired you deeply and I sincerely hope the two of you can be together."

As he finished speaking, he glanced toward the crowd, drawing attention to Isla's sister, who was born with cognitive disability.

She stood there, grinning childishly, drool dripping from the corner of her mouth as she looked at me with a silly smile.

At that moment, I finally understood that Orion had not made me his best man just to show off in front of our old classmates.

This was far worse than I had anticipated!

Evelyn was the first to react, leaping to her feet in delight. Clapping her hands, she exclaimed, "Oh, this is wonderful! If my disgrace of a son can marry Isla's sister, it would be the greatest fortune of his life. He must have suffered for eight lifetimes to deserve this happiness!"

"Vincent, Orion always has your best interests in mind! Why don't you thank him properly?"

Seeing how excited Evelyn was, laughter suddenly filled the room.

"Haha! The bootlicker finally licked his way to success by marrying the landowner's idiot daughter!"

"But hey, isn't that a blessing? She's still part of the Elander Family, so he technically married into wealthy Elander Family!"

"This is brilliant! Vincent's dream finally came true. He made it into a rich family!"

I remained silent and my face was emotionless. My eyes were cold as I stared at the scene indifferently.

Isla's voice broke through, dripping with sarcasm. "What? Are you upset about marrying my sister?"

"Weren't you always so desperate to marry into our family?"

"Are you so overwhelmed with joy that you can't speak now?"

Still, I said nothing, but Evelyn stormed toward me, grabbing my head roughly. She forced me into a bow before Orion.