I didn’t respond. I just changed again, numb, like I was being dressed and undressed for someone else’s approval.
“Aria,” Julian said suddenly, irritation in his voice. “Are you going to cooperate or just stand there?”
I looked at him through the mirror. “What exactly do you want from me?”
“I want you to stop acting like this,” he said sharply. “Mira is trying to help. The least you can do is show gratitude.”
“I am grateful,” I said automatically.
“Then act like it,” he snapped. “Right now you just look jealous and childish.”
It felt like being slapped without warning.
Mira quickly stepped in, softening her voice. “Julian, it’s okay. She’s just overwhelmed.”
His expression changed instantly when he looked at her. “You’re too patient with her.”
Something inside me cracked quietly.
**
At the jewelry shop, it got worse.
Mira picked the rings, tried them on, gave opinions like she was the one getting married. Julian agreed with everything she said.
When I tried to speak, he cut me off.
“Just trust Mira. She knows what looks good.”
So I stood there silently while someone else chose the ring that was supposed to be mine.
**
The bridal shower was held at Grandma Rosemarie’s estate.