Mira chose dresses for me like I was a doll. Julian barely looked up from his phone. When I stepped out in the first gown, she tilted her head.
“It’s okay,” she said, though her tone didn’t match her smile. “But maybe something less simple? This is Julian’s wedding too.”
Julian nodded without even looking at me. “Try another.”
By the third dress, her tone had shifted. “The fit isn’t flattering. Your posture makes it worse. Are you even trying?”
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.
For a moment when I arrived, I thought maybe it would be peaceful. But Mira was already there, laughing with guests, completely in control of the room.
“She once saved my life,” Grandma said warmly to everyone, smiling at me. “Aria is a good girl.”
For a second, I felt something close to belonging.
Then Mira stood up, raising her glass.
“To Aria and Julian,” she said sweetly. “May they find the happiness they deserve.”
Glasses clinked. Everyone drank.
And then Grandma suddenly swayed.
Her glass slipped from her hand and shattered on the floor.
“Grandma!” I rushed forward and caught her before she fell completely.
Panic exploded around us. Someone shouted for help. Phones came out. Julian rushed in seconds later, face pale.
“What happened?” he demanded.