“Harmony,” she said, like we were best friends, “I realized we don’t have a ring bearer. And I was thinking, wouldn’t it be so perfect if Aziel did it? I mean, he’s practically family.”
I didn’t say anything at first. I just stared at her.
Then I stood. My voice came out low and clear.
“There’s a thousand kids you could use. But you picked him. Why?”
She blinked like she was offended. “I’m just trying to make this meaningful. It would be special. I don’t feel comfortable having some stranger walk the rings. I thought Aziel would make it feel more real.”
I looked her straight in the eye. “No.”
Her eyes filled with tears like it was rehearsed. She turned to Hakeem and clutched his arm.
“Honey… I didn’t mean anything by it. Harmony misunderstood me. I just want someone we both know involved. Someone safe.”
Hakeem gave her that amused little smirk, pinched her nose like she was a damn puppy.
“You’re such a headache,” he said. “Fine. You win. We’ll use Aziel.”
Then he looked at me. That smile was gone. His eyes locked on mine, sharp and cold.
I didn’t argue. Didn’t flinch. I already knew how this went.
I walked away. Hands clenched. Nails digging deep. Because now my plan was ruined.