Chapter 30: The Table Conflict
The chatter at the table settled into a softer hum, the clatter of dishes and distant laughter from the hotel restaurant fading as Aeri leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"So, how does it feel knowing you two are getting married this weekend?" she asked, her voice bright and happy, her hands clasped together like she couldn't contain herself.
Daniel turned to Sara, a slow, genuine smile spreading across his face. "I'm happy," he said, his tone steady but warm, his gaze locking on her. "I still can't believe I'm marrying my princess—feels like a dream I haven't woken up from yet." He reached over, brushing her hand with his, and Sara's usual loud edge softened, her red dress rustling as she leaned into the touch.
"Same here," Sara said, her voice quieter than usual, almost human for once. She shot him a look—soft, adoring, the kind I'd never seen her aim at anyone else. In my head, I smirked—*Thank God there's someone she can talk to like a normal person instead of yelling the roof off.* It was a relief, honestly, seeing her dialed down for once.
"Ahhh... you guys are so wholesome," Aeri said, clapping her hands quick and light. She leaned back in her chair, her eyes wide and inspired, like she was watching some fairy-tale movie unfold. "I wish I could get someone like th—" She stopped cold mid-sentence, her words hanging in the air, and her head snapped toward me. She gulped hard, her throat bobbing, her smile faltering as her eyes locked on mine.
I was staring down at my water glass, my fingers tracing the rim absentmindedly. A little pang of sadness tugged at me, quiet but sharp, and she'd noticed—I could feel her gaze on me, heavy and searching.
I wasn't like Daniel—not some nerd with a soft voice and sweet lines, not the type to call anyone "princess" without a smirk. I could try, maybe, if that's what she wanted, but it wasn't me—not naturally. My shoulders slumped a bit, and I kept my eyes down.
"What happened, Aeri? Why are you looking at Ezra like that?" Sara asked, her voice cutting through the silence, confused. She tilted her head.
"Ahh—it's nothing, never mind," Aeri said quick, waving her hands in front of her. Her voice pitched up, flustered, and she forced a laugh, brushing it off. "Anyways... let's order something to eat—I'm hungry." She reached for the menu, flipping it open fast, her fingers fumbling a little as she tried to shift the focus. "What's good here? I need food, like, now."