The Tale Of Hearts

Chapter 116

Hazel's POV

There were way too many mirrors in this boutique, I could see my reflection from all of it, but I was kind of nervous, standing there for my final dress fitting with my three maids of honour.

"Turn. Slowly, darling. Let me absorb you," Manny commanded, waving a swatch of lavender satin like a sword, eyes narrowed in dramatic concentration. 

He was more colourful than the last time, dressed head to toe in cream linen and sequins. A measuring tape around his neck like a priest about to deliver a wedding sermon.  With a light smile, I turned reluctantly, the soft white dress swishing around me.

"I knew you'd be a beautiful bride from the very first time I saw you, sweetheart, "Manny said with a teasing smile, crouching slightly as he adjusted something near the waistline of my dress. I rolled my eyes, though my cheeks betrayed me with a flush. "Manny..."

"No, no, don't you 'Manny' me," he chided, flicking his wrist. 

"I knew you'd have that hottie wrapped around your little finger, and look at you now, his bride to be!!!!" he added with a playful smirk curling at his lips as he tugged gently at my waistline, smoothing the fabric. I couldn't help the smile that bloomed across my face, just as a burst of soft giggles floated through the room. Tash, Eva, and Nora were all laughing at Manny's comments, their reflections shimmering in the floor to ceiling mirror while Manny's assistants flitted around them like busy little bees.

"I mean," Nora said, flipping her hair as if the outcome had never been in question "we all knew. Hyden never stood a chance."She gave a casual shrug, eyeing others,pointedly on Tash.

"Oh, don't even waste time doubting it," Tash said with a grin. "Poor guy was done for the second Hazel so much as blinked at him." She laughed, a playful glint in her eyes. "Those intense, broody types? They always fall the hardest."

"Oh... not again..." I groaned, burying my burning face in my hands.
Here they go, teasing me to death all over again. I swear, I'll never understand why I always end up being the snack in the room.

"Own it, babe," Tash chimed with a smirk, stepping down from the pedestal as she fluffed the folds of her gown. "You're about to become Mrs. Broody Dreamboat," she teased, that smug smile stretching wide across her lips, dancing with mischief.

Two can play this game. I matched her smirk, the wheels already turning in my head. I tucked a loose strand behind my ear and flashed her a sweet, knowing look at Tash. 

"Well, I'm dying to know..." I purred, locking eyes with her, "who's going to catch my bouquet?"The tone dripped with teasing charm, my grin widening as I watched her expression shift. I knew exactly where to poke, especially with her dad constantly dropping hints about marriage again as now that Kevin was back in town for good. His nagging had gotten so relentless, it practically drove her to get her own apartment just to escape from that.

She narrowed her eyes, lips curling like she'd just bitten into something sour.
"Ew, don't even think about tossing it near me," she snapped. "I'm definitely not catching that thing. That would be the end of my peaceful life" I arched a brow, my smile stretching wider as I watched her bristle.

"You don't have to catch it, Tash. Kevin will do the honors." From across the room, Nora's voice chimed in with playful glee as if she got my hint, her laughter ringing out like a bell. I couldn't help but join in, my laugh slipping out easily, because yes, that was exactly where I wanted this to go.

Tash huffed,Her jaw tensed. Eyes rolling so hard I worried they might stick.
"You guys are the worst." she muttered,under her breath. "Don't remind me of that pervert" she snapped, her tone sharped suddenly brimming with irritation. .