Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: Lily’s Little Job
Lily took her job as ring bearer seriously.She had practiced walking slowly down the hallway with a pillow in her hands. She had asked Emily three times what would happen if she tripped. Emily had kissed her forehead and said, “Then you get up, sweetheart. Everyone trips sometimes.”Olivia, the bride, had been kind to Lily.That morning, while makeup artists moved around the bridal room, Olivia had knelt in front of her and smiled.“You look beautiful,” Olivia said. “Thank you for helping with the rings.”Lily blushed. “I won’t drop them.”“I know,” Olivia said gently. “I trust you.”That word mattered to Lily.Trust.She had heard adults question her mother too many times. She had seen Emily swallow hurtful words just to keep peace at family gatherings. So when Olivia trusted her, Lily held the velvet ring box with both hands like it was treasure.Emily watched from the doorway.For a moment, she thought maybe this day could be different.Maybe Ryan was finally growing up.Maybe the family would behave because there were witnesses.Maybe Lily would remember the wedding as a happy day.Then Margaret Parker appeared beside Emily and whispered, “Don’t let your daughter act strange today. This wedding is important.”Emily looked at her mother.“My daughter is seven.”Margaret’s smile was cold.“Exactly. Old enough to follow instructions.”
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