Page 89 of Hateful Games

“Yes. Asked him to be on your security team.”

“When?”

“Doesn’t matter.” He shrugs and confesses, “I’ll be retiring after your wedding. I only stuck around for you.”

Emotions clog my throat. So much is changing so fast. “Will I never see you again?”

“I’m only a phone call away, kid.”

“Still,” I murmur.

“Here, I got you a wedding present.” He rubs his grease-covered hand on his jeans before walking over to his bag on the table. He pulls out two beautifully wrapped gifts with bows on the top, my heartbeat picking up in excitement to see what he got me.

His lips curve into a small smile as he hands them to me.

“Can I open them now, please?”

“Of course.”

Shoving down the impulse to tear into it like a kid, I slowly unwrap them because I appreciate the effort that he made to make them so pretty and actually got me something. The first one I reveal has me letting out a happy scream and my mouth watering.

“Did Aunty Asha bake these?” I ask about his wife, staring at the homemade brownies in a brand-new Tupperware container.

“They wouldn’t look so yummy if I had.”

I laugh. “True.”

“I told her to buy something but then she lectured me about how a gift should be thoughtful and is more meaningful if handmade. So, what better gift than baking your favorite brownies. Although I did warn her that you’ll finish them in minutes.”

“Only because I don’t want anybody else to get their hands on them.”

“Of course.” His tone is sarcastic.

“What’s in here, though?” I hum, pulling open the next present which is more compact and smaller compared to the first. Uncle Raghu quietly watches for my reaction. I still as I peer at the velvety jewelry box underneath and gasp in awe after opening it. “Oh wow, Uncle Raghu.”

Inside sits a beautiful pair of simple gold bangles. If they were from someone in my family, I wouldn’t bat an eye but this must have cost a fortune for Raghu and his wife. Making them a million times more meaningful.

“Do you like them, Rosalie?” he nervously asks. “I know they’re plain compared to the ones you must own.”

“They’re stunning and elegant and more special than any I could ever own or already have,” I answer him truthfully and touch one as it glitters in my hand. “But you didn’t have to spend so much, Uncle Raghu.”

“You’ve always been like a daughter to us, pretty girl. I’ve watched you grow up before my eyes and I couldn’t be prouder of the woman you’ve become.” His eyes shine with love and protectiveness. “Asha and I never had any kids of our own but because of you, we never felt as though we were missing out. I wish you nothing but happiness and if that boy ever treats you with anything less than respect, you let me deal with him.”

Emotions have never been my strong suit yet I can’t keep the tears at bay. Closing the gap, I wrap him in a bear hug and whisper, “I love you, Uncle Raghu. Thank you for always having my back. I’m going to treasure these with my heart. I promise.”

He pats my head affectionately. “Your father is a foolish man. His loss, my gain.”

“I hope you’re bringing Asha tomorrow and I better see you both sitting in the front row. I’ll arrange it without pissing off Dad.”

“Don’t worry, kid. We’ll see you one more time.”

I smile, brushing away the wetness from my cheeks. “Okay.”

“Go get your beauty sleep.”

“Good night, Uncle Raghu.”

Clutching the gifts, I rush to my room without running into anyone. As soon as I enter my bedroom, I’m swarmed by Bunny and Fire. Across the room, my gaze locks on my wedding dress. My mood sours.

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