The Perfect Mistake

Chapter 1: Wedding Deceptions

As I stood in front of the grand mirror, its ornate frame reflecting the soft glow of the room's warm lights, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement and nerves. Tonight is the night I had been dreaming of since I was a child, the night that would mark the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

I carefully arranged the delicate flowers in my hair, their petals matching the soft hues of my wedding gown. As I applied my makeup, my mind drifted back to those innocent days when I would sneak into my mother's closet, longing to be a bride, even if it was just for pretend. I'd don her wedding dress, swaying gracefully like the heroines in romantic movies, clutching fresh flowers in my hands.

Today, I would become someone's wife, and the thought filled my heart with a profound sense of love and commitment. To choose and be chosen, to love someone unconditionally for the rest of my days—this was the profound bond I longed to share.

"Auntie! Can I have some more chocolates?" A familiar voice interrupted my reflections. Turning towards the side of the mirror, I saw Gabriel, my adorable nephew, running towards me, laughter bubbling from his lips. I couldn't help but smile as I witnessed Morgan, my sister and the wedding coordinator, chasing after her energetic son.

As Gabriel approached, Morgan quickly scooped him up, avoiding any accidental damage to my wedding dress. "Gabriel! Can you stop running around? Your Auntie Isla wouldn't like it if you stomp on her gown," she gently reprimanded him.

"Oh, it's okay, Morgan," I reassured her, tapping her shoulder. "I don't mind at all. Besides, I'm not even wearing my wedding dress yet, so he can run around to his heart's content for now." I reached over and pinched Gabriel's cheek affectionately. "But, I'm afraid I can't give you more chocolates right now, little man. You already had plenty earlier," I added with a playful wink.

Morgan sighed in agreement, and with loving authority, she instructed Gabriel to go to his nanny waiting outside with his milk. As soon as the word "milk" left her lips, Gabriel was off like a shot, sprinting out of the room, his giggles echoing down the hall.

"Is everything perfect out there?" I asked.

I inquired about the final preparations, wanting to ensure everything was going smoothly. She nodded confidently as she reviewed her meticulous checklist, making sure that everything was in place for the momentous event.

As my wedding coordinator, Morgan had been instrumental in organizing the entire celebration, and I trusted her completely. I hired her because it's her job, and she's my sister. Technically, my half-sister. We grew up together until I was eighteen. And we have a good and fair relationship as sisters. She's the daughter of my father's new wife, Mariana.

"Yes---- yes! Everything's perfect! The attendees are all present. The wedding cake is now in the reception venue. The flowers are just perfect. The bridesmaid checked, the flower girls checked, the ring bearer checked," she hovered her finger on the paper. "Everything on my list is checked, except for the wedding officiant and..." her voice suddenly disappeared.

Morgan hesitated, finally meeting my gaze with a look of concern and sympathy that was all too familiar. She used to give me that look every time her mother did something embarrassing to me. She had always felt bad for her mother's doings and was always the one who asked for forgiveness on her behalf.

I frowned at her to get her answer, but she stayed reluctant. "Is it your mother? Did she do anything again?" I asked and stood up from my seat.

She shrugged and tried to make me sit again. "No, it's not her. It's something else, Isla."

I probed further, sensing her reluctance to share. "What is it, Morgan? Tell me," I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Reluctantly, she revealed, "It's Pier."