The Perfect Mistake

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.”

I kept my posture and tried not to look bothered as I started feeling iffy in my stomach because of what she said. "What about Pier? What about my fiancé?"

Morgan didn't say anything. She talked to some staff and told them to leave the room momentarily. After they all did, she grabbed a chair and sat beside me. After that, she took both of my hands and held them tightly. At that moment, I couldn't help but to feel my heart pounding so much.

"Stop it, Morgan. Just say whatever it is that you're not telling me about Pier. Stop making me nervous," I told her, and took my hands from her grasp.

She brushed her hair using her fingers out of frustration. "Okay, sorry. It's that Pier is still not here yet. The wedding is about to start in a few minutes, and here we are, still waiting for him to arrive. He's supposed to be here a day before the wedding. That is what it says here," she pointed to her planned schedule.

He's still not here. The wedding is about to start, and we're still waiting for him to arrive. According to the schedule, he was supposed to be here a day before the ceremony."

My heart sank, and I could feel the anxiety creeping into my stomach. "He's going to be here, Morgan. I know he will," I said, trying to convince both of us.

Needing a moment to collect myself, I excused myself to the dressing area and took the first dress that my hands got laid on. I didn't care what kind of dress I was picking out. I knew I was panicking because I didn't care about its color or design. And I always do care, as it is the nature of my work. But right now, I was just desperate to cover myself before facing the guests.

Morgan called out, trying to persuade me not to wear the dress, but I couldn't bear to face everyone without Pier by my side. He had always been my rock, and the thought of him not being here shattered me.

"Isla, no. Come back here, please. You're not going to wear that. You'll wear your wedding dress before your guests, not that hideous one. Just stay calm, please. I am going to call his assistant again." She reassured me.

I dropped the dress and tried so hard to keep myself in control. I can't cry. No, I will not cry.