— My God, you look breathtaking — my mother says, her voice a mix of excitement and tears.
I look at myself in the mirror. The dress is light, with a delicate volume that fits my body perfectly. It cinches at the waist, flowing out into an airy, ethereal skirt. And the surprise? It's now encrusted with thousands of tiny, shimmering stones.
— Mini diamonds. Diamond dust — Jean clarifies, beaming. — Do not confuse this with glitter; this is pure glamour.
The dress isn't over-the-top. It's blue and radiant, but tastefully so. It's perfect.
— It's beautiful — I tell Jean, who claps his hands in delight.
— It really is, my daughter. But what kind of wedding is this? — my mother asks, and I simply shrug.
I barely know what's happening myself.
— Eduardo wanted a grand wedding, and I didn't see a problem with it — I say, and she just nods in agreement.
— Your father will be waiting for you at the church doors. Your brothers are there now with Sofia. After the reception, once you and Eduardo leave, we'll take her back to Victoria — my mother explains. I just nod, fighting back tears. I want so badly to take my daughter with me, but it's not possible yet.
— Excuse me, it's time — the wedding planner says, stepping into the room. — Ms. Malia, there is a young woman here who wishes to speak with you.
— We'll head out then. Talk to your friend; your father will be waiting — my mother says, leaning in to give me a quick kiss before leaving.
— Good luck, Ms. Malia. I'll send her in.
— Thank you.
I turn back to the mirror, looking for anything to fix, but everything is flawless. I hear the door open and see a beautiful woman walk in.
— Hello. The planner mentioned you wanted to speak with me. Do we know each other? — I ask, walking toward her and extending my hand.
The woman simply looks at my manicured hand and ignores it.
— My name is Cecilia — she says. Immediately, a warning bell goes off in my head. — From the look on your face, you've heard of me.
— What do you want, Cecilia? — I ask, surprised by her appearance and intensely curious about her motives.
— It's quite obvious, if you already know who I am. I want you to call off this absurd wedding — she says, getting straight to the point and catching me off guard yet again.
— Why is my marriage to Eduardo "absurd"? I don't know what you're trying to achieve, but I won't allow you to come here and make demands as if you have any right to do so.
— I am his fiancée, not you! We're just having a falling out, but he'll come back to me. We'll reconcile. How can you take advantage of the situation and push your way between us? — she shouts, her voice rising with agitation.
I wonder if she is the reason behind this fake marriage, if she's tied to his ultimate goal. But we have a deal, and nothing she says will make me back out at the last minute—not when my daughter's custody is at stake.
— If you were his fiancée, you'd be the one marrying him today. Please leave. It's time for the ceremony — I say firmly. She looks at me with pure fury and steps closer.
— I'm pregnant. Are you really going to let my child grow up without a father? We need to raise this baby together, and that won't happen if you marry him! — she screams. I wonder if anyone outside can hear her.
— Cecilia, if this child truly is Eduardo's, I'm certain he will take responsibility, and I will raise no objections. As for leaving my own wedding just so you can have him... I don't know what to tell you. The days of using a child to trap a man are long gone — I say, meeting her gaze steadily.
— You'll regret this. I will make your life a living hell until the only thing left for you to do is beg for a divorce — she snarls, backing toward the door. — Just you wait.