My replacement groom is billionaire

The makeup artist gently placed the veil, its delicate lace cascading over Hallie Wade's chestnut curls.

In the mirror, a stranger stared back. A princess from a fairytale, with wide, hopeful light-brown eyes. She nervously touched the silver cloverleaf bracelet on her wrist, a worn heirloom from her grandmother. A grounding weight against the frantic fluttering in her chest.

The wedding planner, a woman with a smile as stiff as her posture, entered for the third time.

"Just a few more minutes, Hallie. The guests are seated."

Her voice was smooth, but a flicker of something unnatural in her eyes sent a cold prickle down Hallie's spine.

Her mother, Linda Wade, followed, her own smile strained. "Oh, honey. You look breathtaking." But her eyes darted away, refusing to meet Hallie's in the reflection.

Hallie saw her mother's hands clenched tightly together in the mirror. The unease in her stomach tightened into a knot.

"Mom? What's wrong? Is Ethan not here yet?"

"Men get nervous,sweetie." Linda's voice wavered. She wouldn't look at her daughter.

A crackle came from the planner's walkie-talkie. The officiant's panicked voice, though low, was sharp in the quiet room. "The guests are getting restless. Where is the groom?"

Hallie's face went white. The blood drained from it so fast she felt dizzy. She gripped the edge of the vanity, the rustle of her wedding gown sounding like a scream.

"Hallie, calm down." Linda rushed to her side. "I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding."

The door flew open, slamming against the wall.

Ethan's best man, Mike, stood there, panting. His face was slick with sweat, his eyes filled with a terrible, gut-wrenching guilt.

Every gaze in the room locked onto him. Hallie's heart stopped, then hammered against her ribs. She knew. The worst had happened.

Mike forced the words out,each one scraping his throat."Halli...Ethan's gone."

"Gone?"The word came out barely audible. Hallie's hand found the vanity edge,her knuckles white.

"What does that mean! It's his wedding day!" Linda's voice was shrill with disbelief.