Substitute bride

NA'S

nded loudly. I heaved a sigh, set down my coffee,

marriage, as if she's struc

, escaping Mother's outbursts,

dorned in an elegant white lace dress that accentuated her

said. Looking up, I noticed

ce tinged with worry as I took the maga

n the scene beyond the window. "I'm not sure I

r reassurance. "That's easy for you to say;

wouldn't have agreed if they weren't

g for money," Gabriella countered, rising

motive?" I questioned, sk

on't buy the story about settling Fath

ily," I said, pausing to catch my breath, "and Mother would n

xclaimed, her frustration echoing a

If you reject this marriage, we'll be ru

n't you marry him?" She challen

ed to Derrick," I replied, tu

ow you wouldn't dare," she said softly

o sign the deal with the Evan

blurted out, stopp

" I bombarded her with que

t with another man's child," sh

till reeling from the shock. She

d. "Nate," she f

irmation. "Yes, who else?" she

Mother's warnings about him," I s

ruthless man that I don't know, especial

aint either,"

leave, to protect my child from th

ll that off?" I questioned, unable to hi

it'll be easier," Gabriel

, trying to grasp what

own shortly," she said, her

, brightening up

ider," she urged, and I enve

r you," I said, planting a kiss on

likely guests. "She'll be down soon," I murmure

*

your sister?" Mom demanded

Mom. She's no

wouldn't be asking. Didn't you say

breath," I pleaded, hoppin

ng. Find your sister now; the whispers are starting, and you

ome patience," I mut

t. "Gabby!" I called out, enterin

. I dreaded the worst. My heart pounded as I che

by!" I cried out, rushing to

r wedding dress still hanging there. "No, Gabby, you can't have...

er phone ring from the desk. She left her phone behind. I realiz

oice. Take care of Mom and

his can't be happening-" "What's all this?" Mom barge

t," I sa

ed with frustration. "How could she do this? We had a

never wanted any part

ped back. "Now that she's gone, we have no choice. You will

not possible,

vans to save our family's reputation, or you let

responded, feeling

isted, looking me s

e has my heart. I understand the importance of fam