My Bastard Replacement Husband

The day Ciara had been waiting for so long had finally arrived. It was a special day, a day that witnessed how sweet memories were engraved in her and Jorge's relationship. Ciara looked at her reflection in the mirror, smiling at herself, who looked very radiant. A beautiful face with elegant makeup made Ciara even more charming; today, Ciara would marry her lover Jorge. Just imagining it made Ciara feel happy. 

"Ciara."

Ciara's reverie was instantly broken when she felt a hand touch her shoulder gently. From the reflection of the mirror, it was clear that Monica was standing behind her. Monica was Ciara's mother; she was a gentle and kind woman, just like Ciara. That made Ciara smile. She turned her body to face her mother, who was now smiling at her. 

"You look so happy, Ciara."

Ciara just chuckled in response, and then she hugged her mother affectionately. "I really love you."

"Mommy loves you too." Monica gently stroked the top of Ciara's head. 

"Let's go down; everyone is waiting for you," Monica said, inviting Ciara to go down. 

Ciara nodded her head, and once again she looked at herself in the mirror. A big smile was perfectly engraved on Ciara's face, along with a luxurious white dress perfectly attached to her body. She was like an angel who had just descended from heaven. 

Just as they were about to go down to the event hall, Jorge's parents suddenly walked into Ciara's room. Ciara frowned when she saw the look on her future in-laws' faces, not the smile of happiness they showed. Instead, they looked like someone who was worried. Suddenly, Ciara immediately stood up to Hendrik and Ayunda, who were Jorge's parents, followed by Monica from behind. 

"Auntie, uncle. What's wrong? Why do you look worried?" Ciara asked to the point. 

Jorge's mother Ayunda's eyes began to glaze over, her hand gently caressing the top of Ciara's head with affection. She took a deep breath before opening her voice. "Ciara, Jorge isn't here yet," she said, looking into Ciara's eyes intently. 

Ciara furrowed her brow; she did not understand the meaning of Ayunda's words. "What do you mean, auntie? Jorge must be coming soon; we'll just wait," Ciara said with a simple smile. 

"We don't know if Jorge will come or not." Suddenly, Hendrik, Jorge's father, opened his voice. 

"What does that mean?" said Monica, confused.

"Jorge disappeared; there is no news; even everyone has been looking for him but has still not found him," said Adnan, Ciara's father, who suddenly appeared from the doorway. 

Ciara froze in place, and slowly the clear liquid in her eyes fell without permission. Her chest felt tight as if it were crushed by thousands of irons. Ciara shook her head. She couldn't take her father's words at face value, so Ciara ran to the dressing table to pick up the flat object there. Her hands were busy looking for Jorge's number and calling him. She repeatedly called Jorge, but there was no answer.

Ciara slammed the cell phone in her hand. Anxiety, disappointment, and sadness mixed together. "Jorge, where are you?" Ciara muttered, shaking her shoulders.

"Ciara." Monica approached the child and hugged her tightly. 

Ciara looked up at Monica, her eyes already puffy and her nose red from crying. "Mom, is my marriage going to be canceled?" Ciara asked with a sob. 

"No sa-"

"The wedding must continue," Hendrik interrupted Monica's words. 

Everyone who was there simultaneously looked at Hendrik, especially Ciara, who looked confused by Hendrik's answer. Ciara wiped her tears harshly; her heart was like being played here. 

"What does that mean? Jorge hasn't been in touch, and that means the wedding is canceled, right?"