Everything under control

​Everyone looked at the lady holding the baby. Murmurs rose among the guests as they wondered who she was to risk her life by objecting to the Alvaro wedding; it was as if she were courting death.

​"Young lady, may I know why you came here?" asked a woman wearing a blue designer dress. Her hair was styled in a polished updo, and her jewelry signaled exactly how wealthy she was. The girl with the baby didn't seem to care. A cold expression was plastered on her face as she fixed her icy blue eyes on the groom in pure disdain.

​"Emiliano Alvaro, the beloved son of the Alvaro family, right?" the girl said, taking a step toward him. Emiliano narrowed his eyes, trying to recall if he had ever met her. His memory failed him; she was a complete stranger. What was she doing here?

​"Young lady, my patience has run out. Get out!" the woman in blue snapped. She tried to grab the girl's arm, but the girl spun around quickly, her gaze "throwing daggers" at the woman.

​"If you dare to touch me one more time, I promise you, this won't end well." Her eyes shifted back to the groom. The baby in her arms remained quiet, not making a sound. The entire church went silent; the guests had to admit the girl had guts to shout at the groom's mother.

​"Who are you?" This time, a small, soft voice spoke. The girl turned to see an elderly woman dressed elegantly in a shimmering red suit. The girl’s gaze softened. She adjusted the baby into a more comfortable position and walked toward the old lady.

​"Oh ma'am, you are the only one who can help me," Sia cried. "I’m... I’m Sia, a helpless girl who was wronged deeply." The old woman creased her eyebrows and shifted her gaze to her grandson, who was staring blankly, seemingly clueless.

​"What happened?" the old lady asked.

​Sia wiped her tears, looking from Emiliano back to the lady. By now, the bride had removed her veil, watching the chaos in confusion. "Granny, I... this child is my child. He abandoned us, and now he’s getting married to someone else!"

​As Sia broke into tears, the revelation sent a shockwave through the room. Emiliano stood dumbstruck.

​"What!?" Emiliano’s mother exclaimed, stepping toward Sia. "What do you mean?"

​The old lady’s tone turned deep and angry. Sia flinched, but she didn’t back down. "Yes, ma'am. This baby I’m holding is his." She pointed at Emiliano, whose knees felt weak. He had no idea what she was talking about. He had been with many women, but he didn't recognize her. She’s lying, he thought. But why? Who sent her?

​"You are lying! My son does not have a son! Who sent you?" His mother grabbed Sia’s arm and shook her vigorously. Sia didn't fight back; instead, her eyes filled with fresh tears. The old lady watched her grandson, then the baby, and frowned.

​"This wedding is over," she declared.

​Immediately, several men in black entered the church and began ushering the guests out. They were desperate to hear more, but the old lady wouldn't allow it; this was a private family matter. If these accusations reached the reporters outside, the Alvaro reputation would be ruined.

​"Now talk, girl. Who sent you here to accuse my grandson of such an abominable thing?" the old lady demanded once the church was cleared of everyone but the two families.

​"No one sent me. This man is my baby’s father. He made promises to me, only for me to find out he was marrying someone else." Sia glared at Emiliano.

​Emiliano remained quiet. He wanted to deny it, but a thought struck him: his best friend. This marriage was against his will, and his friend had been vocal about stopping it. He must have sent her, Emiliano thought, smiling inwardly at his friend's cunning plan.

​Meanwhile, in a far corner, two people whispered to themselves.

​"We should stop her, Mario... she’s going to die right before our eyes," a brown-haired girl whispered nervously.

​Mario, a blonde man, shook his head with a smirk. "Of course not. Sia can take care of herself. I’m pretty sure they won't stand a chance, Rhea."

​Rhea swallowed hard. She should have tried harder to stop her, but who could mess with Sia Navarro? "Mario, that old lady looks scary. What if she puts a bullet in her head?"

​"If you don't want them to kill us, keep your mouth shut," Mario hissed. "Sia has this under control. The old lady is the target. Once Sia sheds a few crocodile tears, it's game over."