The Substitute Bride

"Mind your words!" Mike stared at Fiona in anger. "We are arranging for their wedding. It is justified if Isla calls you Aunt beforehand. I don't see any reason behind you having an issue with that or blaming Isla for such a lame reason!"

"Dad, " Fiona replied with sarcasm in her voice. "Before Isla gets married and becomes a part of my family, it would have been more courteous on her part to have called me Mrs. Chen. I mean, just to avoid any troubles she may cause to Aron."

Aron snapped back with growing hostility toward Fiona, "My marriage with Isla is my business. It would be much better if you can just refrain from such unjustified and uninvited interference into this."

Nothing but bad would follow on the arrival of Fiona and her family, as Aron expected.

"How dare you?" Fiona was violently angered but unable to give any counter-blow due to the lack of reason.

"No more of such quarrels and disputes over here anymore." Joanna expressed her displeasure to Fiona, "Get out of here or else behave yourself. Stop making a fool of yourself in the presence of our guests."

"Mom, I am speaking out of concern for Aron." Unwilling to rest her laurels in trying to make the situation worse, Fiona urged Joanna, "The reason behind my speaking such unpleasant words is only because Aron is a part of my family. Moreover, Becky comes from an eminent family. She is beautiful and courteous. She shows much reverence towards you. Indeed a suitable and deserving wife for Aron."

"Fiona!" Joann shot back, unable to control her anger, "That is absolute nonsense!"

"There is nothing wrong in what I am saying!" Fiona's deliberate arrogance was very much apparent as she continued, "Becky, I think, is much more suitable for marrying into my family instead of Isla whose family is of no match to mine in any way."

"Mind your words!" Jina shot back with a sneer, "Since you do not show my family the due respect, there is no point for us to be in such a party. Isla,

in Isla's favor, ' she thought to herself, 'the one and only man in Isla's cherished mind for the past four years.'

"Isla is deemed to be a suitable girl to marry Aron. As far as we are concerned, they have gone through untold difficulties, sharing weals and woes. Now I make a sincere apology to you for the casual remarks of my juniors. I hope you could be tolerant and understanding." Joanna held Jina's hands tight, expressing her sincerity to take Isla as her granddaughter-in-law.

As a mother, Jina could hardly hold her emotions anymore. "I am only concerned about my daughter." Jina forced a smile and said, "Isla, the apple of my eyes, should not be thought ill without reason. My family, though underprivileged, should stand proof against outside intrusion! How poor my daughter is..."

"Perfectly understandable!" Joanna patted Jina in a gesture of reassurance. "I completely understand your concerns as a mother. I request you to have faith in me. I will treat Isla with the due love and care just like my granddaughter. I assure you that Isla will be protected from any grievances."

"I can place my trust on you." Jina had no recourse but to believe Joanna, but cast a doubtful glance over Fiona and her family, in fear that Isla would be pushed around after marriage in absence of Aron's parents.