The sun cast a warm golden glow over Greenwood, ushering in a week unlike any other. The soft rustle of early summer leaves whispered of something momentous. It was not just another ordinary morning—it was the final countdown to a wedding that had captured the nation's imagination. In just four days, Nyabosi Bella Williams would become the wife of Hampton Hemester Jr., heir to the powerful and influential Hemester family.
Bella, ever graceful and focused, was immersed in the final stages of preparation, unaware that her parents had already arrived in Greenwood days ago. They were being quietly and lavishly cared for at the Hampton estate under Jr.'s personal arrangements. Her father, dignified and proud, had been swept into the warm embrace of the Hampton clan, while her mother, elegant and radiant, had taken to the luxury with silent gratitude.
Hampton Jr.'s cousins had already arrived from across the globe, some staying at the family mansion, others hosted in exquisite nearby villas. On his father's side, generations of statesmen, aristocrats, and business tycoons had convened, turning the grand Hampton mansion into a living tableau of legacy and wealth.
But this was no ordinary wedding. It was a high-profile union, merging power, prestige, and international attention. The entire nation buzzed with excitement. News outlets couldn't stop reporting on the grandeur of the preparations. The wedding was set to be held at Greenwood's iconic cathedral—an awe-inspiring structure that had hosted royalty in the past. The reception, however, would take place on the famed Hampton private land, nestled beside a shimmering lake and framed by ancient trees. The estate had been transformed into a magical venue.
Giant white tents with golden embroidery were already rising across the grounds. Fresh flowers imported from Kenya, France, and Italy were being arranged into towering centerpieces. Crystal chandeliers were being hung from tent ceilings. Walkways were lined with satin petals and fairy lights. The smell of roses, jasmine, and eucalyptus filled the air.
Evelyn, Jr.'s maternal aunt, and the current First Lady of Maryland, had taken charge of organizing the reception. Her influence and eye for detail ensured every element of the event radiated elegance and sophistication. It was her position, along with the Hampton family name, that made the President of Maryland himself confirm attendance.
Meanwhile, Justin, Jr.'s paternal aunt and the wife of the Prime Minister of Octavia, used her political and diplomatic connections to coordinate the arrival of foreign dignitaries. The Prime Minister of Octavia had accepted her invitation personally. Heads of state, royal family members, and global billionaires were preparing to fly into Greenwood for what was being called "The Wedding of the Year."
Hampton Jr.'s mother managed every detail on the bride's side—bridal gowns, accessories, the bridal suite, the selection of bridesmaids. Bella's wedding gown, a breathtaking custom piece from the Parisian couturier Marcel Delacroix, had arrived days earlier under tight security. The dress was a masterpiece of silk and lace, hand-stitched with delicate silver thread, designed to reflect the poise and gentle strength that Bella carried with her.
Her bridal team had flown in as well, and her bridesmaids' gowns, designed in Milan, shimmered in soft lavender hues with gold accents. Evelyn had insisted on the finest for Bella, treating her like a daughter from the moment the engagement was announced.
As the women handled dresses, florals, and the tone of the ceremony, the Hampton men were deep in preparations of their own. Hampton the First, Hampton the Second, Jr., as well as Alex and Joshua—Jr.'s closest friends and groomsmen—spent a day selecting tuxedos tailored in Italy. Midnight blue, hand-stitched suits trimmed with silk, were chosen to match the formality and majesty of the affair. The Hampton crest was discreetly engraved on their cufflinks and buttons.
The guest list read like a list of the world's most powerful figures. The President of Maryland. The Prime Minister of Octavia. Prince Omar of Saudi Arabia. Ambassadors from the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Billionaire sheikhs from Dubai. Top CEOs, celebrities, diplomats, and royal advisors. The Vice President of Uganda had personally confirmed his attendance, thrilled to witness the spectacle.
Greenwood transformed overnight. Every hotel was fully booked—five-star resorts, boutique inns, luxury Airbnbs. The small airport had expanded operations to accommodate dozens of private jets and foreign dignitaries. Streets were cleaned daily, and security was tightened across the city.
Though excitement gripped the town, one tradition stood firm: Hampton Jr. was not allowed to see Bella until the wedding day. This wasn't just a romantic gesture, but a cultural and family tradition upheld for generations. It symbolized reverence, mystery, and devotion.
Bella, meanwhile, was cocooned in luxury at the Hampton bridal cottage. Tucked away from the chaos, she was pampered daily by top beauty experts and stylists. Each morning began with a curated wellness routine—yoga, guided meditation, a gourmet breakfast. Afternoons were spent with her closest friends and advisors, reviewing the ceremony and practicing her vows. Her chef created personalized menus based on her preferences, and she wanted for nothing.
The entire Jr's family made sure she was kept comfortable and surrounded by love. She was radiant—serene, focused, glowing with anticipation. The weight of the occasion didn't unsettle her. If anything, it fueled her confidence. She knew she was ready. Not just for the ceremony, but for the life that would begin the moment she said "I do."
Four days.
Four days until Nyabosi Bella Williams would walk through cathedral doors, with thousands of eyes upon her, and a string quartet playing her song. Four days until she would lock eyes with the man who had captured her heart—Hampton Hemester Jr., her partner in life, love, and legacy.
Four days until Greenwood would witness a celebration that would go down in history.
The anticipation in the air was more than just excitement. It was destiny calling.