Vera and Joe, hand in hand, beamed at their family. It was not just a wedding it was victory, love, and healing made visible.
The newlyweds walked hand in hand out of the ceremony hall, glowing with joy. Behind them, the bridal train and groomsmen followed in perfect harmony. Guests were ushered toward the second half of the venue the Walter residence's transformed living room.
It hardly looked like a living room anymore. Fairy lights draped across the walls, flowers in cream and maroon adorned every corner, and two elegant chairs sat at the front for the bride and groom, backed by a floral arch.
Richard Anderson the best man and younger brother of the groom adjusted the microphone.
"Testing, one, two..." His rich voice filled the room.
"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen," he began. "May I have your attention please. We are about to begin the reception, so kindly find a seat and make yourself comfortable."
He smiled warmly. "Let us start this joyous celebration with a prayer. Please rise."
A colleague of Vera's was invited forward. She bowed her head and led a heartfelt prayer.
"Heavenly Father, love is your greatest gift to this world. Today, we celebrate that love in the union of Joe and Vera. We thank you for the joy of this occasion, for your presence here, and for the love surrounding this couple. Protect, guide, and bless them and all gathered here today. Amen."
"Amen," the audience echoed.
Richard reclaimed the microphone with a bright smile. "Now that the solemn part is done, let's get into the celebration! Welcome to Joe and Vera's wedding reception. For those who were at the ceremony, thank you for witnessing their vows. And for those who joined us here welcome, and you came right on time for the fun!"
Laughter rippled through the guests.
Richard continued, "On behalf of Joe and Vera, and both their families, I want to say how deeply grateful we are to see each and every one of you here today. Many traveled far, some took leave from work, some skipped school assignments" he paused as chuckles rose from the younger guests, "but all of you are here because of love. And that means the world to our couple."
Applause filled the room.
"Before we dive into food, music, and dancing," Richard went on, "let's acknowledge some very important people."
He turned first to Vera's side. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the bride's sister, Mrs. Joanna Wendell, all the way from Toronto, Canada, with her beautiful children Natalie, Luciana, and Jeremy!"
Cheers and applause broke out as Joanna and her children stood, smiling. Richard added playfully, "Mrs. Wendell is a renowned neurologist, and her kids are... well, still in school obviously." The crowd erupted in laughter.
Richard let the noise settle before he shifted his attention.
"And of course, we are truly honoured to have the groom's parents with us today Dr. Joe Anderson and Mrs. Cecilia Anderson, owners of Anderson Holdings. Please, let's give them a big hand."
Polite applause followed as the Andersons nodded gracefully.
Richard consulted his paper. "And now, our Principal Sponsors. Let's begin with the ladies."
He announced each one with care and admiration:
"First, a woman with a healing touch, a psychiatrist at Crescent Golden Hospital, wife of Nigeria's Petroleum Minister, and the bride's childhood best friend of nearly fifty years. Ladies and gentlemen, Dr. Tatiana Cocker!"
Tatiana stood, waving with her radiant smile as guests clapped warmly.
"Next, a group very close to the bride's heart her daughters in spirit, her pillars of support. Ladies and gentlemen, let's honour Bella and her dear friends Alexia, Nadia, Lilian, and Bianca!"
The five women stood together, smiling as applause filled the room.
Richard switched to the men. "First, a gentleman who flew all the way from Nigeria to be here. He's not only the Minister of Petroleum but also a friend of the bride for almost thirty years. Please welcome Mr. Ademide Cocker!"
The audience clapped loudly as Ademide stood and waved.
Richard grinned before reading the next name. "Now, our next gentleman is an accomplished engineer and businessman... and God willing, the bride's future son-in-law."
The room erupted with whistles and laughter. Chris and Bella exchanged a bashful glance, and Bella's cheeks flushed pink as the guests teased.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Richard declared, "Engr. Christian Hampson!"
The applause was thunderous, mixed with playful cheers. Chris, ever the composed figure, stood and gave a polite bow.
"And finally, our last sponsor, an accomplished architect and CEO of TDC — Mr. Austin Mark!"
Austin stood, acknowledging the applause with his characteristic smile.
Richard concluded, "There you have it, ladies and gentlemen, our most distinguished set of sponsors. Please, another round of applause!"
The room filled with cheers as the sponsors settled back into their seats. The reception was officially alive, buzzing with excitement, laughter, and anticipation for what was to come.
"A wedding brings two people and their families together. It refreshes bonds that time and distance may have tested. For this, allow me to give a special welcome to all who travelled miles to be here today." Richard smiled warmly into the microphone, pausing as guests clapped.
"We also acknowledge the presence of Ret. Gen. Yusuf Mohammed, a close friend of the groom's parents who came all the way from the UAE. Sir, thank you for being here."
The general stood and gave a brief nod, earning respectful applause.
Richard continued. "Also with us tonight, with great pleasure, Rev. Fr. Mathew our officiating priest. Thank you, Father, for going out of your way to bless this union."
After a glance at his notes, Richard lifted his eyes. "That should be everyone. If I've missed a name, forgive me. Please feel free to nudge me later."
The crowd laughed softly.
Richard's voice grew more energetic. "Now, ladies and gentlemen, I believe the moment has come. The programme says we welcome our bride and groom. May I request our lovely Maid of Honour, Ms. Bella Walter, to kindly facilitate the entrance of our newlyweds."
Bella stood gracefully, smoothing down her dress before hurrying to the entrance. Richard raised his voice over the hum of anticipation.
"Tonight calls for a grand celebration. It is my pleasure to introduce to you, for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Anderson!"
The DJ's solemn music swelled as Joe and Vera stepped into the hall, hand in hand. Guests rose to their feet, clapping and cheering as the couple walked in, radiant and glowing.
The reception unfolded beautifully. Speeches, laughter, and warm blessings filled the hall. When Vera tossed her bouquet, it sailed across the crowd and landed squarely in Bella's hands.
The entire hall erupted. Guests screamed in delight, eyes instantly darting toward Christian. Bella's cheeks flushed as she clutched the bouquet, while Chris, smiling with dimples, gave her a playful look across the room.
By the time the programme ended, it was nearly 7 p.m. Bella and her siblings helped their mother pack for her honeymoon. Austin had arranged a presidential suite at his hotel, while Chris surprised the couple with VIP treatment his private helicopter waiting outside to fly them.
Guests gasped as the helicopter came into view. Even those who had read rumours online about Vera's engagement were shocked to see the truth before their eyes.
"I swear, Vera must have saved lives in her past life," one of her co-workers whispered.
"You're telling me," another agreed.
"She's married a top lawyer, has a billionaire son-in-law in waiting, and her best friend is a petroleum minister's wife. If this isn't grace, I don't know what is," another added, shaking her head.
Back inside, Bella re-entered the living room after helping with the bags. Chris was in a corner, chatting easily with Raquel, Natalie, and Luciana. Little Jeremy sat on his lap, giggling as Chris lifted him into the air.
Bella stopped in her tracks for a moment, watching the scene. The sight of Chris laughing so freely dimples deep, eyes sparkling pulled a smile to her lips.
"He looks so handsome," she thought, her heart skipping.
"Hello, Mr. Sponsor," Bella teased as she walked closer, her eyes locking with his.
Chris lifted Jeremy off his lap and stood, returning her smile. "Hi, Miss Sponsor."
Raquel popped up and walked over to Bella with a cheeky grin. "Hi, official big sis."
Bella laughed, pulling her into a hug. "Hello, official baby sis."
Alexia, Nadia, and Liam walked in from the kitchen, breaking the moment.
"Babe, we need to head out," Alexia said with regret. "We've got work tomorrow."
Bella hugged each of her friends tightly. "Thanks for coming, babes. Couldn't have done this without you."
"Thanks for gracing this event, bitches," she added with a playful wink, earning laughter. Natalie gasped and quickly covered her little brother's ears. Bella clapped a hand over her own mouth in embarrassment. "Oops sorry!"
They waved goodbye as Alexia drove them away. Bella turned to go back inside only to bump into a solid wall of muscle. She stumbled but was caught swiftly by strong arms.
"Careful," Chris murmured, steadying her.
Her gaze fell on his chest, and she noticed a faint nude lipstick mark on his blazer. Mortified, she grabbed his pocket square and dabbed at the stain.
Chris glanced down at her fussing and chuckled. "Leave it. I wasn't planning to wear this again, anyway."
Bella frowned. "Why not? It looks good on you."
Chris smirked. "Because it's a secret... and for another day." He gave her a wink that made her blush instantly.
Bella nodded with a smile while Chris studied her face carefully. She looked radiant under the warm lights, and he couldn't stop smiling at the woman in front of him.
"Thanks for coming," Bella said softly. "Not in a million years would I have imagined you'd attend my mum's wedding and even stand as one of the groomsmen."
Chris pulled her into a warm embrace. "Anything for you, babe." He hesitated before asking, "What are your plans for Christmas?"
Bella thought for a moment, then shrugged. "I'll spend it with family. Aunt Joanna is around with her kids, and it'll be Catty's first Christmas with us... without her dad. I don't want her to feel alone." Her voice dropped at the last words.
Chris's brows softened. "And you?" Bella asked gently, tilting her head toward him.
"I don't have plans yet," he admitted. "I usually spend Christmas alone. But I think my sisters will be coming over tomorrow."
Bella blinked. "Oh, right. Doesn't your youngest sister stay with your parents?"
He gave a small, sad shake of the head. "No. She ran away at fourteen. Mum can be... overbearing sometimes."
Bella's chest tightened as she saw past his smile. For the first time she realised that behind his strength, Chris carried wounds of his own.
"What's her name?" Bella asked quietly, slipping her hand into his.
"My sister?" He frowned, almost confused.
She nodded.
"Imelda." His voice softened at the sound of it.
"She has a beautiful name. How old is she now? Where is she?" Bella asked.
"She's seventeen now. I haven't seen her since she left home. When Mum found her, she forced her into boarding school. She hasn't come home since." Chris's throat tightened as though the words were stones.
"You miss her," Bella whispered, reading the hurt in his eyes.
"Yes," he admitted. "I miss all my sisters. We only ever had each other. Our parents... weren't around. And when they were, Mum was impossible. She pushed us into paths we didn't want. I never wanted to take over Hampson International when I did. I wanted to build my own software. I've grown to love what I do, but it wasn't the life I chose."
Bella tightened her grip on his hand, then wrapped her arms around him. He leaned his head against her shoulder, his weight heavy with unspoken pain. She held him until the ache in his heart seemed to ease.
When they finally pulled apart, it was nearly 10 p.m. Chris kissed her forehead, whispered a goodnight, and left.