The first light of dawn hadn't yet touched the city when Bella and Kathy stirred awake. It was barely 3 a.m., but excitement buzzed through the air like electricity. They lay quietly for a moment in their plush suite at Noble Hotel, the anticipation of the day ahead making sleep impossible.
Bella glanced at her phone, then gently nudged Kathy awake. "It's almost time," she whispered. They both rose, slipping into soft robes, and took a moment on the balcony to admire the calm city beneath them, soon to be bustling with their matriculation festivities.
By 4:30 a.m., Bella sent a quick text to her dad: "Good morning, Dad. We're awake, and the makeup artist is arriving soon."!Within moments, her phone buzzed with a reply: "Excellent. Get yourselves ready in your room. I'll come by once you're done."
At exactly 5:00 a.m., a message came through from the makeup artist herself. Bella's dad immediately sent two of his men to the hotel's grand entrance to escort the guests inside. The hotel lobby was already stirring with early staff preparing for the day, but the arrival of the makeup artist and her apprentice added a small wave of excitement.
The makeup artist introduced herself casually as Esther, a bubbly and skilled artist known for her flawless work, accompanied by her quiet but talented apprentice, Maya.?They were warmly greeted by Kathy and Bella, who eagerly ushered them into the luxurious suite.
Kathy was the first to take the makeup chair, her nerves slowly melting away under Tina's confident brush strokes. For a solid hour, Maya worked her magic, contouring, blending, and adding the perfect touches to enhance Kathy's natural beauty. From soft smoky eyes to a subtle gloss that made her lips shine, Kathy's transformation was stunning.
While Kathy was glowing under the makeup artist's attention, Bella prepared her phone for a few quick snaps and videos, capturing the moment and sharing it on their social media with teasing captions about "getting glammed up like queens." The comments and likes began pouring in instantly.
Around 7 a.m., as Esther was finishing up with Bella, the hairstylist Tory and her assistant Lena arrived at the hotel. Mr. Stephen's men promptly escorted them to the suite. Tory immediately got to work preparing Bella and Kathy's hair, focusing especially on crafting their frontals with careful precision.
While Tory worked on laying the front lace wigs, Tina waited patiently, ready to add the final makeup touches once the hair was perfectly styled. Jade's meticulous work ensured the frontals looked natural and flawless, framing the girls' faces beautifully.
Once the hair was completely done ,soft curls cascading perfectly and frontals seamlessly blended ,Tina returned to Bella and Kathy's makeup, adding final highlights, refreshing the lip gloss, and making sure everything was impeccable.
By 10 a.m., Bella and Kathy looked radiant ,their makeup flawless and hair glammed up to perfection. They smiled at each other in the mirror, feeling ready to take on the world.
By 10 a.m., both Bella and Kathy were fully glammed, hair and makeup immaculate. They admired each other's looks, posing for countless photos, feeling like royalty.
Around 10:30 a.m., Mr. Stephen entered the room. His eyes lit up the moment he saw them. "My girls," he smiled, pulling them into a warm hug. "You both look incredible. The makeup, the hair, it's perfect." He admired the finesse of their frontals, the way their makeup enhanced their natural glow. "This is the kind of look that commands attention," he said proudly.
As the clock neared 11:30 a.m., the final step was to wear their matriculation gowns. They had been carefully preserved, their university-issued gowns hanging pristine on special hangers. Donning the gowns over their stunning dresses, Bella and Kathy looked every inch the successful students they were. The hotel staff and other guests caught glimpses of the elegant pair and whispered in awe, the combination of youthful vibrance and high-class luxury was undeniable.
Bella, almost trembling with excitement, texted Justin: "We're almost ready. Leaving Noble soon, then off to Lifetime College!"
Moments later, Justin replied, "I'm leaving now with John. Can't wait to see you."
Arrival at Lifetime College
As the convoy of sleek black cars rolled onto Lifetime College grounds, whispers and curious glances followed their every move. Students paused in their tracks, eyes wide with surprise and intrigue. "Who is that?" someone murmured. "Look at the convoy… who's that man in the front car?" The questions rippled through the crowd like wildfire. No one mentioned Bella or Kathy by name yet ,only the mysterious, powerful presence that seemed to command the entire procession.
Mr. Stephen rode in a separate car, exuding calm authority, while Bella and Kathy sat together in the second vehicle, excitement and nerves swirling inside them. Behind them, the convoy's black cars formed a protective line, signaling the importance of the passengers within.
The convoy pulled up in front of the grand hall just as the matriculation ceremony was underway. At 12:30 sharp, the red carpet was already laid out, the event buzzing with energy. The moment the cars stopped, a crowd began to gather rapidly, their phones out and cameras flashing.
As Mr. Stephen stepped out first, a collective gasp rose from the crowd. "Oh my God, it's Honorable Stephen!" someone exclaimed. Students scrambled to snap pictures and whisper excitedly among themselves. Kathy's phone buzzed nonstop with notifications, and Bella's was just as alive,? the freshman groups were exploding with rumors and speculation "Bella and kathy are the politician's kid, no wonder she's been acting so different." Shock mixed with awe and jealousy in equal measure.
As they stepped out, Bella and Kathy carried their gowns gracefully, wanting the crowd to first see their elegant dresses. The hall used for the matriculation was vast, adorned with red carpets, bright flashbulbs, and the buzz of anticipation filled the air.
Mr. Stephen walked beside his daughters, his presence commanding respect. Camera flashes went off as he greeted various dignitaries and university officials, the event quickly turning into one of the most talked-about matriculation ceremonies Lifetime College had ever seen.
The crowd pressed forward, eager for a glimpse. Mr. Stephen's bodyguards worked swiftly, gently holding the eager students back as he and his daughters made their way through the throng.
As the ceremony began, the host's voice boomed through the hall, "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Honorable Mr. Stephen to the high table." The crowd erupted in applause as Mr. Stephen confidently took his seat among other distinguished guests, big names from politics, business, and academia filling the prestigious table.
Bella and Kathy were then gently ushered to the area reserved for the freshers. They took their seats amid the buzzing group of first-year students, their presence already causing ripples across the hall.
Soon, Kathy's phone buzzed nonstop. She glanced at the freshers' group chat and saw a flood of messages about them. Excited voices were pointing out,
"Kathy is Mr. Stephen's daughter!"
"Bella is Mr. Stephen's daughter too!"
Another message read,
"No wonder those girls look so different, like they've been living in luxury!"
Someone else added,
"Did you see their posts from Noble Hotel last night? That place is for the elite."
But then, confusion arose in the chat as some insisted
"Kathy isn't actually Mr. Stephen's child, only Bella is."
Kathy's smile faltered slightly, her mood shifting. Bella noticed immediately and reassured her softly, "Don't mind them. Let people say whatever they want. You're still my sister, and that's what matters."
Meanwhile, across town at their hostel, Melanie, Talia, and Rina were prepping for their own matriculation ceremony. As they scrolled through the group chat, the messages about Bella and Kathy's connection to Mr. Stephen hit them like a shockwave.
"Are you serious?" Melanie whispered in disbelief, staring at the screen. "Honorable Stephen? That wealthy politician from Nigeria?"
Talia's eyes widened. "No way… that's huge. I can't believe this is happening."
Rina nodded slowly, her tone a mixture of shock and envy. "I see it with my own eyes now. They're living a completely different life."
Despite the shock, they hurried to get ready, slipping into their modest dresses that felt underwhelming compared to the luxury they'd just seen online. Their makeup was overdone, resembling clowns more than the classy look they'd hoped for, but their hair was well done, at least.
Melanie, Talia, and Rina had ordered their ride earlier, but it was running five minutes late. Impatient yet determined, they finished getting ready and finally climbed into the car as it pulled up. The tension was thick in the air as they zoomed towards the hall, their minds swirling with thoughts of Bella, Kathy, and Mr. Stephen's unexpected presence.
When they arrived at the matriculation hall, the scene outside immediately caught their attention. Cameras were flashing, reporters were interviewing guests, and the buzz was unmistakably centered around one name: Mr. Stephen. The press was hailing his arrival as the highlight of the day, the reason why this year's matriculation would be remembered for years to come.
Jealousy and resentment simmered beneath the surface as Melanie whispered to her friends, "This is unbelievable… Mr. Stephen here, like he owns the place."
They stepped inside, scanning the crowd and immediately spotting Bella and Kathy seated at the front among the freshmen. The two girls looked radiant, composed, and completely at ease. The trio caught Bella's and Kathy's eyes briefly,there was a sharp exchange, a silent battle of glances filled with unspoken tension.
Melanie scoffed quietly, rolling her eyes as they made their way to their own seats. Whispers and gossip floated around them like a storm, the jealousy almost tangible.
As the chatter in the hall slowly died down, the host announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the honorable Mr. Stephen to the stage!"
The crowd erupted into applause as Mr. Stephen confidently walked up to the podium. He adjusted the microphone and began with a warm smile.
"Good afternoon, everyone. First, I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to be here today. It is an honor to stand before such a bright and promising group of students. I also want to sincerely thank Lifetime College for welcoming me and my family so warmly."
He paused and then added, "Today is especially meaningful because my two wonderful daughters, Bella and Kathy, are among the matriculating students. I am so proud of them."
With a proud gesture, he called Bella and Kathy to the stage. The girls walked up amidst cheers and applause. Mr. Stephen embraced them warmly. "You both make me proud every day," he whispered as he hugged them tightly. The crowd watched, snapping pictures as the proud father posed with his daughters.
After the warm moment, Bella and kathy returned to their seats. Mr. Stephen then cleared his throat and began his formal speech.
"Matriculation marks the beginning of a new chapter, a significant step on your journey toward knowledge and growth. It is not just a ceremony but a commitment to learning, responsibility, and excellence.
"As someone deeply involved in public service and politics, I understand how education shapes not just individuals but entire communities and nations.
"To the matriculating students, I urge you to embrace this opportunity fully. Carry the values of Lifetime College with you, and strive to become leaders who make a positive difference. Use your talents wisely and remember the responsibility that comes with education.
"Congratulations to each of you, especially to my daughters, Bella and her friend, who symbolize the bright future we all hope for."
Meanwhile, the doors at the entrance opened once again to a fresh burst of excitement. Justin and John arrived, turning heads as they stepped onto the red carpet. Cameras flashed, and whispers filled the room: "Justin is here! Look at him!"
The duo made their way toward the freshmen seating area, where Bella and Kathy sat. Bella glanced at her phone, seeing notifications flood in, Justin had arrived.
Justin slid into the seat just behind Bella and Kathy, exchanging warm smiles and high-fives. He leaned forward, whispering to Bella, "Your dad looks amazing today."
Bella smiled back, "He really does."
"You look incredible," he said quietly, genuine warmth in his voice.
Bella smiled, turning to respond, but her eyes flicked to Melanie, Rina, Talia, noticing them staring. She felt hot in her cheeks but held her composure.
John sat beside Justin, nudging him, whispering, "See that? All eyes on you today."
Justin layered a grin over his nerves. He was living for this moment,? proud, nervous, excited.
Back to the gossip circle, Melanie scrolled through her phone rapidly, re-reading group messages:
> "Bella is Mr. Stephen's daughter!"
> "No wonder those photos at Noble look unreal."
> "Kathy also? That's wild if true."
She looked at Rina and Talia, expression dark. "That's us falling behind," she muttered. "Seems like Bella won before the game even started."
The ceremony carried on. Mr. Stephen's speech had struck a chord, his words about responsibility and education still echoing in students' minds. Justin caught Bella's gaze again, winked slightly. Bella squeezed his hand behind her back.
Kathy leaned over to Bella, "We're doing great, you know."
Bella nodded, snapping a photo quietly , of the stage, the crowd, Justin, Kathy. She'd want to remember this night.
The hall cracked with applause. Students shouted, phones went up. It was loud, bright, intense. And for Bella, Kathy, Justin, it felt like everything was finally visible.