Chapter Seventy-Nine

At the same time, the buzz surrounding Peter and Stella's wedding had become the talk of the town. The match on December 31st had served as a perfect prelude to the grand event, with people already in celebration mode. As midnight approached, the victory from the match added to the joy of welcoming the New Year.

The dawn of January 1st, 2025, marked not only the start of a new year but also one of the most anticipated events of the year—Peter and Stella's grand wedding. The excitement had been building since Peter proposed to Stella, with news outlets, social media, and word of mouth spreading tales of the spectacular celebration. Today, all eyes were on the dazzling couple as they prepared to make history.

The wedding venue was the enchanting Mark Estate in Imo State—a property Peter had acquired specifically for this momentous occasion. When he bought the expansive 40 plots of land, he did so with the dream of marrying Stella here, knowing she was his destined partner. Though Peter already had a luxurious home in Abuja, along with properties in various states across Nigeria and even abroad, he envisioned this estate as a haven they could always return to whenever they were in Imo State.

For the wedding, Peter spared no expense in transforming Mark Estate into a magical wonderland. He invested heavily to ensure that the vast grounds were adorned to perfection. The entire estate was a breathtaking blend of soft, cascading flowers, twinkling fairy lights, and rich greenery that created an atmosphere of romance and elegance. The pathways were lined with delicate lanterns, leading up to an opulent chariot draped with roses, lilies, and shimmering gold accents, ready to welcome Stella in style.

Peter wanted everything to be perfect—a celebration so grand that it would be talked about for years to come. The estate was proof of his love for Stella, a place where they could return to whenever they were in Imo State, their homeland, to relive the magic of their wedding day in its serene environment.

The chariot, specially bought by Peter for Stella, had been positioned at the entrance of the estate from the early hours of the day. Stella, however, had been in a private location, preparing for the wedding in a lavish bridal suite. As noon approached, the chariot was dispatched to collect her, making its way to the suite where she was waiting. Surrounded by her close family members, Stella was escorted into the luxurious vehicle, and the chariot began its journey back to the estate, carrying her towards the awaiting crowd, who were eager for her grand entrance.

A hush fell over the crowd as the golden chariot rolled to a stop. The doors swung open, and a gasp escaped from the lips of every onlooker. A vision of ethereal beauty emerged, her form draped in a gown of shimmering silk, adorned with thousands of twinkling diamonds. The fabric flowed like liquid moonlight, catching the sunlight and casting a spellbinding glow. A delicate veil, embroidered with silver threads, framed her serene face, and a diamond tiara, sparkling like a constellation, crowned her as the queen of the day. It was like a scene straight out of a fairytale—the perfect wedding, the kind every woman dreams of. The sweet scent of jasmine filled the air, mingling with the soft strains of harps.

'She's breathtaking,' whispered a young woman to her companion.

'Indeed,' her friend replied, her eyes wide with awe. 'A vision to behold.'

'Women are most beautiful on their wedding day. I wish I could find a perfect man who would spoil me like this,' another young woman said.

Stella's elder brother, Chima, who had just returned from China for his sister's wedding, couldn't help but beam with pride as he listened to the conversations around him, praising his sister's beauty. He was dressed in a high-end, tailored suit, the rich fabric of which glimmered under the lights of the venue. A crisp white shirt peeked from beneath the sleek, dark jacket, and a silk tie in a complementary shade completed his polished look. His polished shoes reflected his meticulous attention to detail, and the proud gleam in his eyes matched the elegance of his ensemble.

Peter waited at the altar, his smile bright and his eyes locked on his bride. He looked striking in his bespoke, fitted tuxedo, surrounded by his groomsmen, one of whom was Magnus, all dressed in classic black suits with silk ties and pocket squares that matched the wedding's elegant theme. As Stella approached, guests marvelled at the couple's undeniable connection, their love radiating in every glance they shared.

The guest list was a mix of the elite and the famous. Celebrities from around the world mingled with business moguls, political figures, and members of high society. Socialites draped in the finest couture, award-winning actors, and chart-topping musicians filled the seats, their excitement evident. High-end cars lined the estate's entrance—a parade of Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, and Lamborghinis gleaming in the afternoon sun.

Fleets of vehicles carried family and friends, with chauffeurs opening doors for their passengers as they stepped out in style. The air was filled with the sounds of live orchestral music, setting a sophisticated yet festive tone for the occasion. Cameramen and reporters were present in discreet areas, capturing every magical moment while allowing the couple and their guests to revel in the intimate celebration.

Richie, Night, and their son Wealth—beautifully dressed for the occasion—couldn't stop beaming with joy. They were overjoyed for their friends, who were tying the knot today. Hansel, their little prince, looked dashing in a miniature royal ensemble, featuring a deep blue velvet jacket adorned with golden embroidery and crisp white trousers. A tiny crown rested on his soft curls, completing his princely appearance.

Kimberly, his twin sister, looked like a vision from a fairytale in her delicate pastel pink tulle gown, accented with pearls and floral appliqués. A silver tiara sparkled atop her head, while her tiny satin shoes peeked out from beneath the layers of her dress.

The twins, nestled comfortably in a stylish double stroller, were under the watchful care of a nurse hired for the occasion. Positioned close by, the nurse ensured the babies were well cared for, allowing Richie and Night to fully immerse themselves in the festivities. Hansel and Kimberly's regal outfits and charming presence drew admiring glances and warm smiles from all the guests.

James Bello and his wife Jennifer were also present, radiating happiness as they celebrated with Peter and Stella. Peter's parents, proud and glowing with joy, stood nearby with smiles that lit up their faces. Stella's parents, equally delighted, shared in the moment with their daughter, their eyes filled with pride.

Chinedu, unable to contain his excitement, smiled from ear to ear, while Peter's friends and coursemates added to the celebratory atmosphere with their laughter and well-wishes. Chima, proud of his younger sister Stella, beamed with pride. And, of course, Ibrahim Musa, streaming the wedding live to his TikTok fans, couldn't hide his excitement at being part of such a grand and joyous celebration.

The ceremony itself was unforgettable. As Stella reached the altar, Peter took her hand, his eyes brimming with emotion. They exchanged heartfelt vows, promising to walk through life together with love, trust, and unwavering support. Their words drew tearful smiles from the guests, followed by a wave of heartfelt applause that resonated across the venue. Finally, they sealed their vows with a kiss, and the crowd erupted into jubilant cheers.

The reception was held in a grand marquee set up in the estate gardens. Chandeliers draped in crystals hung from the ceiling, and tables were decorated with centrepieces of white roses and orchids, accented with shimmering gold. The couple's initials were displayed in lights above a spacious dance floor, where Peter and Stella shared their first dance as husband and wife, their movements graceful and filled with joy.

Renowned musicians performed live, entertaining the guests with songs that ranged from classics to contemporary hits. It was a night of laughter, dancing, and celebration, with celebrities joining in the fun, taking selfies, and sharing toasts in honour of the newlyweds.

As the night went on, fireworks lit up the sky in a dazzling display, each burst of colour reflecting the couple's love and joy. The celebration carried on until the early hours, with friends, family, and even strangers in awe of the beauty, elegance, and warmth of Peter and Stella's union.

The soft glow of candlelight filled the luxurious master bedroom at Mark Estate as the festivities finally came to an end. The echoes of laughter and music had faded, leaving the night in a serene stillness. The wedding had been magical—everything Stella and Peter had dreamt of, surrounded by their loved ones. Now, it was just the two of them, finally alone after a long day of celebrations.

Peter turned to Stella, his eyes glimmering with a mix of joy and love. She was still wearing her stunning, glittering wedding gown, the diamonds catching the soft light as she stood by the window, looking out into the moonlit garden. The chariot that had brought her to him earlier was now resting outside, the roses and lilies adorning it swaying gently in the night breeze.

Peter walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. 'Mrs. Marks,' he whispered, his voice filled with warmth, 'I still can't believe you're mine.'

Stella turned to face him, her eyes misty with happiness. 'It feels like a dream,' she murmured, her fingers tracing the lapel of his tuxedo. 'Everything was so perfect today.'

He lifted her chin with his fingers, gazing deeply into her eyes. 'You are the perfect one,' he said softly, his lips brushing against her forehead. 'And we still have something to do.'

Stella's brows lifted with curiosity. 'What do you mean?' she asked, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

Peter grinned, stepping back to reveal a small envelope he had hidden behind his back. 'Have you forgotten what Richie and Night had prepared for us?'

Stella's eyes lit up as she took the envelope and carefully tore it open, revealing a set of tickets for their honeymoon trip to Switzerland. 'We're leaving tonight?' she gasped, her voice brimming with excitement and disbelief.

Peter nodded. 'I know it's sudden, but I thought it would be perfect to escape right away. Just the two of us, starting our journey together in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.'

Stella's smile widened, her eyes sparkling with tears. 'Oh, Peter, it's perfect. Switzerland has always been a dream. But we haven't consummated our wedding yet,' Stella shyly said.

'We'll do a thon on the plane,' Peter said with a grin, and Stella blushed even more.

'I am so grateful for Richie and Night's thoughts towards us,' Peter muttered happily. Then, he wrapped Stella in a warm embrace, lifting her off her feet as she laughed softly. 'We have the entire lake house waiting for us,' he whispered into her ear. 'It's all ours for as long as we want. Just you, me, and the peaceful waters.'

Stella pulled back slightly to look at him, her heart full. 'I don't know how you keep making everything so magical.'

He kissed her deeply, his lips lingering on hers, as if sealing the promise of many more adventures to come. 'For you, Stella, I'd make every day as magical as today.'

Peter took her hand, leading her out of the room to the estate's grand entrance. There, a sleek black Lamborghini awaited them. 'We're heading to Imo Airport, Ella,' he said. 'But it's not for a commercial flight.'

Stella's eyes sparkled with delight as they drove under the moonlit sky. 'Yes, I know, my almond,' Stella said playfully.

Peter glanced at her, smiling. He seemed pleased with the pet name she had chosen for him.

When they arrived at Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, the private jet stood waiting on the tarmac, its sleek silver exterior gleaming under the floodlights like a jewel in the night. The jet was a masterpiece of luxury, with its name, 'Celestial Dream,' subtly etched in gold along the fuselage. A red carpet stretched from the base of the aircraft stairs, a detail Peter had arranged to make the moment even more enchanting.

The flight crew, dressed in impeccably tailored navy uniforms with gold accents, stood at attention, their smiles warm and professional. A steward stepped forward to greet them, holding a tray with chilled glasses of sparkling apple juice in elegant flutes.

Peter wrapped his arms around Stella's waist from behind, leaning close to whisper in her ear. 'I didn't want to waste a second,' he said softly, his breath warm against her cheek. 'We're going straight to Switzerland, my love.'

Stella glanced at the tray, her lips curving into a soft smile. Instead of taking a glass, she turned to Peter, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. 'You always know how to make everything feel like a fairytale,' she whispered, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

Peter chuckled, his arms tightening around her briefly before taking her hand and leading her towards the steps of the jet. The cabin exuded sophistication, with plush leather seats, soft ambient lighting, and subtle golden accents adding to the opulent atmosphere.

As they settled into the luxurious seats, the plane began its smooth ascent into the star-filled sky, bound for the serene lakeside retreat awaiting them in Switzerland.

Stella leaned against Peter, her head resting on his shoulder. 'I love you so much,' she whispered, her voice filled with warmth.

Peter wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. 'I love you more, Mrs. Mark,' he murmured, his heart swelling with love.

As the jet soared through the clouds, Peter stood and extended his hand to Stella, his eyes filled with desire and tenderness. He led her towards the private suite at the rear of the jet, where the opulence of the space took her breath away.

The bed, a king-size masterpiece, was adorned with silk sheets in a soft champagne hue that shimmered under the gentle cabin lighting. A cascade of rose petals was artfully arranged across the bedding, and a plush duvet embroidered with their initials added a personal, elegant touch. At the head of the bed, small, fragrant bouquets of lilies and lavender filled the air with a soothing scent.

The atmosphere was further enhanced by a ceiling panel designed to adjust according to the time of day. During the night, it mimicked a starlit sky, with tiny LED lights twinkling softly like constellations above. As daylight approached, the lights shifted to a gentle glow, reminiscent of sunlight streaming through a serene sky. Beside the bed, a silver tray held an assortment of artisanal chocolates and a bottle of sparkling non-alcoholic wine, chilled to perfection.

The en-suite bathroom was equally breathtaking. Marble surfaces gleamed in soft gold tones, and a rainfall shower was encased in crystal-clear glass, its controls gleaming with sleek modernity. A deep soaking tub rested against the far wall, surrounded by flickering LED candles that cast a warm, romantic glow. On a nearby shelf, plush white towels were monogrammed with their initials, while luxurious bath oils and rose-scented bubbles awaited them.

Peter turned to Stella, his hand gently tracing the line of her jaw. 'A lifetime of moments like this awaits us,' he murmured, his voice low and filled with love.

The soft cabin lights bathed their faces in a warm, romantic glow. Peter's fingertips brushed her cheek, his touch tender and reverent. As he began to kiss her, he felt a surge of passion. He wanted to savour every moment, to lose himself in her. When their lips parted, he gazed into her eyes, his heart pounding. He whispered sweet nothings in her ear, his voice soothing and comforting. In her eyes, he saw a reflection of his own desire— a love that burned brightly, as if nothing else in the world mattered.

With a gentle touch, he began to undress her, his movements slow and deliberate. As he admired her naked form, he felt a surge of possessiveness. She was his, and he would cherish her forever. They came together, their bodies entwined, their souls united.

'You're so beautiful,' he whispered, his voice husky with desire.

Stella blushed, her heart racing. 'You're not so bad yourself,' she teased, her voice a soft whisper.

Peter chuckled, his lips curving into a playful smile. 'I know. After all, I'm irresistible,' he quipped, making her laugh.

They lay together, wrapped in each other's arms, and for a moment, the world outside the plane seemed to disappear. Peter kissed her softly, his affection unwavering. He whispered words of love and reassurance, knowing how much she trusted him. Stella, in turn, smiled, feeling cherished and cared for.

Later, as their tender moment concluded, they freshened up, slipping into lighter outfits. A male host, who had accompanied them on the flight, offered them a delicious meal, allowing them to enjoy the peace and comfort of their journey to Switzerland.

Meanwhile, the news of their wedding had already gone viral. Within hours, millions of likes, shares, and comments flooded social media platforms. Online newspapers, celebrity magazines, and entertainment blogs ran feature stories, capturing every detail. Headlines splashed across news sites: 'The Wedding of the Century,' 'A New Year Begins with a Fairytale Love Story,' and 'Peter and Stella's Dream Wedding Breaks the Internet.' Their wedding had become the most talked-about event of the year, enchanting the hearts of millions.