After carefully applying makeup on Bella, the three little flower girls, the maids, and her sisters-in-law's children, the makeup artist packed up her kit and headed to the mansion where Bella's family was staying. The sun was bright, casting a golden hue over the estate as excitement buzzed in the air. The entire mansion felt alive with anticipation for the big day.
As she entered, she found Bella's mother and two aunts helping each other wear gomesi—a traditional Ugandan dress worn at weddings and other grand feasts. Made of luxurious fabrics with intricate embellishments and a tied sash around the waist, the gomesi was both elegant and complex to wear. The three women stood in front of a large mirror, giggling as they adjusted each other's sashes and smoothed out folds. Their attire gleamed with rich fabrics and pearls, displaying Uganda's cultural pride and beauty.
Jr's mother and her sister, Catherine, were already present and couldn't hide their astonishment. They stared, captivated by the regal gowns.
"What a dress!" Jr's mother exclaimed, her voice filled with admiration.
Jr, ever thoughtful, had instructed Moses—his assistant back in Uganda—to help Bella's family purchase whatever they needed, no matter the cost. His instructions had been clear: "Make sure they feel beautiful and respected." Moses had done just that.
Once the ladies were dressed, Jr's mother clapped her hands lightly. "Alright, now it's time to sit. Someone is coming to style your hair, and I'll take care of your makeup myself."
The atmosphere was a joyful flurry as hairdressers and makeup artists worked their magic. Once everyone was glammed up, two luxurious black Range Rovers pulled up to the mansion, ready to escort Bella's family to the church.
Meanwhile, back at another mansion, Jr's mother was preparing herself for the ceremony. Bella, already in the company of her cousin-sisters-in-law and Jr's Aunt—the graceful First Lady Evelyn—waited anxiously. Journalists were swarming the estate gates and the road leading to the church. Drones and helicopters buzzed overhead, broadcasting live snippets of the event. The roads of Greenwood were lined with curious onlookers, waving as convoys passed.
Jr was calm and composed, surrounded by his friends, father, grandfather, and distant cousins. Though his face appeared relaxed, his heart thumped with anticipation.
Bella, on the other hand, sat quietly in a beautifully decorated room inside the church building. Nervous energy coursed through her. Her hands trembled slightly, and she kept adjusting the delicate lace of her gown. Her eyes darted to the clock on the wall—just minutes to go.
Then, a knock.
Jr's mother stepped in, her face glowing with excitement. "Bella," she said softly, "we have a surprise for you. Someone special is going to walk you down the aisle."
Bella furrowed her brows in confusion. "A surprise?" she whispered.
The door slowly opened, and standing there—like a vision from her dreams—was her father.
Time froze.
Bella's breath caught in her throat. She stood motionless, eyes wide, unsure if this was reality or just a beautiful illusion. Tears welled up in her eyes as her father stepped forward, his own eyes glistening.
"My child," he greeted her tenderly in Lhukonzo, their native tongue.
"Father…" she whispered, tears spilling down her cheeks as she embraced him tightly. "I can't believe this. You're here. Are you really here?"
Jr's mother smiled warmly and slipped out, giving them space for their precious reunion.
"How did you get here? Where's Mom? And my brother?" Bella asked, still stunned.
Her father chuckled softly, "Your husband-to-be sent someone to find us. He made arrangements—house, transport, everything."
"What?" Bella gasped. "Impossible!"
"It's true," he assured her. "He sent men who looked after us from the day they arrived until now. We've been staying in a beautiful home, treated like royalty. He said we were your surprise."
Bella's heart swelled. She could barely speak. Jr… you did this for me? she thought, overcome with emotion. This wasn't just a wedding—it was a reunion, a healing moment, a mending of broken pieces.
Her father continued, "Though we haven't met him yet, we know he's a good man. Any man who brings a daughter's family together like this is a gift from God."
Just then, another knock interrupted their quiet moment.
It was Jr's grandfather.
"Bella, my dear," he said with a gentle smile, "it's time."
He stepped forward and laid his hand on her head, blessing her in prayer. She closed her eyes, whispering Amen through tears.
The door swung open.
Bella stepped out, radiant. She wore a custom-made round mermaid wedding gown with a dramatic train that flowed behind her like a river of silk. Her veil, long and sheer, sparkled with delicate beads that caught the light. Her makeup was flawless, enhancing her warm features and expressive eyes. Her hair was styled into soft curls pinned under a tiara.
Rita, the maid of honor, stood beside her, followed closely by Bianca, Lis and Bonita—the adorable flower girls—holding small bouquets of roses.
Her father took her arm, proud and steady. As they walked down the aisle, Bella took one final breath. The church doors creaked open.
The entire congregation stood.
Gasps and whispers rippled across the room. Phones clicked. Cameras flashed. Paparazzi at the door were already pushing out the breaking headline:
"The Queen is Here – Bella, the Ugandan Bride, Stuns the World"
Even before she reached the altar, social media exploded.
"She's so beautiful!"
"She's a black queen!"
"A girl from the Pearl of Africa—Uganda!"
The posts trended instantly. Tweets, reels, and stories flooded platforms. But inside the church, the only thing Bella saw was Jr.
He stood tall and proud at the altar, dressed in a crisp white suit with gold detailing. Joshua stood beside him, grinning widely.
Jr's heart skipped as he caught his first glimpse of her. His face softened into a glowing smile. His queen—his love—was more breathtaking than he ever imagined.
As Bella walked down the aisle, each step echoed like music. Her maids followed in awe, marveling at her grace and beauty. She carried herself like the true African queen she was.
In that sacred moment, nothing else mattered.
Not the cameras.
Not the whispers.
Not the pressure of the world watching.
Only love filled the space between them.
And as she reached the altar, Jr extended his hand to her, steady and sure. She took it with tears in her eyes, her heart full.
They smiled at each other, knowing that this was not just the beginning of a marriage—but the beginning of something extraordinary.