THE 24-HOUR SEARCH

WEDDING BEYOND IMAGINATION

PRINCE ADAMS POV

Everyone was happy — glowing, really. Daniel was officially married to Emmy, the love of his life, the woman who somehow managed to quiet his storms and amplify his joy.

Influential people filled the place — people whose faces were usually seen only on magazine covers or on television panels. The Minister of Youth and Sports stood there laughing with two CEOs Daniel had once interned under. Three retired judges sat at one table, sharing wine. The head of the national bank was present with his wife. A famous philanthropist who rarely attended public events came out too — for Daniel. Even the mayor showed up, smiling with that political-but-genuine smile he reserved only for people he admired.

And yet… despite all these powerful people, there was no noise, no media chaos. The event planner had done magic.

The reception hall was breathtaking — warm gold lights dripping from the ceiling like melted stars. White roses, orchids, and soft baby’s breath lined every walkway. The air smelled like vanilla, jasmine, and new beginnings. Gold-trimmed glass centerpieces held floating candles that flickered gently as if whispering blessings. The hall felt like heaven had hired a decorator.

Videos and pictures were now beginning to leak onto the internet — people whispering, “Who are these two?” and “This wedding is giving billionaire vibes.” But for the moment, inside that hall, it was still private, contained, and sacred. Just like they wanted. When it was time for me to give my speech, I stood up, exhaled, and signaled the event planner. She nodded immediately and went to get the boy who was supposed to bring in my surprise for Daniel — the land he had dreamed about for seven long years. The land he always said he’d use for his free community sports center — “One day,” he used to say, “when life settles.” What he didn’t know was that I had spent months tracking the owner, negotiating, and eventually securing the place in his name as a wedding gift, with architectural designs included and the foundation already laid according to the building plan he once drew on a napkin and forgot. Daniel always thought the land had been bought by someone else.He had no idea. Not even the smallest suspicion. I cleared my throat, lifted the microphone, and the room quieted instantly.

---

Good evening, everyone, I began, already feeling emotion rising in my chest.

My name… well, if you don’t know my name, you probably walked into the wrong wedding. Laughter burst around the room. I smiled and continued.

I’ve known Daniel for… what, twenty years? Almost my whole life. And if you ask me what I remember most about him, I would say… he’s stubborn. Very, very stubborn. More laughter.

Daniel covered his face playfully.

But he is also the most loyal, most pure-hearted person I know. You see, in this life, fame comes and goes; money can finish; connections can fade… but having someone who will look you dead in the eye and tell you the truth even when it hurts — that one is rare. Daniel is that person.

I paused, looking at him. His eyes softened.

When I had nothing, I continued quietly, when I didn’t know who I was, when I was just a lost boy with no past… this man held me together. He didn’t treat me like the boy with no roots. He treated me like a brother. Like family. I swallowed hard. I thank my late granny for taking me to the best schools. I wouldn't have met Daniel. And today, seeing him marry Emmy… a woman who talks sense into him better than I ever could…

Everyone laughed again. Even Emmy covered her mouth giggling. …I’m happy. Truly happy. Because my brother deserves joy. And today, joy found him. I inhaled deeply.

Time for the surprise. I raised my hand gently. Before the MC takes over… there is something I want to give my brother.

The doors opened. The boy walked in slowly, carrying a black velvet box on a gold tray. The hall began to murmur.

Daniel’s eyebrows knitted. Prince… what is this?

I smiled at him. Stand up.

He stood, confused. Emmy touched his arm gently, her eyes already glistening.

I continued, For seven years, Daniel talked about a dream — a dream to build a free community sports center. A place where children from every background could train, learn discipline, stay off the streets, and dream big.”

The room grew still. Daniel’s mouth parted, but no words came.

He always said he’d start it 'one day’… but life kept happening.

I nodded at the boy. He stepped forward and opened the box. Inside was a thick brown envelope sealed with a gold-stamped emblem — a land document, wrapped with a ribbon. Next to it was a miniature architectural model of the sports center — the design he once sketched years ago when he thought no one was paying attention.

Daniel gasped. Emmy covered her mouth, tears streaming. Guests began clapping, whispering in shock.

I spoke gently, my voice trembling.

Daniel… the land is yours. Fully paid. Fully registered in your name. The architectural design is included. And the foundation of the building… is already laid. I started it for you. So your dream doesn’t have to wait for 'one day’ anymore.

Daniel staggered back as if his knees weakened. Then he stood tall again, eyes wide, voice breaking.

Prince… you didn’t… you didn’t do this.

I did, I whispered. Because you deserve it. Because you’ve given your life to everyone else. Because you’ve had my back when the world didn’t even know my name. Because… I love you, brother.

He didn’t walk toward me — he ran. He crashed into me with a hug so tight. He hit my back repeatedly, shaking, breathing hard, as if we hadn’t seen each other in decades.

I love you, brother, he cried. I love you so much. Why would you do this? Why?

I held him just as tight. Because you’re my family. Because you’re my forever brother.

He pulled back just to look at me — his face red, tears running — then hugged me again, harder this time.

The guests were on their feet clapping loudly. Emmy was openly sobbing, covering her face.

When Daniel finally released me, she quickly stepped forward and pressed a handkerchief into his palm — the same handkerchief I had bought for him earlier with the silly inscription:

“Fill me with your tears, baby.”

Daniel read it and burst into laughter even through his tears. The whole hall laughed with him. Emmy wiped her cheeks, shaking her head.

And just like that — the MC stepped forward, smiling widely. “Ladies and gentlemen… let’s give it up for brotherhood, for love, and for dreams coming alive tonight!”

The applause thundered again. And I stood there… overwhelmed, grateful, full — because my brother’s dream had finally begun.

_______

The van rolled to a gentle stop beside the grand entrance, and Elsa hopped down, brushing invisible crumbs from her dress, ready to help with the cake. But the moment she lifted her head, her breath caught. The wedding reception looked like something torn straight from a royal magazine spread. From the gate alone, strings of warm golden fairy lights draped like falling stars, guiding guests along the walkway. White roses bloomed in tall crystal vases arranged symmetrically along the path, their petals glowing softly under the evening lights. Elsa stood still for a moment, struck speechless. The event planner’s heels clicked sharply against the pavement as she approached.

I’m guessing you’re Elsa.” Elsa blinked rapidly.

Y–yes, I am,” she stuttered, trying not to look like she had never seen such beauty before.

Good. Boys, let’s get the cake inside. It’s almost time to cut it, the planner instructed, already turning to lead them. Elsa quickly opened the glass door for the men carrying the massive wedding cake. The door swung wide, and a gentle wave of cool, perfumed air kissed her face. But she did not step in just yet. She paused outside, her hand still gripping the door handle as she peeked through the opening. Her eyes widened—no, Inside the hall… everything sparkled. The room was a paradise of gold, white, and soft amber tones. Floating candles shimmered on every table. A chandelier so large it looked capable of lighting a whole city hung above, dripping radiant crystals like icicles carved from stardust. Elegant drapes framed the walls, falling gracefully in smooth folds. Everywhere she looked, there was luxury, warmth, and a kind of beauty that made her heart stutter. But it wasn’t just the decor. It was the people. Elsa froze completely. Her mouth dropped open before she could stop it. Sitting around the tables were the country’s biggest names — people she had only ever seen on TV at award shows or heard on the radio during morning news updates. Influential women in glittering gowns, politicians in sharp suits, ambassadors, media moguls, business tycoons… all together in one room as if this were a presidential gala.

What… what in the world…, she whispered under her breath.

Maybe the couple was indeed famous after all, she thought. Maybe her mother wasn’t exaggerating this time. Her heart thumped loudly. She watched as a popular actress she admired laughed with the Minister of Finance. At another table, a retired football legend shook hands with a well-known philanthropist. Everywhere she turned, there were familiar faces she had only dreamed of seeing in person. And here she was — Elsa — standing at the entrance holding a door open while the cake was carried inside. For a moment, she felt as if she were watching a scene from a movie unfolding right in front of her. The golden lights, the soft music, the laughter, the elegance — it felt unreal. The event planner turned back, noticing Elsa still frozen.

What are you doing? Come inside, she said with a stern whisper. Elsa finally swallowed hard and stepped through the door, trying to gather her scattered senses as she entered a world she never imagined she would stand inside.