Time slipped by before anyone realized. Winter in the Capital had melted into memory, replaced by a gentle spring breeze that teased fresh green buds from the branches. Magnolia blossoms and cherry trees along the streets took turns opening, filling the air with a sweet, light fragrance that lingered everywhere. As everything woke up for spring, the day everyone had been waiting for finally arrived. Connor and Lydia’s wedding was here.
Lydia’s Garden had gone from winter white to a dazzling spring display. Right at the entrance, a massive floral arch rose overhead, built out of Dutch blue roses, Ecuadorian pink crystal roses, and all kinds of rare blooms. The flowers glowed in the sunlight, vibrant and almost unreal. Strings of sparkling crystals hung from the top, swaying softly in the breeze and catching the light, casting rainbows over the sea of petals. Every inch of the place was carefully decorated. A red carpet wound its way through the grounds, leading past chairs arranged on the lawn. Vines and fresh flowers curled around the chair backs, and each seat was topped with a silky cushion that looked as soft as a cloud.
Above the lawn, thousands of clear balloons floated, each holding a single preserved flower inside. In the sunlight, they looked like stars sprinkled across the sky. The fountain was covered in rose petals drifting on the water, and hidden LED lights promised a sparkling show once the sun set.
Connor truly went all out. He brought in the world’s best wedding planners, making sure every detail was perfect, from the layout to the schedule. The sound system used cutting-edge 3D surround technology, so no matter where you stood, you could hear the music and the vows as if you were right there. The lighting was as impressive as something you’d see at a world-class concert, shifting to match each moment, romantic one minute, cozy or dreamy the next.
For three days before the wedding, the Capital was buzzing. The streets from the airport to Lydia’s Garden were packed with luxury cars, bumper to bumper, shining in the sunlight. It looked like a golden parade. Celebrities, business moguls, fashion icons, and even political heavyweights from all over the world came to celebrate, bringing gifts and their best wishes for what everyone was calling the wedding of the century. It felt like everyone who was anyone was there.
But the guests that had everyone talking were the royals from Country E and Country Y. The prince of Country E led his royal delegation himself, flying in on a private jet with an honor guard that looked straight out of a fairy tale. People whispered, wondering how the royal family was connected to the Norwoods or the Jeffersons, but the real story was known only to a few. The prince was there because Lydia had once saved his father’s life. She was like a god in the medical world.
Then there was the princess of Country Y, who was actually Connor’s aunt. She arrived with a collection of royal jewels as her gift, so stunning that even the most jaded guests were speechless. Jill, who had been living in Country Y for years, came back long before the wedding to help her son get ready. She adored Lydia, couldn’t stop talking about how thoughtful and caring she was. When Lydia offered to help with her health, Jill was over the moon about her new daughter-in-law.
Honestly, the whole event felt like something from a dream. Security was tighter than ever, with both the Jefferson family’s private team and the Capital’s elite guards keeping watch. Every guest needed a custom gold invitation, and nobody got in without passing a thorough security check. Only then could they step into Lydia’s Garden and see the magic for themselves.

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