At that moment, Humphrey Walker couldn't care less about his fainted fiancée. He felt like everything was just too crazy to comprehend.
Could it be that the wedding at Starsea Grand Hotel was for someone else? Is that why they were cleared out? And that someone else was Navid Byrd and Priya Yarrow?
Humphrey was nearly breathless, feeling like he was in a dream. How could that loser have such power?
"Young master, we need to leave! The master is urging you!" The old butler of the Wang family called for his men to carry out Sierra Yarrow, who was limp as a ragdoll, and dragged the bewildered Humphrey away.
Today was an enormous humiliation for the Wang family. How would they face anyone after this? Just thinking about it made the butler anxious.
In less than five minutes, the entire hall was transformed, stunningly beautiful and resplendent.
Anyone who didn't know better would think a king and queen from some country were marrying off their daughter.
"Are we in the right place?" Julie asked, dazed as she was led into the hotel, clutching Justin Byrd's arm tightly in confusion.
Even though Justin was Navid's brother, he couldn't answer her question because he also felt like they had stepped into a palace.
Was that the legendary Ten Brocade on the floor? Worth millions per yard, yet casually laid out as a carpet?
And those blue roses in the aisle? So rare that they're almost impossible to find, yet here, they're just ordinary decorations.
From the entrance of the hotel to the banquet hall, every detail made Julie's heart race with excitement!
"Where are we having this wedding? It's like burning money!" Julie gulped, clutching her chest with wide eyes.
"Honey, look at these flower baskets! Could they be from that big shot in our city? Lu Tao? And these others!" The more Julie looked, the more astonished she became. It was no exaggeration to say that every influential figure in the entire city had sent a flower basket.
Each one bore the same congratulatory message: "Congratulations to Navid Byrd and Priya Yarrow on their union. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness." Not a word more!
These flower baskets from such important people were casually piled in a corner, as if they were just ordinary gifts.
"What exactly is our brother's background? What does he do?" Julie's eyes were fixed intently on Justin Byrd, feeling like her brain was about to short-circuit.
"I don't know either..." Justin shook his head gravely. Honestly, even when his family was at its peak, they couldn't have pulled off something like this.
Never mind Sierra Yarrow's breakdown or Julie's shock.
Outside the hotel, Priya Yarrow and Navid Byrd walked hand in hand, stepping gracefully on a carpet of ten-colored brocade.
The entire city's channels and outdoor screens were broadcasting this highly anticipated wedding live. It was a grand spectacle.
Priya felt like she was dreaming, following Navid step by step toward the ceremony hall. Her eyes were filled with tears, yet they never fell.
As a woman, Priya Yarrow had always dreamed of her perfect wedding. But today, Navid Byrd had exceeded her wildest dreams a hundred times over.
The wedding dress she wore was adorned with real diamonds, sparkling brilliantly. Navid's meticulous arrangements and thoughtful gestures left Priya deeply moved.
When she saw the little flower girl, dressed like a princess, walking down the red carpet, Priya finally choked up, "Navid, thank you..."
"Priya, you are the love I will cherish for a lifetime. No need to thank me," Navid smiled gently, wiping away the tear that finally escaped Priya's eye.
Under the watchful eyes of his brother, sister-in-law, and close friends, Navid picked up his daughter and proudly led his beloved Priya up to the stage.
"Today, we gather to celebrate the wedding of our beloved Navid Byrd and the beautiful Priya Yarrow..." Jiang Heng, dressed in a vibrant red suit, stood at the podium as the master of ceremonies.
He had fought hard for this opportunity. When the news of Navid's wedding reached the Grand Summer Kingdom's ruler, he insisted on officiating, but Navid politely declined.
Navid wanted to give Priya a timeless and unforgettable celebration, free from political or business interests. Today was truly a family affair.
The guests were limited to Navid's brother, sister-in-law, and his closest friends—those who had been through thick and thin with him. The competition for the 800 seats had been fierce, and only the victors were present.
As the ceremony reached the exchange of rings and gifts, Priya's heart began to race with anticipation.
She hadn't prepared any gifts today because the wedding had come so suddenly. Navid Byrd gave a reassuring smile and personally handed the box to Priya Yarrow.
Encouraged by Navid's gaze, Priya carefully opened the box. As soon as she did, everyone was momentarily blinded by the dazzling contents.
On the pure white satin lay three items that left everyone staring in awe and shock. Women watching the wedding on their screens gasped for breath, their eyes glued to the items, their bodies trembling slightly.
The first thing that caught their eyes was a stunning phoenix crown! It was intricate and exquisite, with branches and vines connected, and strange gems set among green leaves like dewdrops...
The women clutched their chests, consumed by intense envy and desire.
Navid smiled slightly and picked up the crown. As the light hit it, the entire crown lit up like a burst of starlight.
"Starlight Splendor!" Julie, who recognized the treasure, gasped and clutched her heart.
The crown shimmered brilliantly, living up to its name, a unique piece only mentioned in legends, never seen before. It was said that wearing it would ensure a lifetime with one's beloved, making it incredibly significant.
The crown was encrusted with Starlight Splendor gems, and the largest one in the center was so dazzlingly bright that it nearly blinded everyone.
"Priya, five years ago, I had nothing and was on the brink of despair, forced to leave and let you suffer alone," Navid said, gazing intently at Priya as he solemnly placed the crown on her head.
"For the rest of my life, I will protect you with everything I have. This ring and crown, I've been preparing them for three years," Navid Byrd said earnestly as he placed a ring adorned with pink diamonds onto Priya Yarrow's delicate finger.
"Oh my gosh! Is that the Angel's Eternal Love ring set that was auctioned off three years ago in the capital? Worth four billion!" exclaimed one of the bridesmaids.
Sierra Yarrow, who had just regained consciousness and was watching the wedding on TV with deep humiliation, heard the bridesmaid's words. She couldn't hold back any longer and spat out blood in rage.
Three years of preparation? Then... then all of this should have been hers. What had she done? What had she missed? This couldn't be real!
In a frenzy, Sierra tore at her hair. She was supposed to be Navid Byrd's wife! She was the rightful wife!
She kept muttering, "Priya Yarrow, just you wait. I'll make sure you and your daughter pay. Navid Byrd is mine, he's mine..."
At the Zhang family estate, the head of the Zhang family, who was also watching the wedding, furrowed his brows and stood up involuntarily.
"That person looks so familiar..."
Daniel Zhang stroked his graying beard, muttering to himself as he watched Navid Byrd. He was certain he had seen this man before. For some reason, an ominous feeling settled in his heart, like a heavy stone pressing down on his chest.
On their wedding night, Navid and Priya Yarrow stayed at the Byrd family estate, which had been prepared for them. This was Navid's true home, the place where he had grown up.
Priya stood by the window, glancing back at the man on the bed who was soothing their daughter to sleep. Her heart was full of emotion. For the past five years, she had felt life was unfair, but today she realized that old Navid had saved the best man for her.
Navid Byrd was the second son of the Byrd family, who had been wiped out years ago. Although Priya hadn't asked about Navid's current identity, she knew he had transformed from a snake into a dragon, and his status must be extraordinary.
"Priya, are you tired? What are you thinking about?" Navid asked softly, coming to the window to embrace Priya after putting their daughter to sleep.
"Not tired, just watching the fireworks. They're beautiful!" Priya replied gently, relaxing in Navid's arms as her eyes followed the brilliant fireworks outside.
"Do you like them? It was Iker's idea. He thought you'd love it," Navid said with a smile.
If it weren't for their wedding today, he wouldn't have known that his right-hand man, Hector Iker, had such a knack for wooing women.
He glanced back at their daughter on the bed and sighed with a hint of helplessness.
Though little Nunu was well-behaved, she was still a bit scared and anxious in her new home. Not wanting his daughter to sleep alone, Navid Byrd decided to bring the little one to their bed on their wedding night.
Fortunately, he had planned ahead, and the side bedroom next to the master was just as sturdy.