Chapter 1253 The Cunning Stella
The next morning, before dawn broke, the makeup artist arrived at Hannah's door. Charles had spared no expense, flying in Peter, an internationally renowned stylist, to ensure Hannah would be the most radiant bride imaginable.
Not wanting to overshadow Hannah on her special day, Stella opted for a natural look, applying her own makeup after slipping into her bridesmaid dress. To complement the crimson gown, she chose matching eyeshadow and lip color, keeping everything else in nude tones.
From the moment Hannah opened her eyes, tension coursed through her body like electricity. Her hands trembled uncontrollably, betraying nerves she couldn't suppress.
Sensing her distress, Stella clasped her friend's hands firmly. "This is the most important day of your life. Don't let nerves steal your moment—show them your best self."
Hannah's grip tightened reflexively, making Stella wince. She immediately released her hold, words tumbling out in apology. "Stella, I'm so sorry! I'm just—I can't stop shaking!"
"I know, I know," Stella said with understanding warmth. Hannah's palms were slick with cold sweat as she continued, "Yesterday I was fine—completely calm! But today... I don't know what's wrong with me. Feel this—my heart's racing like crazy."
She pressed Stella's hand against her chest, where her heart hammered against her ribs like a wild bird trapped in a cage.
Fearing Hannah might stumble during the ceremony, Stella took charge. "Listen to me. Close your eyes and breathe with me."
Hannah obeyed, shutting her eyes tight.
"Breathe in," Stella commanded, demonstrating with a deep inhalation.
Hannah followed suit.
"Now out," Stella exhaled slowly, and Hannah mirrored the motion.
"Keep going—let's do this together until you feel better."
After several rounds of synchronized breathing, Hannah's trembling subsided slightly, though her nerves remained taut as violin strings.
Stella glanced at her watch. "It's ten o'clock. Randy texted—they should be here any minute. You stay put while I go collect their tribute."
Hannah caught her arm. "Don't go overboard with the hazing!"
Stella's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Trust me. The fake friends are the ones who go too far—real friends know when to stop. This is your once-in-a-lifetime moment, and I won't let anyone ruin it."
Before Hannah could respond, the door burst open. Fannie rushed in, breathless with excitement. "They're here! Stella, we need to form a blockade—don't let them waltz in too easily."
Since Hannah's circle was small—really just Stella as her closest friend—Fannie and Maria had volunteered their services, recruiting several Koch family cousins to join the festivities. A wedding without proper ceremony lost half its magic.
Stella sprang into action, pressing her back against the door in a defensive stance while the other girls flanked her. Soon, laughter and masculine voices echoed down the hallway as Charles appeared with his battalion of groomsmen—Randy, Declan, Tyler, and several Koch family cousins. The Koch siblings had produced quite the next generation: three daughters and six sons, giving Charles's side a decisive numerical advantage that was immediately apparent.
Undaunted by the overwhelming male presence, Stella planted herself firmly in the doorway, hand extended. "Admission requires tribute."
Randy promptly produced champagne and chocolates, which Stella accepted with theatrical scrutiny. She hefted the packages, then frowned disapprovingly. "Charles, for a CEO of your stature, this seems rather... modest. Are you truly serious about marrying our Hannah?"
"Open it first," Randy suggested with a knowing smirk. Stella's skeptical expression melted into wonder as she unwrapped the chocolate to reveal a brilliant diamond nestled inside.
"Now that's more like it, Charles," she breathed, eyes sparkling as brightly as the gem. She'd never held anything so precious.
"May we enter now?" Charles asked with barely contained impatience. But Maria, Fannie, and the Koch cousins formed a second line of defense.
"One gift for all of us? I think not!" they chorused. Randy smoothly distributed individual gift boxes, earning satisfied nods all around.
"Your sincerity is noted and appreciated," Stella declared grandly, stepping aside with a flourish.
Charles and his entourage swept into the room, where Hannah sat cross-legged in the center of the bed, her wedding gown cascading around her like fallen petals. The sight stopped Charles in his tracks—after Peter's masterful work, Hannah looked like a celestial being who had graced the mortal world with her presence.
The stylist had transformed her natural beauty into something ethereal. Perfectly arched brows framed eyes lined with precision, long lashes casting shadows over cheeks dusted with subtle shimmer. The intricate lace of her mermaid gown revealed elegant shoulders, while a ruby pendant at her throat cast a warm glow against skin that seemed to glow from within.
"You're absolutely breathtaking," Charles murmured, unable to look away. But Stella quickly intercepted his advance.
"The ceremony hasn't happened yet—save the romance for after the vows!" Her eyes danced with playful authority that made Randy's stomach drop. He knew that look all too well.
"We paid the tribute. What more do you want?" he asked warily. Stella tucked the gifts into her purse with satisfaction.
"I've hidden Hannah's shoes. If you want her to walk down that aisle, you'll have to earn them by answering my questions." Randy's suspicion deepened. Stella's schemes were legendary, and this felt too simple.
"Just questions? That's it?" Tyler laughed dismissively. "We're all geniuses here—bring on your little quiz."
His confidence wasn't misplaced. Every groomsman in the room had inherited exceptional intelligence, each a prodigy in his own right, accustomed to being called brilliant since childhood.
Stella's smile turned predatory, like a fox sizing up henhouse security. Randy felt a chill of foreboding creep up his spine—whatever she had planned, it wouldn't be the simple quiz they expected.
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