Chapter Three

Moments later, the towering silhouette of Mars Corporation came into view, its glass façade gleaming in the morning sun. Peter parked, allowing her to step out. As she waved goodbye, she couldn't help but marvel at the building's grandeur.

Mars Corporation stood proudly in the heart of Abuja's Central Business District, standing tall and impressive among the city's buildings. The structure had a modern glass design, reflecting the bright blue sky and green surroundings. The building's curved shape led up to a stunning rooftop terrace with a view of the entire city.

The compound spanned 3 hectares, or about 67 plots of land, making it both spacious and grand. A wide avenue lined with palm trees and well-maintained gardens led to the main entrance. The building featured expansive lobbies with glass walls and polished marble floors on each level. Inside, the air was cool and filled with employees buzzing about like bees. Most of the staff were graduates from top ten universities worldwide, each highly qualified for their roles. This company sought out talents with innovative minds, people who could envision the world in 2200 and begin laying the groundwork today for that future, bringing those possibilities to life.

To the side of this impressive structure, in a carefully chosen corner of the compound, lay Love Garden. Unlike the other gardens scattered around the property, Love Garden had a magical charm. It was filled with beautiful, colourful flowers that seemed to bloom just for lovers. A gentle fountain in the middle created a soothing sound that made the place feel peaceful and romantic.

The garden was a favourite spot for staff members who were in love with their colleagues. Some came here for secret moments together, while others just enjoyed the garden's beauty. Many would take selfies among the blooming flowers, capturing the joy of the moment. There were marble benches where people could sit under the shade of trees, surrounded by the scent of fresh blossoms. The garden was known for its warmth and beauty, making it the perfect place for anyone who wanted to feel the magic of love.

This magnificent skyscraper, with its glass and steel exterior, stood as a symbol of power and prestige in Abuja. Inside, the offices were sleek and modern, with open workspaces bathed in natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered sweeping views of the city, while simple yet tasteful artwork adorned the walls. The workstations were thoughtfully arranged, featuring adjustable, ergonomic desks made of polished iroko wood and frosted glass. Each desk was equipped with the latest smart screens, wireless charging stations, and plush, ergonomic leather chairs designed for maximum comfort and support. Soft, soothing lighting enhanced the space's refreshing energy. Cosy breakout areas with plush couches were scattered throughout, perfect for informal meetings or quick breaks. The entire design seamlessly blended nature with modern technology.

As Stella stepped inside, she could sense the responsibility and privilege of working at such a prestigious, billion-dollar company. Clad in her pink blouse and fitted black pencil skirt, she stood out among the employees moving swiftly around in their high-end suits and polished shoes. Some were already settled at their desks, busy with their tasks, while others were still arriving. She checked her watch. It was still early, but she preferred it that way—better to settle in before the day's hustle began.

After checking in at the front desk, she was directed to a private waiting lounge on the 10th floor, reserved for special guests and new hires. The elevator ride was smooth, accompanied by soft instrumental music designed to calm the nerves of visitors. The gentle melody harmonised with the building's quiet hum, creating a serene atmosphere.

The waiting lounge on the 10th floor was quiet and elegantly furnished, with plush chairs, soft music, and a panoramic view of the Abuja skyline through large windows. Stella took a seat by the window, nervously tapping her fingers on her folder, trying to calm her racing heart. She reached into her bag and pulled out the grapes and banana she had packed earlier. Popping a grape into her mouth, she savoured its cool sweetness, finding a moment of relief in the small act. She admired the serene atmosphere, appreciating the blend of comfort and professionalism.

As she finished the last of the grapes, a slender woman in a high-end white suit approached, her heels clicking on the marble floor. 'Miss Stella Adams?'

Stella smiled, putting the banana back inside her bag. She wiped her fingers on a napkin, quickly gathered her things, and stood up. Following the woman to the elevator, the ride to the top floor was swift, enveloped in sunlight streaming through the glass walls. They reached a door, and the woman knocked softly before motioning for Stella to enter alone.

Inside the office, a man in an impeccably tailored suit sat in a sleek leather chair by the window, scrolling through a tablet. He looked up, his eyes meeting hers. 'Stella Adaeze Adams, right?' His voice was friendly but carried the authority of someone used to being in control.

'Yes,' Stella nodded, taking in the spacious office. The glass walls offered a breathtaking view of the city, and a sleek desk sat neatly near the window—her desk. This was her office, a modern, well-lit space.

'Welcome aboard,' Magnus Chika said with a warm gesture towards the desk. He stood tall, his friendly smile easing her nerves. 'I'm the president's personal assistant. I'll give you a tour once you're settled in. And just so you know, he's both the president and CEO, you can call him either.'

Stella raised an eyebrow. 'This used to be your office?'

Magnus chuckled softly. 'It was, but the CEO wanted his personal secretary closer, so they set this up for you.'

'Where's your office now?' she asked.

He pointed down the hallway with a grin. 'Just a short walk down,' he said. 'Still well-furnished, don't worry… Your office is the closest to the CEO's.'

Stella glanced around, feeling the importance of that statement. 'So, my office is right next to the CEO's?'

Magnus nodded. 'Exactly. This top floor, the 20th floor, is just for the three of us: the CEO's office is at the far end, yours is right next to his, and mine is just before yours when you enter the floor.'

Stella took it in; the layout made it clear. She was positioned strategically close to the CEO but still had enough privacy and space in her own office.

'Enjoy your stay here. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask.' With that, he gave a small nod and walked away, leaving her to soak in her new surroundings.

Stella thanked him, already feeling the weight of responsibility that came with her new position. She sat in the ergonomic chair, its supportive design easing the tension in her back. Her fingers brushed the files on her desk as a quiet sense of gratitude washed over her, and she looked out at the sprawling cityscape below.

The phone rang, interrupting her thoughts. She picked up the receiver. 'Hello, Sir?'

The voice on the other end was cold and commanding. 'Where's my coffee?'

Her heart skipped a beat. The abruptness of the request caught her off guard. She hadn't even been properly briefed on the job yet. Flustered but determined to make a good first impression, she quickly prepared a steaming cup of coffee and walked briskly towards the CEO's office, her heels clicking softly against the marble floors.

Reaching the door, she took a deep breath, smoothing her pink blouse before knocking gently. There was no response. She hesitated for a moment, then pushed the door open.

The room was enveloped in the warm glow of morning sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows. A tall figure stood by the window, his back turned to her, hands clasped behind him as he gazed out at the bustling city below. His broad back was encased in a sharply tailored suit, and the sight of his neatly styled hair stirred something deep in her memory. She wondered who this man was and why he stood facing the window. Was he admiring the cityscape or lost in thought?

His dashing figure reminded her of Peter, the man who had wooed her for years. Could this be Peter? she thought, her heart racing. Was he the reason she got the job? She had always cared for Peter but hadn't admitted it, telling herself she needed to secure a job first to support him and his small provision store. But now, doubts began to creep in. Could Peter have been lying about being poor all this time?

Stella's breath caught in her throat. There was an air of familiarity in the way he stood, a sense of déjà vu she couldn't shake. It couldn't be… she thought to herself, shaking her head. This was the CEO of Mars Corporation—a man she'd heard so much about but never seen.

She stepped forward cautiously, the tray with the coffee trembling slightly in her hands. 'Your coffee, sir,' she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

The man turned slowly, almost dramatically, as if savouring the moment. Stella's eyes widened as she took in the familiar features—the mesmerising jawline, the almond-shaped eyes that had always seemed to see right through her. The tray slipped from her hands, crashing to the floor, coffee splattering across the marble tiles around her.

'Peter?' she gasped, her voice quivering with disbelief.

There he was—the man she had always known as a humble provision store owner, the one who had pursued her for years. Yet now, standing before her in a suit that must have cost six to seven hundred thousand naira, it hit her: he wasn't just a store owner. He was the CEO of one of the most powerful corporations in Abuja. His driving an Audi R8 V10 Performance made sense now. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She was utterly shocked by the whole situation.

Peter's lips curled into a small, almost apologetic smile, 'What's up?' Peter said softly. 'Glad you're my new personal secretary, Ella.' He simply smiled, hands in his pockets. 'Welcome aboard, Ella. I see you've settled in nicely.'

Settled in nicely? After the shock you just gave me? How could I possibly settle in nicely? she thought. She walked towards him, her hand reaching up to touch his shoulder, trembling with emotion. Her eyes filled with tears. 'You took me for a fool!' Her voice cracked with hurt. 'You're the CEO of Mars Corporation, and you didn't say a word?'

Peter rubbed the back of his neck, his expression softening. 'You never asked,' he said quietly, but his gaze didn't leave hers.

'I didn't ask because you always told me you owned a small store! You wanted to test me, didn't you? To see if I'd love you for your money?' Her voice shook with anger and betrayal.

'Ella, you never gave me a chance to be more than a friend!' Peter's voice rose, his own frustration boiling over. 'I kept this from you because I wanted you to feel comfortable with me, not my wealth.'

Stella blinked back tears, her heart caught between love and rage. She couldn't stand the thought of losing him, yet the weight of his deception crushed her. 'I can't do this,' she whispered, her voice trembling as she turned towards the door.

Peter watched helplessly, every step she took away from him carving a deeper wound in his heart. He had made her his personal secretary just to keep her close, to be part of her everyday life, but now it felt like he was losing her for good.

'But you never asked,' he muttered, though she heard him clearly.

'I didn't ask because you kept telling me you owned a small provision store!' she shouted, stopping in her tracks, her anger raw and unfiltered. 'You wanted to test what kind of woman I am?' She spun to face him. 'To see if I'd love you for your money?' Her voice softened into a bitter whisper, though her fury still simmered beneath the surface. 'You never took me seriously…'

'What about me, Ella?' he half-shouted, unable to contain the emotion in his voice. 'You hurt me, too, repeatedly! You never accepted me as your man. Do you blame me for keeping this from you? You only wanted us to stay friends, but I wanted more. I wanted you to be mine, not for any other man to have! But what did you do? You rejected me. You threw my love away!'

Stella's face contorted with emotion, her breath catching in her throat. 'Shut up, Peter! Who told you I didn't lo…' She cut herself off, almost admitting what she had buried deep inside for so long: that she had loved him, dreamed of being with him, and raising a beautiful family together. However, finding a job to support him had always been her priority. She didn't want to be in a relationship where her man was the only one spending. She wanted to contribute too, buy him gifts and support his business financially, because she wanted to see the provision store grow into something much bigger, maybe even chains of stores.

But she couldn't say any of that now, not after everything. Was it even necessary to say? It seemed all her efforts had been in vain, and she had been the only fool, thinking that supporting Peter would make him happy, not knowing that he was a trillionaire. Instead, she hardened her tone. 'How could I love someone like you?' she said, her voice trembling as fresh tears slid down her cheeks. 'Peter, I'm sorry, but I can't take this anymore.'

As she turned to leave, Peter took a desperate step forward. 'Ella, wait… this is 2024. It's a new year, and I want things to be different. Please… give me a chance.'

Stella paused, her heart wavering for a moment before shaking her head, eyes filled with hurt. 'A new year doesn't erase all the lies, Peter.'

Peter reached for her hand. 'Ella, I…'

But she pulled away, her eyes blazing with anger. 'Don't. Just... don't.' Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked out, leaving Peter standing amidst the shattered porcelain and spilled secrets.

Peter's chest tightened as he watched her leave, a thousand words trapped in his throat. He wanted to reach out, grab her slender hand, pull her into his arms, and kiss away her tears. He wanted to feel her lips against his, taste the love they had both been too afraid to admit. But now… how could he? Tears welled up in his eyes as the reality of what had happened hit him like a wave. He had made her his secretary not because he wanted her in a professional role, but because he couldn't bear to be apart from her.

And now, she might hate him forever, all because he had hidden the truth that he was the CEO of this magnificent company. To think she had shared her dreams with him, excitedly told him about landing this job, and he had even congratulated her without ever revealing that he was the CEO. He accepted that it was his fault, but not entirely.

He sank back into his chair, his hands trembling slightly as he wiped the tears from his face. This was the first time he had ever cried for a woman. The cold, domineering man who never gave any woman a second glance was here, crying because of one? It was painfully clear now; he was in love with Stella. He hadn't hidden the fact that he was the CEO of Mars Corporation as part of some cruel test. He had done it because he didn't want his wealth and status to intimidate her or make her feel unworthy. He had wanted her to feel comfortable around him. But had that plan completely backfired?

Most women did love men for their money, but not Stella. She was different. And in trying to protect her and make her feel comfortable around him, he had only pushed her away. Now, as the door closed behind her, Peter wondered if he had lost her for good.