Chapter Ten

During her first year at the University of Abuja, Stella met Peter, who was in his final year of Computer Science while she studied Banking and Finance. That day, Richie came for a show at the university's Sports Complex, and because her friend Night, Richie's girlfriend, was attending, Stella tagged along. She wore a white cotton dress, while Night, in a striking blue, sat beside her, their ponytails bouncing in sync. Stella still found it hard to believe she was friends with someone who knew BahBah Richie, the musician whose voice had filled her playlists. And now, here she was—front row at his concert, a VIP ticket in her hand, granted solely because of Night's connection.

The entire arena pulsed with life. The sea of people stretched far beyond her vision, packed so tightly that there was no empty space left to fill. Umbrellas popped open under the light drizzle, but no one seemed to mind it, especially not the die-hard fans who had camped overnight, determined to catch the first glimpse of Richie as he took the stage.

Looking out over the crowd, it was impossible to see any empty space; everywhere was packed. Those who couldn't get a seat were unbothered, content to stand just to catch a glimpse of Richie. Even people who weren't students had paid to be there after hearing about his performance.

Stella squinted through the shower of raindrops as Richie took the mic, his smooth voice cutting through the roaring crowd. The sound of his fans, shouting and singing along, was deafening. She glanced at Night, who was happily munching on popcorn while enjoying the music with a contented smile. Stella, with a smile of her own, reached over, snagging a few kernels.

It was a moment of excitement, a well-deserved break for students who had been studying hard for their exams. With exams now over, hosting a music show was the perfect way for them to relax.

'I wonder what would happen if Richie decided to kiss you after the show,' Stella mused, her eyes flickering to Richie, who now commanded the stage in a sleek black suit, his presence magnetic.

Night laughed, her hand playfully swatting Stella's knee. 'Only you would wonder about that. You should really get yourself a boyfriend.'

Stella laughed too. She thought Night was fun. Although they had only met a few times during their combined lectures in GNS courses, Stella studying Banking and Finance while Night pursued Mass Communication, Stella felt that Night was the best friend she'd ever had. Their friendship had blossomed from the times Stella borrowed notes from Night whenever she missed a class.

'Well, I'm still searching for my prince charming,' Stella said with a soft grin. 'When he arrives, I'll know.'

Night was about to respond when Stella's gaze shifted. From the moment she saw him in the crowd, there was something about him that caught her attention. He was taller than most of the people around him, and his crisp white shirt and matching trousers, even under the rain, seemed untouched by the elements. His posture was relaxed but confident, the kind of confidence that didn't need to shout. There was an ease to his movements, as though he belonged wherever he chose to be.

He slid into the empty chair next to Stella with the kind of quiet self-assurance that made Stella's pulse quicken. 'Your boyfriend is super talented,' the man said to Night with a warm smile before turning to Stella. His eyes locked with hers, holding her gaze for a beat too long. 'Hi, beautiful soul.'

For a second, Stella forgot how to breathe. She nodded, quickly turning her attention back to the stage, though she couldn't stop a shy smile from appearing. Night, who had noticed, said nothing, just an amused glance that spoke volumes.

That day, Stella didn't learn his name. She had to leave before the show ended to meet her brother, Chima, who had just arrived in Abuja. She had wanted to ask Night who he was, but her phone buzzed with a message—it was her brother, already waiting for dinner. With a reluctant sigh, she realised she had to go. Yet, she couldn't shake the image of his face—more striking than any she'd seen in magazines.

Before leaving, she decided to use the restroom, and as she stepped out, she caught a glimpse of him leaning against a tree, talking on the phone. His back was just as captivating as his face. She paused to admire him for a moment, but when he began to turn, she quickly rushed away, not wanting to be caught staring. Even as she stepped into the rain, his face lingered in her mind like the final note of a favourite song—perfect, almost unreal, as if he had walked straight off a magazine cover. She didn't know his name, but his image was now etched in her memory.

The second time she saw him, it was fleeting. She was on her morning jog, her tracksuit clinging to her as she pushed through the sweat and the early sunlight. Out of nowhere, there he was, riding his bike, luggage strapped to the back. She watched as he disappeared from view, a brief but vivid flash in her day.

It wasn't until Richie invited Night to lunch and Night invited Stella to tag along that she finally learned his name: Peter Mark. He stood outside the restaurant, finishing a phone call, his easygoing manner causing nearby girls to giggle excitedly when he casually tossed an empty bottle into a distant trash can. Stella watched, half-amused, half-entranced by the attention he attracted without even trying.

By the time they crossed paths again at Chinedu Provision Store, Stella was no longer just an admirer from afar. Peter sat in the corner, hunched over a computer, fingers flying over the keyboard as he dominated a video game while his friends cheered him on. Stella, standing nearby, couldn't help but laugh as he clinched the win.

When he turned around, catching sight of her, he smiled. It wasn't just a polite smile; it was warm, genuine, the kind of smile that made her stomach flutter. His friends were stunned. Stella couldn't believe how easily the moment felt, like something had shifted.

'Ella,' he said, his voice smooth but gentle, like he had known her for years.

Stella's pulse raced. 'Peter... nice to meet you.'

There it was. A simple moment, but it felt like a crack in time. She had always admired him from a distance, but now he stood before her, his presence more real than she had ever imagined. The way his eyes lingered on her face made her heart skip a beat, and for the first time in a long time, Stella felt something shift inside of her.