Chapter Fifteen

On the other hand, Peter sat in his office, lost in quiet reflection, his gaze distant as he stared out the window. The city sprawled beneath him, filled with lights and activity, but his thoughts were solely on Stella. He knew he had stirred something in her today, even though she was still angry with him. He was certain her distance was because of him. Yet, instead of feeling the thrill of the challenge to win her back, he felt weighed down by it. He wasn't rushing to earn her forgiveness; his approach was deliberate and slow, like a chess game where every move required careful calculation.

He had admired Stella for years, her intelligence, her beauty, and her quiet strength. Despite her attempts to distance herself from him, he sensed her inner conflict and how her defenses were crumbling with each passing moment. It pained him to know he was the architect of her hurt, and the thought of losing her gnawed at him.

As he leaned back in his chair, Peter's mind replayed the text he had sent her earlier. His words were as much for himself as they were for her, an attempt to bridge the chasm he had created. He was a man used to getting what he wanted, and he had never wanted anything or anyone more than Stella. The desire he felt for her went far beyond the physical; it was a longing to be with her, to share every intimate moment with her, to explore the depths of their connection, not just for a night, but for a lifetime. Yet, he felt a tightness in his chest, a nagging fear that his actions had pushed her away for good.

Just then, Richie's name flashed across his phone screen, cutting through his spiral of thoughts. He answered, his voice lightening despite the heaviness in his heart. 'Richie, my man. Sorry I missed lunch today. Something came up.'

On the other end, Richie chuckled. 'No worries, bro. But from what I hear, it wasn't just 'something'… it was someone, am I right?'

Peter laughed softly, shaking his head as a small smile crept onto his lips. 'You always know what's up, don't you?'

'Hey, it's not hard to figure out. When a guy cancels lunch for a woman, it's pretty obvious,' Richie teased, but there was a sincerity beneath the banter that Peter appreciated.

Peter didn't deny it. 'Yeah, you could say that. She's special, Richie. I just need to figure out how to make her forgive me. I know I was wrong to have lied to her. Trust me, I didn't do it to test her love for me. I was scared she would feel intimidated and maybe not love me. I just messed up big time.'

Richie paused for a moment, and Peter could almost hear him weighing his words. 'Just be patient. She'll come around. If it's meant to be, she'll see you for who you are, not just the CEO. Trust me, Stella cannot do without you. She loves you so much. She was really hurt. Anyone would be hurt, except perhaps you're acting like one of those TikTok series, where every rich man claims to be poor just to find a wife. Honestly, I don't see the reason for such nonsense. You hide your identity; what if the woman pretends not to know how rich you are just so you will love her? You might think that because she accepted your poverty, she didn't know you were rich, and therefore you think she is the woman for you. My dear, any woman that loves you, you will definitely know. No need to play poor. In your own case, I understand you did that to make Stella feel comfortable. Sorry for the punishment you're receiving right now,' Richie chuckled. 'She'll definitely forgive you; I'm sure of it.'

Peter nodded, appreciating his friend's words, but they did little to ease the tightness in his chest. 'I hope so.'

After the call ended, Peter found himself staring at the glass window. The city continued its endless hustle below, but all he could focus on was the emptiness in the space where Stella should be. He rubbed his thumb along his knuckles, imagining her hand there instead, picturing the weight of her resting against him.

It wasn't just about the physical. The thought of being with her, exploring every depth of intimacy, filled him with both longing and fear. It wasn't just lust; it was something deeper. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and never let go. He wanted to kiss away the pain he had caused, to show her how much she meant to him, to make her his in every way. His heart clenched at the idea of a future without her, and the fear of losing her gnawed at him.

The ache of longing settled heavily within him; she was close, yet she felt so far away. Each moment without her was a reminder of what he had lost and what he desperately wanted to reclaim.

His office was drenched in golden light as the setting sun spilled through the windows, casting long shadows on the floor. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the warmth seep into his skin, but it did nothing to ease the ache in his chest. He had never been a man who gave up easily, and this would be no different. He would fight for her, for them, no matter how long it took.

He took a deep breath. He was a patient man, and he knew that the best things, like love, took time. But with each tick of the clock, doubt crept in. Would she ever forgive him? Could he truly show her the man he was beneath the title of CEO? Of course, she had known him before the CEO title complicated things. But he wanted her to see him as her man, not just anything else, but hers. The thought of being with her, of exploring the depths of their intimacy, both excited and terrified him. He wanted more than just a fleeting romance; he wanted to build a future with her, to make her his forever.

As the sunlight cast warm rays across his office, determination hardened in his jaw. She might be mad now, but he would wait. He would prove to her that his feelings weren't fleeting, that he wasn't just another man passing through her life. He was in it for the long haul, and he wouldn't stop until she was resting in his arms, where she belonged. He made a silent vow to do whatever it took to win her back, even if it meant waiting a little longer for her heart to heal.