Chapter Sixteen

As it was time to leave, Stella packed up her things, ready to head home. The day had been long, and her thoughts had been consumed by Peter's message and his presence. She knew that sooner or later, she would have to confront her feelings, but for now, she just wanted to escape the office and clear her mind.

This particular hallway on the 20th floor was as quiet as usual as she made her way to the elevator. She pressed the button and exhaled as the doors slid open with a soft ding. Once she reached the ground floor, she walked towards the entrance, noticing that most employees had already left for the day.

'Leaving so soon?' 

The voice, familiar and warm, made her heart skip. Stella froze, her grip tightening on her bag. She turned slowly, her pulse quickening at the sight of Peter standing just a few feet away. His hands were shoved casually into his pockets, but his eyes, soft and searching, held hers with a quiet intensity. There was an unspoken question in them, a hesitation in his stance.

She swallowed. 'It's been a long day.'

Her voice came out steadier than she felt, though her racing heart betrayed her. Peter took a step closer, his movements measured, as if testing the distance between them.

'I didn't mean to hurt you,' he said, his voice low, almost fragile. He rubbed the back of his neck, yet his gaze never wavered, as if holding onto her eyes was the only thing keeping him steady. 'I didn't hide the truth to test you, Stella. I just... I was afraid. Afraid of losing you. You're the first woman I've truly loved, and I can't imagine my life without you.'

His words hung in the air, heavy and raw. Stella felt her breath falter, her chest tightening, but she didn't move. She wasn't sure she could. Inside her, two strong emotions battled—one pulling her towards him, wanting to believe his sincerity, and the other pushing her away, reminding her of the hurt he had caused. The conflict left her frozen, unable to decide which feeling to follow.

'I want to meet you at Millennium Park next Saturday,' Peter continued, his voice softening further, like he was offering a fragile olive branch. 'We're not enemies, Stella. I'm sorry for everything.'

Before she could muster a response, he turned and walked away, his footsteps fading into the quiet of the building, leaving her rooted to the spot.

Outside, the cool evening air hit her skin like a balm, but it did little to soothe the storm churning within. She spotted a group of couples gathered at the bus stop, laughter and playful jabs exchanged between them. One man twirled his partner around, their carefree smiles shining in the dim streetlight.

A sharp ache tugged at her chest. She yearned for that same ease, to let down her guard and be swept into that kind of love with Peter. But she wasn't there yet.

The bus screeched to a halt in front of her. She boarded, her legs heavy, and slumped into a seat by the window. Tears stung her eyes as the city blurred outside. She pressed her forehead against the cool glass, her thoughts tangled with Peter's words.

He had told her they would meet at the park next Saturday. But today was Tuesday—not the Tuesday right before that Saturday, but the one from this week. There was still another Tuesday to come before that Saturday arrived, meaning more than a week remained. Why had he brought it up so early?

Perhaps that was all he could say at that moment. He wanted to have a conversation with her, but the distance between them forced him to say just that. She wanted to believe him, believe that he hadn't lied to hurt her. Yet the reason behind his deception still haunted her. Chinedu, the real store owner, might hold the missing piece to the puzzle.

Peter... I want to forgive you. Just give me time, she thought, watching the lights of the city fade as the bus sped through the streets.

When the bus reached her stop, she got off, blinking away the moisture in her eyes. She knew she would go to the park with Peter. She would go without any lingering resentment. She believed he hadn't pretended to be a provision store owner to deceive her. But why he had done it... that still needed to be understood. Maybe Chinedu had the answers she needed.

'Peter, I'm sorry... give me time to forgive you completely,' she muttered to herself as she walked towards her apartment.

As she approached her building, she froze at the sight of Night leaning against a car, arms crossed as if she'd been waiting for some time. Night straightened, her arms opening in welcome as Stella came closer.

'Stella!' Night's embrace was warm, immediate, the kind that soothed in ways words never could.

Inside, the soft hum of the ceiling fan filled the silence as they sat on the sofa. Night crossed her legs gracefully, her usual bright smile dimmed slightly.

'How's everyone?' Stella asked, pulling a pillow into her lap.

'They're all good. My husband and Wealth send their love,' Night replied, but her voice faltered. Her fingers twisted in her lap. 'I'm sorry you didn't get the job at Richie Corporation…'

She trailed off, regretting the words almost instantly. Night knew how delicate the situation was and hated to bring up the job. After all, she had played a role in sending Stella to Mars Corporation instead.

Stella raised an eyebrow but kept her tone light. 'Why are you apologising?'

Night sighed, her eyes flicking to the floor. 'I really thought suggesting you work at Mars Corporation could be a new beginning for both of you. I believed you and Peter could build something great together, so I pushed you into taking it. But I didn't realise it might make things... harder.'

Stella studied her friend's face, then let out a small laugh, surprising even herself. 'You were just being a good friend, Night. You did what you thought was right.'

Night blinked, clearly taken aback by the smile now tugging at Stella's lips. 'So, you're not angry?'

Stella shook her head. 'No, but I am upset that you never told me Peter owns Mars Corporation. You kept saying the company would suit me well, and I accepted the job…not because of your suggestions, but because I was genuinely thrilled to get an offer from one of the best companies in the world.' She paused, studying Night's face. 'But I still wonder why you feel guilty about it.'

'Because... I've seen what it's been like for you, being around him, trying to sort out your feelings while juggling everything at work. I never meant for things to get so complicated. I thought it would bring you two closer, but I didn't want to push you into something painful.'

Stella's fingers tightened around the pillow as a quiet confession escaped her lips. 'I love him, Night. I've always loved him. So, thank you... even though it's been painful, I know you were trying to help. I just need more time.'

Night's hand found hers, squeezing gently. 'Take all the time you need. He'll wait.'

They shared a quiet smile before Night rose, pulling her bag over her shoulder. Stella, still conflicted and torn, felt a sense of calm settle over her as the door clicked shut behind her friend.

***