Chapter Eighteen

That night, the quiet sound of the villa's systems faded into the background as Peter tried to fall asleep. The soft, luxurious bed cradled him, but the weight of his emotions kept him from finding peace. Hours passed, and the night deepened, yet Peter remained lost in his troubled thoughts.

As Peter continued to toss and turn, unable to quiet his mind, Chijioke's voice, soft and soothing, echoed gently from the room. 'Sir Peter, since you're finding it difficult to sleep, would you like me to play something soothing?'

Peter sighed heavily, staring up at the ornate ceiling. 'Go ahead, Chijioke,' he murmured, feeling too tired to argue.

Moments later, the soft, soulful notes of a blues track began to flow through the hidden speakers in his room. The rich sound of a saxophone, accompanied by the slow strum of a guitar, filled the air. The gentle melody had an immediate calming effect, wrapping around him like a warm embrace.

Chijioke, sensing Peter's mood, had chosen Keyshia Cole's Heaven Sent, one of Peter's favourite songs that he used to play during quiet evenings with Stella whenever they went out together. The smooth, emotional lyrics filled the room, adding a tender layer of nostalgia.

'Now you're here like you've been before, and you know just what I need...'

The familiar tune tugged at Peter's heart, drawing forth memories of nights when he and Stella would sit together, sharing a glass of wine while this song played softly in the background. The warmth of her laughter, the softness of her lips—kissing was all she had allowed him—it all came rushing back, bittersweet and beautiful. He wished he hadn't kept anything from her. If he had brought her to his home, even just once, he might have found some comfort in those memories now.

'Thank you, Chijioke,' Peter whispered, his voice barely audible over the soft melody.

'I am here to help, Sir Peter,' Chijioke replied, its tone as gentle as the song. 'Sometimes, the right song can ease a troubled mind.'

Peter closed his eyes, letting the music wash over him. The soulful blues enveloped him, slowing the storm of thoughts that had kept him awake. He could almost feel Stella's presence beside him, her laughter mingling with the melody. The soft glow of the ambient lighting, combined with the music, created a soothing embrace, and gradually, the tension in his shoulders began to melt away.

As the song's tender chorus repeated 'Cause you're heaven sent for me...' Peter's breathing steadied, and his mind grew quiet. In that moment, the pain in his heart eased, just a little.

Slowly, the music coaxed him into a light sleep, the lyrics of love and longing accompanying him into a world where perhaps, in his dreams, he could find peace. For now, the villa was still, the world outside forgotten, if only for the span of a song.

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