Chapter Thirty-Nine

As the evening ended, Peter and Stella stepped out of the house, the cool night air gently surrounding them. The moon was bright, casting a soft silver light over Richie Villa, while the warm glow of lights bathed the villa in a soft, golden shine. The glass windows reflected the moonlight, harmonising beautifully with the modern high-end lanterns glowing along the driveway.

The villa was surrounded by beautiful gardens that framed the property with vibrant flowers and neatly trimmed hedges. Stone pathways wound through the gardens, leading to charming fountains that sparkled like gems under the stars. Small garden lights flickered along the paths, casting a gentle, enchanting glow over the serene landscape.

A gentle breeze carried the light scent of flowers from the villa's gardens, mixed with the soft sound of rustling leaves. The moment felt peaceful and almost magical, as if time had slowed down to let them enjoy it longer.

Peter and Stella walked towards the shiny black Mercedes-Maybach S-Class parked nearby, its exterior gleaming under the villa's soft golden lights. The sleek, luxurious vehicle with its bold chrome grille and polished alloy wheels reflected the elegance of Richie Villa. Its long, graceful body and signature Maybach emblem on the hood gave it a commanding presence, making it clear that this was no ordinary car.

Peter moved ahead, opening the door for Stella with a smooth gesture. The soft click of the door opening was the only sound in the stillness of the night. Inside, the car was both stylish and comfortable. Stella slid into the plush leather seat, the material cool and supple against her skin. As the seatbelt clicked softly into place, her hair caught the golden light spilling in from the villa, giving her an ethereal glow.

The cabin was softly lit, featuring a glowing dashboard full of modern controls and a top-quality sound system. The wood and metal accents added to the classy feel, emphasising the car's luxury. There was plenty of legroom, and the back seats could recline, making even a short ride feel luxurious.

Peter took his seat behind the wheel, the car purring to life with a muted hum, like a low murmur in the night. The smooth jazz playing through the speakers set the perfect mood, balancing their conversation with the peaceful silence.

'I can't believe the day is already over,' Peter said, his voice light but with a hint of something deeper beneath the casual tone.

'I know,' Stella replied, turning towards him with a playful shake of her head. 'We could've spent hours more at that gallery. There was so much to take in.'

As the car glided down the empty streets, the soft jazz in the background added a mellow rhythm to their conversation. Stella's face, illuminated by the gentle glow of the dashboard, seemed to reflect Peter's curiosity when he asked, 'So, who was your favourite artist tonight?'

Stella didn't hesitate. 'Chigozie Okoro's Against All Odds,' she said, her enthusiasm shining through. She leaned back slightly, a thoughtful smile playing on her lips as she spoke. 'It's the painting of a poor boy proposing to a rich girl. The emotion in it is so powerful.'

Peter glanced briefly in the rearview mirror, catching sight of the painting carefully placed in the back of the car. He had already noticed it when Stella carried the painting and placed it in the back seat of the Maybach before sliding into the passenger seat, but hearing her talk about it now gave it a new layer of meaning.

'What was it about that piece that got to you?' he asked, genuinely curious.

Stella paused, looking out the window, as if the city lights could help her find the right words while soft jazz played quietly in the car, filling the silence. The gentle music matched the mood perfectly. 'It was the vulnerability,' she said, her voice calm, mixing with the smooth tune and the quiet sound of the car. 'It felt real, like love breaking through the barriers society creates. And the colours—they were so alive, almost telling their own story.'

Peter's lips curled into a small smile. 'Just so you know,' he said, half-teasing, 'I'm definitely not poor.'

Stella burst into a warm laugh, her eyes crinkling at the corners. 'I know, Mr. CEO,' she replied, her tone playful but soft.

For a moment, Peter's smile lingered, but his thoughts drifted somewhere deeper. He couldn't help but wonder if Stella would have loved him more as the humble provision store owner she once knew, rather than the powerful CEO he had become. He glanced at her, trying to decode her thoughts, wishing he could see inside her heart. Perhaps, if he had stayed that simple man, they would already be together, no walls, no distance between them. But deep down, he knew she admired his success, even if she was hurt by the secrets he had kept. He could feel it, the way she was slowly letting him back into her life, bit by bit.

He was close, so close to breaking through the final barrier she had around her heart. And when that day came, when she finally let him in completely, he would love her with everything he had. He would pour his soul into hers, exploring every inch of her heart, every hidden desire. He would make sure she felt cherished in a way no one else ever could. Peter imagined their bodies entwined, their breaths mingling as he whispered promises of forever against her skin. He would make her feel more than just loved—he would make her feel alive, like she was the only woman in the world.

He would give her the world, wrap her in his warmth, and make her forget every doubt, every hesitation. Once she let him in, he'd never let her go. He would take his time, savouring every moment, every touch, making sure she knew that she had always been his greatest desire. His heart raced just thinking about it, the day she would surrender her heart to him fully. When that moment came, he would hold on tight, never allowing her to slip away, and together, they'd create something beautiful, something unbreakable.

The car rolled to a stop in front of her apartment, but neither moved right away. The night air pressed gently against the windows, and the world outside seemed to slow down.

'Thank you for tonight, Peter,' Stella said, her voice soft with sincerity. 'I had an amazing time.'

Peter turned to her, his eyes reflecting the city lights. 'I had a great time too, even though you spent most of your time at the gallery with your best friend,' he teased, his grin playful. 'But I still enjoyed every moment with you. And I am happy that your best friend, Night, spent quality time with you today. Glad to have this moment with you.'

Stella smiled, her heart fluttering. 'You know how to make a girl feel appreciated,' she said, a soft laugh in her voice. 'But don't be too jealous; you had Richie by your side for most of the day too, remember?'

He beamed, leaning in just a little closer. 'Stella,' he said, his voice a low murmur, 'I'll always be here for you. Whenever you're ready... I'll be waiting.'

The words hung between them, heavy with promise. Stella's breath caught for a moment, and she met his gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. 'That means more to me than you know, Peter. And when the time is right…'

'I understand,' he said, his voice steady. 'Take all the time you need.'

They lingered in that shared silence before Stella finally opened the door and stepped out, the cool night air brushing her skin.

'Goodnight, Peter,' she said, giving him a small wave as she made her way towards her building.

'Goodnight, Stella,' he called back, his eyes following her until she disappeared inside. The soft flicker of her apartment lights signalled her safe arrival, and Peter released a quiet breath.

The car slipped back into motion, and as Peter drove through the peaceful streets, the jazz still playing softly, the streetlights cast a soft glow on the road ahead. His thoughts lingered on Stella, on the ease and joy of the evening they'd shared. A quiet prayer slipped from his heart, a hope that one day, she would fully welcome him into her world, just as he had already let her into his.