Chapter Fifty

At Mars Corporation, as the day wound down, Stella took a moment to reflect on the productive hours. She organised her desk, filed paperwork, and made a list of tasks for the following day. Just as she was preparing to go home, she sent a final email to Peter, summarising the day's accomplishments and what lay ahead.

Peter, seeing the email, remembered the company car he'd promised Stella. Smiling, he called her into his office.

'Stella,' he began warmly, 'I wanted to discuss something special. Given all the running around you do for the company, I've spoken with HR about adding a company car to your employment package.'

'That's not necessary,' Stella said, trying to dismiss the idea, though she knew he had to go through HR since she wouldn't accept it as a personal gift from him.

Peter chuckled, raising his hand. 'It's well-deserved, Stella. This is purely professional. You've been invaluable to us, and we'd like to make your role smoother and easier. Think of it as a tool for your job.'

After a moment's hesitation, Stella smiled. 'Thank you, Sir. I appreciate it.'

Peter nodded. 'You've earned it. Stop by HR to finalise the paperwork before you leave.' As Stella turned to leave, Peter added, 'And thank you for today, Stella.'

'Always a pleasure, sir! Let me know if you need anything else before I leave,' she replied with a smile, turning to leave his office.

'Let me take you home, Ella,' Peter offered as she reached the door.

'I'm getting a car, remember?' Stella said, not glancing back to see his disappointed expression, though she couldn't help but smile.

Peter didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Was gifting her the company car a good idea?

Stella entered the HR office, where Mrs. Adesina, the head of Human Resources, greeted her warmly. 'Hello, Stella! I've got all the paperwork ready for your new company car.'

Stella took a seat, trying to hide her excitement. 'Thank you, Mrs. Adesina.'

'It's well-deserved, Stella,' Mrs. Adesina replied, passing her a folder with a pen. 'This is part of your employment package update, and we're delighted to offer it to you.'

Stella reviewed the documents carefully, signing in the marked spots. 'It's a beautiful gesture. I've really enjoyed my time here.'

'Sir Peter specifically requested we make this a smooth process for you,' Mrs. Adesina said with a knowing smile. 'He wanted to ensure you're comfortable with all aspects of your role, including transportation.'

Stella smiled but didn't say a word, her gratitude shining through her expression.

Once Stella finished signing the documents, Mrs. Adesina extended a set of keys towards her. 'Congratulations, Stella! Your new car is parked just outside. Enjoy the ride!'

Stella's eyes sparkled with gratitude as she took the keys. 'Thank you, Mrs. Adesina.'

As Stella stepped outside, her gaze landed on the sleek, midnight-blue Bentley parked just a few steps away. The polished chrome detailing glistened under the sun, and the interior leather seats hinted at pure comfort and class. Stella ran her hand over the smooth exterior, her heart swelling with gratitude and excitement.

With a wide smile, she opened the door, slid into the driver's seat, and took a deep breath, savouring the new leather scent. Looking at the car, she felt she had accomplished a lot within her short time at Mars Corporation. She was determined to put in even more hard work, not for gifts but for great achievement.

Meanwhile, Peter, who stood at his office window watching Stella with an amused glint in his eyes, picked up his iPhone, dialled her number, and, as soon as she answered, said, 'How does it feel, Ella?'

Stella turned her gaze towards his office window, a small smile playing on her lips. 'It feels… different.'

'Good different or bad different?'

'Good,' she admitted, her fingers curling around the steering wheel. 'Very good.'

Peter nodded, satisfied. 'I'll let you get used to it. Drive safe, and don't forget to arrive early tomorrow morning.'

'Of course,' Stella replied, feeling a surge of excitement as she put the car in reverse. 'See you tomorrow, boss.'

As she prepared to pull out of the compound, she glanced up at the 20th floor once more, hoping to catch a glimpse of Peter. Smiling to herself, she drove out of Mars Corporation.

With the road stretching out ahead of her, she felt ready for whatever the future might bring. However, Stella didn't head home directly. Instead, she arrived at Chinedu's Provision Store, carrying a bottle of wine and some suya she'd picked up along the way.

'Where is Mr. Chinedu?' Stella asked the sales girl at the counter, who immediately recognised her.

'At the backyard,' she said cheerfully, gesturing where Chinedu was, kneeling on the grass, planting some bedding plants.

'Old man, is this your retirement benefit?' Stella joked, and Chinedu looked up with a grin.

'You could say that,' he chuckled. 'You look lovely in your loose-fitting print dress. Did Peter say the same today?' he asked, wiping his hands with a towel on the bench.

'He didn't,' Stella replied, pretending to be annoyed.

'Then bring him here for a knock,' he teased.

Stella laughed, admiring the old man's vitality. No one would guess he was in his sixties; he had the grace and quick movements of a much younger man.

'Good food, fresh air, sunshine, exercise have done wonders for you…'

Chinedu raised an eyebrow. 'Tell that to your boyfriend who has the sexiest figure in the world.'

Stella laughed as they both sat on the wooden bench. She pulled out the wine and suya she had brought along.

'I love gardening,' Stella remarked, admiring Chinedu's handiwork.

'You didn't come here to learn about plants and tree planting. You came to know more about Peter and why he chose to act as a provision store owner instead of telling you he was the president of Mars Corporation, am I right?'

'Glad you saw through me.'

Chinedu chuckled knowingly. 'I'm an old man, Stella. There's nothing I don't know if I want to know, except if I choose to pretend not to.'

'Like you chose to keep quiet while Peter hid his identity from me. You didn't want to meddle, so you kept quiet. You didn't even give me a hint.'

Just then, one of the salesgirls brought over two wine glasses as Stella had requested. The salesgirl opened the bottle, poured for them, and returned to the shop.

Chinedu reached for the suya, putting a piece into his mouth. 'Peter didn't hide his position as president of Mars Corporation to test if you loved him for his money. He did it because he feared you might feel your simple life with him was slipping away.'

Stella pondered this, then asked, 'Then why did he make me his personal secretary?'

Chinedu's gaze softened, his voice dropping to a nostalgic tone. 'Because you were truly the best for the role. Peter has always been a man with a sharp eye for talent, and he knew you'd benefit his company. Do you think he assumed the role of Mars Corporation's trillionaire CEO just because he's wealthy?'

'What? Then, how did he…?'

'I'll tell you everything. Maybe it will help you love him more, even make you open to the idea of an office romance with him,' Chinedu said, smiling.

Stella blushed.

Chinedu picked up another piece of suya, holding it briefly as if contemplating something, before slipping it into his mouth. He chewed slowly, gathering his thoughts, before continuing. 'I don't think you should still be mad about it. You'd be wrong to say Peter grew up with wealth. Yes, his family was comfortable, their house was nice, and his father had a decent car, but they weren't exactly rolling in money.'

'What?' Stella was really surprise.

Chinedu sighed, looking fondly at Stella as he began, 'Peter inherited Mars Corporation from his father, but it wasn't the thriving business you see today. Back in his father's time, the company produced milk, Milo, and other drinks, but it was barely known. Competitors were everywhere, and his father couldn't afford to hire extra help.' He glanced at Stella with a soft smile. 'You might not believe it, but life wasn't easy for the Marks. Peter's mother came from a very humble background in a small village in Imo State. When she married Peter's father, Frank, she became his personal secretary, just as you are to Peter now. But, even with both of them working, they struggled. To keep the company afloat, his father even sold his own car to pay the workers. That's how much he cared about people.'

Stella's expression grew gentle, and she leaned forward, listening closely.

'Back then, Peter was just a young man in university. He didn't have the privileges you might think come with the title of 'CEO's son,' Chinedu continued. 'When Peter graduated, his father was ready to step down. And I…I resigned too. Not because of Peter but because I thought it was time for younger people to bring fresh ideas. As a farewell gift, Peter set up this little shop for me,' he said, gesturing around proudly. 'So yes, I suppose you could call him a provision store owner too.' He chuckled, eyes twinkling.

'So, he was a provision store owner after all,' Stella murmured.

'You could say that,' Chinedu laughed. 'But this shop is mine, not his.' He smiled, his eyes full of pride for the man Peter had become. 'Peter has a kind heart, Stella. When he finally started making real money, he never forgot where he came from. He reshuffled the workforce at Mars Corporation, bringing in young, passionate minds. But his success wasn't just about making profits, it was about giving back. He's set up programs to support jobless elders and has built homes for homeless people he met along the way. Many times, he quietly donates to orphanages, paying not just in cash but with things they truly need. And some of those children… he even sends them to school. It's like he's creating a family of his own, one act of kindness at a time.' Chinedu smiled gently, a knowing look in his eyes. 'Now, do you love him even more?'

Stella felt a warmth spread through her chest, admiration blooming into something even deeper. 'He's done all that…without ever mentioning it.'

Chinedu reached for her hand, his voice gentle and wise. 'He didn't want to intimidate you with his wealth, Stella. He wanted you to see the man behind the success… the one who feels deeply and cares genuinely, even if he doesn't always show it. Now, do you see him differently?'

Stella's smile widened, her heart filling with love. 'He's more than I ever imagined. He's…perfect for me.'

Chinedu chuckled, patting her hand. 'Now, are you still going to deny yourself the chance to show the world what you two share? Or will you wait until the launch is over?'

'Peter should decide.'

Chinedu shook his head with a smile. 'He wants to marry you soon but worries you may not be ready. Don't let his worries hold you back. Give him a family, a home. Look at Richie and Night, they're building a beautiful life together with their son, and more on the way. Peter has waited long enough. Love him openly, Stella, and let him bring you into his world.'

Stella's eyes glistened with tears of joy and resolve. She had made her decision.

After leaving Chinedu's shop, Stella headed homeward. Driving through the streets, she thought about the day's events and what Chinedu had shared about Peter's past. It all made her feel even closer to him.

When she arrived home, she parked her new Bentley in the driveway, admiring it one last time before heading inside. The evening felt peaceful, and Stella reflected on her journey at Mars Corporation and her growing feelings for Peter.