Chapter Fifty-Five

The elevator doors slid open on the ground floor of Mars Corporation, and Peter stepped inside, beaming from ear to ear. Today was different. Instead of taking the private elevator to the 20th floor, he had chosen the bustling general elevator, a choice that didn't go unnoticed. He actually wanted everyone to know that he and Stella were together. It might seem childish, but he didn't care, he only cared about the fact that Stella was now his.

Stella stood beside him, her heart racing as he intertwined their fingers, holding her hand firmly. The place was alive with the usual morning chatter, now laced with a hint of curiosity.

As they ascended, a few employees entered the elevator, their eyes darting between Peter and Stella. Whispers began to swirl like a gentle breeze.

'Is that really the CEO holding hands with his personal secretary?' one employee murmured, disbelief colouring her voice.

'I can't believe it! I thought he was always so professional,' another replied, leaning closer to catch a glimpse of the pair.

'Maybe there's more to their relationship than we thought. Look how comfortable they are with each other,' a young intern chimed in, her tone laced with envy.

Peter, deliberately ignoring the whispers, focused solely on Stella. He knew that people loved to gossip, and he had given them the perfect opportunity today. 'Ella, is everything ready for the meeting with our Italian client?' he asked, his voice low and warm, meant just for her.

Stella nodded, a smile breaking across her face despite the prying eyes. 'Yes, everything is ready. But it seems we're quite the topic of discussion,' she replied, glancing at the others in the elevator, who were trying to look casual.

'Let them talk,' Peter said lightly but firmly, as if he thrived on the attention. 'I'm proud to have you by my side. And I used this elevator on purpose so people would really talk.' Then, he raised his voice slightly, enough for everyone in the elevator to hear. 'However, the grace of gossiping is only for today, because as of tomorrow, anyone who chooses to gossip instead of working will be fired, and I'll make sure they aren't hired elsewhere.'

A tense silence fell over the elevator, and the employees looked down, shaken by Peter's words. They knew Peter was capable of enforcing such a rule. Mars Corporation and Richie Corporation were the two companies in Nigeria known for paying their workers handsomely, and landing a job with either was like hitting the jackpot. No one dared to defy Peter or his friend Richie.

As the elevator reached the 14th floor, the doors slid open to reveal a bustling elevator lobby where employees were waiting for their rides. A few turned towards them, their gazes filled with a mix of admiration and surprise. Some hesitated to step into the same elevator, visibly intimidated by Peter's commanding presence.

Peter broke the silence with a calm but pointed remark, 'Are you getting in, or would you prefer to stand there and stare?'

With that, they quickly entered, each one exiting at the 18th floor, leaving Peter and Stella alone as they continued to the 20th.

Once the doors closed, the hallway erupted in speculation. 'Do you think they're dating?' one woman asked, her eyes wide with intrigue.

'Definitely! Did you see how he looked at her?' another replied, a knowing smile spreading across her face.

'I knew something was going on with the CEO and his personal secretary,' a male employee added, stopping by the coffee station. 'I guess we're in for a live version of 'CEO in Love with His Secretary.' His colleagues laughed, grabbing coffee or heading to their offices, each clad in sharp suits or fitted dresses, polished shoes, and carrying high-end bags, tablets, or smartphones.

Inside the elevator, silence lingered for a moment before Peter turned to Stella, his expression softening. A warm smile spread across his face as he said, 'You're the most beautiful woman in the world.'

Stella blushed, returning his smile. 'And you're the most handsome man.'

Peter reached for her, gently pulling her closer. He leaned in, pressing his lips to hers in a slow, tender kiss. The quiet hum of the elevator and soft lights made the moment feel even more special, like they were in their own world.

His hand slid to her back, holding her gently, while his other hand softly brushed along her cheek. Stella's hands rested on his shoulders, feeling the steady warmth of his touch. Peter's lips brushed along her jaw and down to her neck, each soft kiss making her heart race. She let out a soft, happy sigh, feeling completely lost in the moment.

As the elevator climbed higher, Peter held her tightly, his fingers tracing small circles on her back, as they shared quiet smiles and glances, both a little breathless.

Just before they reached the 20th floor, Peter stepped back slightly, smoothing his suit and taking her hand again, his eyes still warm with affection. When the doors opened, he led her out into the hallway, a gentle squeeze of her hand saying everything that words couldn't.

Walking down the quiet hallway of the 20th floor, Peter's hand remained intertwined with Stella's, his touch warm and secure. The stillness of this floor made it feel as if they were the only two people in the world. He led her into his spacious office, closing the door gently behind them. The city skyline gleamed through the large windows, flooding the room with a soft glow that made the moment feel intimate and magical.

Without a word, Peter pulled her close again, his lips finding hers in a deep, passionate kiss. The room around them faded as he held her tightly, his hand moving to rest on the small of her back, drawing her even closer. Stella's fingers slid up to his shoulders, and then into his hair, pulling him nearer, each kiss more intense and unhurried, as if they had all the time in the world.

Peter's lips trailed down from her lips to her jawline, then softly along her neck, his touch gentle but igniting a fire that left her breathless. Stella's heart raced as his mouth moved lower, his kisses tender yet filled with the kind of longing that made her melt. His hands brushed over her shoulders, slipping her dress strap down slightly, revealing her skin to his warm touch.

His lips pressed lightly against her collarbone and then moved to her breast, his favourite part of her. To him, her breast was like a life source, one he cherished deeply, and he loved to linger there. Stella let out a soft sigh, her eyes closed, savouring every second. Peter's hand traced gentle circles along her back while his other hand moved to cup her face, tilting her head back slightly so he could continue his trail of soft, adoring kisses.

The world outside disappeared as they lost themselves in each other. Just then, Stella pulled back slightly, breathless, her cheeks flushed as she looked into his eyes. 'Peter,' she whispered softly, her lips curving into a smile, 'You have a meeting with the Italian client in a few minutes.'

Peter laughed softly, still holding her close, his gaze filled with affection. 'You're right, but you're making it impossible for me to focus on anything else,' he murmured, his fingers brushing a loose strand of hair from her face.

Stella laughed, adjusting her dress, still feeling the warmth of his touch lingering on her skin. 'I'll be joining you for the meeting if you need a little more… inspiration,' she teased, her fingers tracing a gentle line along his jaw before stepping back, a playful glint in her eyes.

Peter's gaze followed her as she made her way to the door, his smile soft and full of love. 'I'll definitely be counting the minutes until I can steal another moment with you,' he replied, watching her with a look that spoke volumes.

As Stella left the room, closing the door softly behind her, Peter took a deep breath, already missing her presence, but with a heart fuller than ever.