Chapter Sixty

The evening was peaceful as Peter headed with Stella towards Richie Villa. When they arrived, the luxurious house stood out, its grandeur illuminated in the soft light. The servants greeted them with respectful nods, and the chief butler led them to the living room.

As they entered, Aura, greeted them in a smooth, digital voice. 'Welcome, Peter and Stella. It's a pleasure to have you here,' Aura said, the warmth in its tone setting a welcoming atmosphere.

Richie, lounging on the couch and strumming his guitar softly, looked up at the sound of their arrival. Night, sitting beside him, was flipping through a book and enjoying some orange slices. The sweet scent of the fruit mingled with the aroma of freshly brewed achara tea Richie was sipping as he played.

Seeing Peter and Stella, Richie's face lit up with surprise and joy. 'Peter! Stella! What a nice surprise!' he chuckled, putting down his guitar and rising to greet them.

Peter held out a sleek, black envelope in one hand while the other clasped Stella's hand. Night's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she stood up. 'What brings you here? Is that a wedding invite? Are you two getting married?' she asked, eyeing the envelope.

Peter exchanged a glance with Stella before grinning widely. 'I wish it was my wedding to Ella! But I have something special for both of you.' He handed the envelope to Night, excitement dancing in his eyes.

Night took the envelope, exchanged a quick look with Richie, and carefully opened it. Inside was a beautiful, gold-embossed invitation stamped with the Mars Corporation logo. 'MarsBand launch? This looks amazing!' she exclaimed, delighted.

Richie raised his eyebrows at Peter. 'Is this the launch you've been keeping secret? Afraid Richie Corporation might steal your idea?' he teased, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Peter chuckled, shaking his head. 'Yes, I'm worried your company might steal our idea,' he replied, his grin widening as he nudged Richie playfully.

'What about Nightengale Link? I thought your company was ready to launch it before MarsBand?' Richie asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

'That one has greater responsibility, so we'll handle it with more care,' Peter said, and they all laughed. Then, after a moment, he turned to Richie and Night. 'I want you both at the launch.'

Night's face lit up. 'Of course! We wouldn't miss it. This is huge! How are you two feeling?'

Peter and Stella settled onto the couch, and Peter picked up an apple from the fruit bowl on the coffee table. 'Ella and I are feeling good,' he said with a smile.

Richie leaned back, smiling. 'I can see it. I'm glad you two finally came together.'

Peter grinned, taking a bite of his apple. 'So am I.'

Night looked at Stella, curious. 'And about your relationship... are there any big steps planned?'

Stella laughed, 'Well, the next step is for Peter to officially propose, and then we'll walk down the aisle.' She was joking but obviously happy. In truth, she didn't mind whether Peter proposed; she was just happy they were together.

Peter glanced at her, not saying a word, but in his heart, he had big plans.

Just then, a cheerful voice called out as Wealth came running down the stairs. 'Daddy! Mummy!' Wealth, their four-year-old son, burst into the room holding a crayon drawing. 'Look! I drew a picture for Aunt Stella and Uncle Peter getting married!'

Night's heart warmed as she took the drawing, beaming at her son. 'It's beautiful! You're such a talented artist!'

'But you still haven't told me what Aunt Stella and Uncle Peter were doing that night, so I could add it to the picture!' Wealth looked at her with wide eyes, full of curiosity.

Stella and Peter exchanged amused glances, unsure how to respond.

Peter cleared his throat. 'Wow, Wealth! This is fantastic. You might be an artist when you grow up!'

Wealth giggled, soaking up the praise. 'And a superhero too!' he added, determined. Then he noticed Peter and Stella sitting there. 'My parents wouldn't tell me what...'

Before he could finish, Stella said quickly, 'We were eating barbecue.'

Wealth shook his head, laughing. 'Aunt, if you want to lie, maybe you should meet Linus Mba; he'll teach you how!'

Linus Mba was what some children called a 'professional liar'—a funny nickname they gave to people who are obviously trying to cover something up or who are big liars.

'You're being so obvious right now. My parents said you were having a wedding, and now you're talking about barbecue?' Wealth turned to Peter, who was trying hard not to laugh. 'What will you say? You were eating a banana?'

Richie let out a chuckle. 'Oh, yes, Wealth! Peter was definitely eating a very special banana.' He threw a quick glance at Peter, who was already blushing. Richie meant something else, but Wealth didn't understand. The adults exchanged knowing looks, hiding their smiles.

Peter managed a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of his neck. 'Absolutely. The best banana in the world,' he muttered, stealing a glance at Stella with a mischievous glint in his eye. 'We were both savouring the best banana together.'

'Since you love banana, Stella, eat it every night before bed. Make sure Peter gives it to you before you go to sleep…' Richie said with a deeper meaning. 'You should enjoy your snack too every night before bed, Peter!' Richie winked at Peter.

Wealth, trying to understand, asked, 'How can Uncle Peter give Aunt Stella a banana every night if they're not married and living together?'

Richie was at a loss for words, while Night looked at her smart son, unsure how to explain. 'Peter, I think you should answer Wealth,' Richie said, handing the question back to Peter.

Peter thought for a moment. 'Well, since Stella and I aren't married, I will always bring the banana to her before I go home,' he said, trying to keep it light.

Wealth studied Stella, sensing something was off. 'Anyway, since you're playing riddles, I'll tell Aunt Stella this: I love bananas too, but I like to eat other fruits sometimes for a balanced diet.'

Peter blurted, 'No way! Stella will only eat my banana because it's the best. She won't eat other fruits, they're forbidden...'

Richie, Stella, and Night all glanced at Peter, struggling to contain their laughter.

Wealth looked at Stella, intrigued. 'Do you like what Uncle Peter said?'

Stella nodded. 'His banana is the sweetest, so I will only eat it.'

Night, Stella, and Richie tried to hide their laughter. Wealth gave them all one last, curious look, then shrugged. 'Okay, Auntie. If you say so. But remember, healthy variety is important!'

Stella nodded, suppressing a laugh. 'Don't worry, Wealth. This is the best banana for me. I'll stay healthy.'

The adults exchanged glances, all barely containing their laughter as Wealth turned back to his drawing.

When it was time for Peter and Stella to leave, Richie clapped Peter on the back. 'Good luck, man. We can't wait to see what you've been working on.'

Night smiled. 'We're proud of you, Peter.'

Peter returned the smile, stepping out with Stella. 'Thank you. See you both at the launch.' He waved as they left.

Inside, Night and Richie shared a glance, feeling Peter's excitement. Wealth climbed onto the couch beside them, cradling his drawing. 'Am I going to the launch too?' he asked, wide-eyed.

'Of course! You're our little superstar,' Night said, hugging him.

Richie nodded, resting his guitar against the couch. 'This is going to be something big,' he said, looking at the invitation.

'Definitely,' Richie agreed.

A few minutes after leaving Richie Villa, Peter glanced at Stella as he drove. 'So,' he started, his voice low and teasing, 'do you want to... eat my banana?'

Stella's cheeks flushed instantly, a laugh escaping as she tried to hold his gaze. She shook her head, looking out the window, though a smile played at the corners of her mouth. 'Peter, stop it! Just take me home already.'

Peter grinned, undeterred. 'Oh, I intend to,' he replied, shifting gears and guiding the car smoothly down the road. 'But maybe I have a different home in mind tonight.'

She gave him a curious glance, still smiling. 'I should really go to my apartment, Peter.'

Peter only tightened his grip on the wheel and turned down a familiar road towards his villa. 'Not tonight,' he murmured, giving her a look she understood all too well. 'Tonight, you're spending the night at my villa.'

Stella's heart fluttered as they drove through the quiet streets, finally pulling up to the expansive villa. The house was aglow with soft, golden light from the windows, creating warm shadows across the manicured garden and tall trees lining the driveway. She looked over at Peter, her nervousness mingling with excitement.

'Peter…' she began, but he was already stepping out, hurrying around to her side to open the door.

'From now on, you'll have to spend your nights here,' he said, extending a hand to help her out.

'But we're not married yet, Peter…' she replied, hoping to dissuade him, though she knew he wouldn't be convinced.

'Heaven knows we will be,' Peter chuckled. 'Relax; after the launch, we'll be officially married.'

Stella took his hand, feeling the steadiness of his grip as she stepped out. Together, they walked towards the front door, his arm sliding gently around her waist as he guided her inside.

Peter led her up the stairs, holding her hand as they headed towards his bedroom. 'Tonight,' he said softly, meeting her gaze, 'is about us. Once this project launch is over, you'll officially be mine.'

Stella's heartbeat quickened as she looked into his eyes. She didn't need to say a word; he understood the smile on her face. He began to undress her, and Stella allowed him to, silently.

As her dress slipped from her shoulders, he gazed at her with adoration. 'Undressing you will be my new job,' he murmured with a soft smile as she stepped out of the dress.

'I won't hire you,' Stella teased.

He began to take off her stockings. Looking up at her, Peter replied, 'I don't need you to hire me; I've already hired myself.' He gently pulled her stockings off, leaving her in just her bra and pants, admiring her beauty. Then he reached for her bra, unclasping it before leaning in to kiss her softly, sliding her panties down as well.

'Peter, if we keep going like this…' Stella's voice was unsteady, though his kisses only made her want him more.

'Don't worry, I'll give you a bath first,' he murmured, unwilling to pull away just yet.

Realising he would keep kissing her if she didn't stop him, she began undressing him as well. 'Peter… let's take a bath first,' she said, though her body ached for him.

Managing to contain himself, he pulled away and helped her finish undressing himself. Then, lifting her in his arms, he carried her to the bathroom, where warm, scented water awaited them. As they stepped in, he held her close, his touch slow and tender, building anticipation between them.

Looking into her eyes, Peter murmured with a playful smile, 'I want to feed you my banana. Wealth insisted I make sure you get a banana every night.'

She blushed and laughed softly, clearly excited as they shared this moment.

As they relaxed in the warm water, Peter pulled Stella close, wrapping his arms around her. The steam surrounded them like a warm blanket. He softly ran a loofah over her shoulders, letting his fingers trail down her back. Stella closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of his touch.

'Let me know if I'm going too far,' he whispered, gently biting her ear.

Stella shook her head, her voice soft but eager. 'Don't stop,' she murmured, her heart racing.

They looked into each other's eyes, feeling the excitement build. Peter leaned in, capturing her lips in a tender kiss that deepened, full of longing and passion. Then, he gently guided her to sit between his legs, causing his body to press against her, increasing her desire for him.

'How does it feel to be here with me?' Peter whispered in her ear, his voice low and tender.

Stella leaned her head back against his shoulder, sighing happily. 'It feels… perfect,' she replied softly. The warmth of the water and his touch made her feel alive.

Peter chuckled. 'Just perfect?' he teased, placing gentle kisses along her neck that made her beam with delight. Then, his voice turned serious. 'I want to make every moment we share unforgettable. You deserve nothing less.'

With a playful glint in his eye, he dipped the loofah into the fragrant water, then continued to wash her back gently. Stella closed her eyes, surrendering to the bliss of the moment. 'You have a special way of making everything feel beautiful, Peter,' she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

'That's my plan,' he replied earnestly, moving even closer. He gently turned her to face him. 'I want to be the man who brings you happiness and fills your life with laughter every day. Stella, you're very special,' he murmured against her lips, sending a thrill through her. After a long moment, he pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes with a playful grin. 'Now, about that banana…'

Stella laughed, her cheeks warm with both joy and affection. 'You're impossible, you know that?'

'But you love it,' he replied, his eyes sparkling with laughter. 'And you know what Wealth says… my banana is the best! And with the way your body is reacting to my touch, I can see that you're very much in need of it.'

With a mock-serious look, Stella raised an eyebrow. 'We'll see about that, Mr. Best Banana,' she teased, leaning closer to him, clearly wanting him.

In this special moment, with everything else forgotten, she realised that no matter what the future held, she was exactly where she wanted to be, wrapped in Peter's arms, sharing dreams and sweet kisses under the warm glow of the bathroom light.