Chapter Sixty-Six

The next day dawned bright and clear, with the excitement from the previous night's launch still in the air. At the Mars Corporation headquarters, Peter sat in his office, surrounded by the MarsBand team and the company's executives as they wrapped up the final details from the event. He felt a deep sense of satisfaction: the launch had been a huge success, with the wristbands selling in millions and bringing in substantial revenue for Mars Corporation.

News of the launch spread rapidly. Peter's face graced the front pages of newspapers and magazines, both local and international, with headlines lauding the success of the groundbreaking wristband. Social media platforms were abuzz with posts and stories, reaching a global audience as people shared their excitement and anticipation for Mars Corporation's next innovation: unveiling the Nightengale Link.

Peter's phone buzzed, breaking the quiet hum of his office. A message from Richie lit up the screen, inviting him to lunch to celebrate MarsBand's successful launch. A smile tugged at Peter's lips; a chance to unwind with friends sounded perfect after the hectic day. He quickly typed his reply, confirming, then headed to Stella's office to bring her along.

When he stepped in, Stella was slipping her tablet into her handbag, a gleam in her eye. She wore a striking red suit with matching pumps, her confidence radiating through every move. As they made their way to the parking lot, Peter noticed the brightness of her smile—it was wider, more luminous than usual.

He glanced over as they settled into the white Porsche. 'Ella, what's with the smile?' he asked, turning the key in the ignition

She glanced at him, feigning innocence. 'What do you mean? I smile every day…'

'Yes,' he chuckled, pulling out of the parking lot, 'but this… this is different.'

Stella's lips curved into a full smile as she placed a gentle hand on his arm. 'You're right. It is different,' she admitted, her voice soft but brimming with excitement. 'Peter, I'm pregnant.'

Peter's foot eased off the pedal, his breath catching. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. The words hung in the air, their weight sinking in as joy and disbelief surged through him. Without a word, he brought the car to an immediate stop, his gaze locking onto hers. Slowly, a grin spread across his face. Leaning towards her, he pressed a gentle kiss to her lips, the warmth lingering as he pulled back, his eyes alight with happiness. Then, he reached down, resting his forehead tenderly against her stomach before placing a soft kiss there, as though already connecting with the new life within. His warm breath brushed against her red suit as he whispered, 'Hey, little one. I'm your dad.'

Stella's laughter filled the air, a sound of pure joy. 'Yes, little one, your dad is going to be the best dad.'

As Peter finally pulled back, his face radiant, he said, 'This,' starting the car again, 'is the best day of my life.'

Stella's hand found his, giving it a gentle squeeze. It was a joyful moment as Peter returned his gaze to the road, his face beaming with a smile.

As they arrived at the luxurious restaurant, the valet hurried to greet them, his neatly tailored uniform enhancing his polished and handsome appearance. Peter stepped out first, adjusting his cufflinks before rounding the car to open Stella's door. He offered her his hand, and she stepped out gracefully, her red pumps clicking softly on the cobblestone driveway. They made their way to the private room that Richie had reserved, where he, Night, and their son Wealth were already seated. Wealth, in a booster seat, was munching on a colourful plate of finger foods.

'Hey, everyone!' Peter greeted, taking a seat across from Richie and Night, while Stella sat beside him.

Richie's grin widened as he leaned forward, his excitement palpable. 'Last night was incredible,' he said. 'You really did an amazing job, Peter. MarsBand is going to change the world, and Nightengale Link is on the way. Honestly, Peter, you're doing great. I'm proud of you.'

Wealth looked up from his booster seat, crumbs dotting his small fingers. His wide eyes fixed on Peter's wrist. 'Uncle Peter, can I have the shiny thing?' he asked, pointing to the sleek MarsBand on Peter's wrist.

Peter chuckled, unstrapping the MarsBand. 'This isn't just shiny… it's magic,' he teased, slipping it onto Wealth's tiny wrist. 'It can track your steps, tell you the weather, and even play music.'

Wealth's jaw dropped, his fingers fiddling with the band. 'Like a wizard's bracelet?'

'Exactly,' Peter replied, tapping the band to demonstrate its features. Wealth's delighted gasp drew laughter from everyone at the table.

'So, how's the feedback been since the launch?' Night asked.

'It's been amazing! The media loved it, and influencers are already buzzing. But what excites me most is how it'll make life easier for people,' Peter replied happily.

Waiters arrived with trays of food, the rich aromas of grilled suya, roasted chicken, and jollof rice wafting through the air, their smoky, spicy scents mingling with the freshness of sautéed vegetables. Plates clinked softly as a variety of dishes—pounded yam with edikang ikong, fried chicken, snail kebab, chicken stew, goat meat pepper soup, and white rice—were also placed before them. The elegant presentation of these flavourful dishes elevated the meal to an exquisite level. The group began to eat, and lively conversation flowed, accompanied by the chilled palm wine Richie poured into their glasses.

Midway through the meal, Peter cleared his throat, setting his spoon down. He reached for Stella's hand, his smile soft.

'We have some news,' he began, his voice steady but tinged with excitement. 'Stella is pregnant.'

Night gasped, her hands flying to her mouth, while Richie slapped his friend on the shoulder with a hearty laugh. Wealth, sipping his juice, looked up at Stella, his expression serious.

'Did Uncle Peter's banana make you pregnant?' he asked, his innocence almost too much for the adults, who barely contained their laughter.

Stella blushed, struggling for words, but Peter came to her rescue, his smile playful. 'Didn't I tell you my banana is the best?' he teased. 'Yes, I made sure Aunt Stella had only the very best.'

Wealth scrunched his brows, clearly thinking hard. 'But I eat lots of bananas. Why am I not pregnant?'

Richie leaned forward, suppressing a chuckle. 'Because you're a boy, Wealth. Boys don't get pregnant. As a boy, you eat banana to give you strength to beat Izunna in school. But when Aunt Stella ate it...' He trailed off, realising Wealth was too smart, so he was being careful with his choice of words around him.

Wealth tilted his head, undeterred. 'So, what brand was it?'

Peter shot Wealth a wink. 'Peter's special brand.'

Sensing where this was going, Night chuckled and quickly changed the subject. 'Wealth, remember your plus-minus day is on the 25th!'

Wealth gave a knowing smile, letting the subject go with a dramatic sigh. 'All right, Mum. I guess this Christmas has a lot of blessings… Dad's second album launch is coming up next week, we have the human versus robot match to watch, Uncle Peter's company will unveil the Nightengale Link, and Aunt Stella is pregnant—even though my pastor said in church that getting pregnant before marriage is a sin.' He paused, glancing at Stella with wide-eyed curiosity. 'I wonder if the little baby in your womb will turn into an AI baby and tell us why his mother was right for becoming pregnant before marriage. Or maybe your baby will be an AI expert in diapers!'

His words were so funny that everyone burst into laughter, but Wealth wasn't done yet.

'Donald Trump won the U.S. election after so many attempts on his life, which shows he's a hero,' he continued, his expression thoughtful. 'Though Vice President Kamala Harris didn't win, I still admire her boldness and confidence. I hope she tries again.' He paused and smiled. 'Hansel and Kimberly may be too small to join us here, but they're safe and resting peacefully at home. Everyone here is alive and happy… I'm so grateful, and I know that 2025 will be a good year despite the hardships in our country.'

Richie raised his glass, shaking his head with a grin. 'Wealth, you might just be president one day.'

Wealth smiled brightly, raising his juice box. 'Here's to 2025! A good year for everyone.'

The group clapped, their spirits lifted by the boy's innocence and optimism.