Chapter Seventy-Four
Wealth's fifth birthday arrived filled with joy and laughter. The backyard of Richie Villa, where the celebration was taking place, was decorated with colourful balloons, streamers, and bright posters that read, 'Happy Plus-Minus Day, Wealth!' Children ran around excitedly, some wearing party hats while others explored the candy-filled piñata swaying in the middle of the yard.
At the centre of the celebration was a grand, five-layered cake in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavours. It was topped with a miniature figure of Wealth, smiling and waving. Candies, tiny stars, and a big number five were scattered around it. The kids' eyes sparkled as they admired the cake, with many little voices whispering about how amazing it looked.
Wealth's friends from school were there, with their parents chatting and mingling around the garden. Some brought extra gifts, wrapped in colourful paper and tied with bright ribbons. As everyone gathered, it was time for the big moment.
'Happy birthday, Wealth!' his friends cheered.
'Happy plus-minus day!' the adults joined in, laughing and clapping. The air was filled with cheers and good wishes.
Wealth grinned from ear to ear. He wore a beautiful white shirt adorned with tiny silver stars and navy-blue trousers, which he had picked out with Stella at the mall. On his head sat a jewelled crown, making him look like a handsome little king. 'Thank you, everyone!' he squealed, hugging his mum and dad. Stepping back, he looked around at everyone and proudly announced, 'Today, I celebrate my fifth birthday. I am now a big man!'
Hearing this, everyone laughed, and Stella playfully replied, 'Of course, you're a big man!' She held Kimberly, who was beautifully dressed in a pink gown adorned with delicate lace and tiny silver sequins that sparkled under the light, making her look like a little fairy princess. Night carried Hansel, who was dressed in a dazzling blue outfit embroidered with golden threads along the cuffs and collar, paired with matching trousers, making him look like a little prince from a royal family.
Wealth continued with a grin, 'I was already a big man even when I was eating bananas in my mother's womb.' His comment made everyone laugh even harder.
After a moment, Wealth, with his youthful curiosity, shared a thoughtful idea. 'Do you know why I prefer saying 'Happy Plus-Minus' instead of just 'Happy Birthday?' Without waiting for an answer, he continued, 'It's because every birthday adds a plus to my life, like adding another year. But at the same time, it also takes away a year, making it a minus. So, it's a plus-minus.'
He paused as his friends and family absorbed his words. 'The more birthdays we have, the more we grow older. When people gather to wish us a happy birthday, they're not just adding another year to celebrate; they're also reminding us that our living years are gradually reducing.'
Wealth glanced around, emphasising his point. 'So, while birthdays are a time to celebrate, they're also a reminder to plan for the future. Time waits for no one, and every plus has its minus. Plus-minus is like a simple equation of life—it reminds us to balance things and plan wisely.'
As his wise words sank in, the kids gathered around the cake, counting down eagerly with him.
'Three…two…one!' Wealth blew out his candles, and the crowd cheered. A loud 'Yay!' filled the air, followed by applause and cheers of 'Happy Birthday!' and 'Many more years!' some shouted, 'Happy Plus-Minus!'
Once the cake and presents were enjoyed, the grown-ups moved on to a new topic. Peter and Stella were planning their wedding, and they'd brought invitation cards for close friends.
The wedding invitation card was a beautiful piece of art, grand and captivating. Its creamy white background was outlined with a shimmering gold border, adding a touch of elegance. At the top, Peter & Stella were printed in an elegant gold script, marking the celebration of their union. Beneath, golden vines and hearts trailed across the card, giving it a warm, romantic feel.
In simple words, the invitation read: With hearts full of love, we invite you to witness our wedding. Join us as we begin our forever together.
A light touch of gold sparkled on the edges, with a small emblem of wedding rings embossed at the bottom, symbolising their bond. The invitation was met with congratulatory smiles, hugs, and laughter.
'Congratulations!' everyone said, their excitement adding to the joy of the day.
As the laughter and music softened and the guests began to go home, Peter appeared by Stella's side with a warm smile, holding a small envelope. 'I've got something for you,' he murmured, his eyes twinkling.
Curious, Stella took it and opened it carefully. Her eyes widened as she saw the tickets inside. 'An art gallery opening?' she gasped, her excitement barely contained. She looked up at Peter, her eyes shining.
'Just thought it'd be a perfect way to end the night,' Peter said, enjoying her reaction. He knew that Stella had always love art gallery, and so wanted to surprise her. He had gotten the tickets from one of his friends, James, who owns the art gallery.
'You know me so well,' she whispered, squeezing his hand.
Once the guests had left, Peter led Stella to his black Bentley in the parking lot. Making sure she was settled comfortably, he slid into the driver's seat, started the engine, and drove out of Richie Villa, heading for the gallery.
Richie, who had also received tickets, arrived at the gallery with Night and Wealth. Hansel and Kimberly, still just a few months old, were left at home under the care of two hired nurses. The families greeted each other warmly at the entrance, sharing smiles and laughter as they walked inside.
They wandered through the gallery together, admiring the beautiful paintings and intricate sculptures. Peter leaned in close to Stella as they walked. 'Which one's your favourite?' he asked.
Stella pointed to a bold, abstract piece. 'That one! It feels so alive, like it's bursting with emotion.'
Nearby, Night overheard and smiled, joining in. 'I love that one too! It reminds me of how music moves us—so full of life.'
Richie nodded in agreement. 'Absolutely. Art and music both tell stories in their own way.'
Peter watched Stella, captivated by her enthusiasm. 'You see beauty in everything, don't you?'
She smiled softly, glancing back at him. 'Only when I'm with you.'
They moved to a quieter area, where Peter noticed a beautiful painting of a couple embracing. He gently pointed it out to Stella. 'Look at that. It's like us, isn't it?'
Stella's heart warmed at his words. 'Yes, it is.'
Meanwhile, Richie playfully lifted Wealth onto his shoulders, and Night watched her husband and son with a contented smile. The soft hum of voices surrounded them as Peter leaned in, brushing a gentle kiss on Stella's forehead. 'I can't wait to create our own masterpiece together,' he whispered.
As they admired the art in the gallery, Peter and Stella were captivated by the lively atmosphere. Paintings adorned the walls, each telling its own story, while sculptures were beautifully lit, casting artistic shadows around the room.
Just then, James Bello appeared beside them with a warm smile, his wife, Jennifer, by his side. He extended his hand towards Peter. 'Peter! It's been too long,' James said with a friendly chuckle.
Peter smiled, shaking his hand. 'James! This gallery is incredible. Stella, meet James… he's the creative genius behind all this.'
Stella's face lit up in recognition. 'James! I remember you from Chinedu Provision Store, cheering Peter on during that computer game. It's wonderful to see you again.'
James laughed, nodding. 'Ah, yes! That was a memorable day. Glad to see you remember.' He gestured around the gallery. 'Thank you both for coming. I wanted this night to be special, and seeing old friends makes it all the better.'
Jennifer leaned in, smiling warmly at Stella. 'I hope you're enjoying it. James poured his heart into this place.'
Stella nodded, her eyes shining as she took in the artwork around her. 'It's stunning, James. You've created something truly magical.'
Peter wrapped an arm around Stella's shoulder, grinning at his friend. 'We're impressed. Stella and I are getting married on the 1st of January. We hope you both can join us to celebrate,' he said, handing him an invitation card.
'Of course, we'll be there,' James replied, smiling as he accepted the card. 'Finally, you both have realised what loneliness can do,' he teased, and they all laughed.
As they continued to chat, Richie and Night joined them, and Wealth giggled happily on Richie's shoulders, admiring a painting of a joyful, colourful parade.
After a delightful evening at the art gallery, as the families shared laughs and admired the beautiful pieces, Richie turned to Peter and Stella with a hopeful smile. 'Why don't you two come back home with us for a little celebration?' Richie suggested. 'We've got a few surprises waiting, and I know Wealth has been eagerly waiting to open some gifts with you.'
Stella's eyes sparkled with curiosity. 'What kind of surprises?' she asked, nudging Peter playfully.
Peter chuckled but shook his head gently. 'It's been a long day, Richie. I think Stella and I might just head home and rest.'
Wealth, perched on his father's shoulders, looked down at Peter with pleading eyes. 'Uncle Peter, please! It won't be the same without you and Auntie Stella. I want us to open the presents together.'
Peter hesitated, still unsure, but Stella leaned closer and whispered, 'It's the first Christmas we're celebrating together as a couple, Peter. Let's make it special. Besides, how can you say no to that cute little face?' She pointed to Wealth, who was now putting on his best puppy-dog eyes.
Peter laughed, shaking his head in surrender. 'All right, all right! You win, Wealth,' he said, playfully pinching his cheek. 'We'll join you.'
Wealth squealed in excitement, clapping his hands. 'Yay! Auntie Stella, you're the best! And I forgive you for calling my face 'little,' but only because today's my birthday,' he added, making everyone laugh.
The group headed back to Richie Villa, where the Christmas decorations still sparkled under the night sky. The house was filled with warmth and laughter as everyone gathered in the luxurious living room. A large Christmas tree stood in the corner, its branches laden with gifts wrapped in beautiful paper and shiny bows.
Richie's wife, Night, was beaming with joy. 'I'm so glad you both agreed to come back home with us. We've been looking forward to this all week,' she said, smiling at Stella and Peter as they made themselves comfortable in the luxurious living room.
'Let's get started with the gift opening!' Wealth announced eagerly, grabbing Stella's hand and leading her to the tree.
Stella and Peter settled on the plush sofa as Night and Richie poured drinks for everyone. Wealth began handing out gifts, his small hands reaching for the largest boxes first. He passed one to Stella with a proud grin. 'This one's for you, Auntie Stella. I picked it myself.'
Stella's eyes widened in delight as she unwrapped the present to reveal a beautiful crystal vase. 'Oh, Wealth, it's perfect! Thank you so much,' she said, giving him a tight hug.
Peter watched with a smile, feeling the warmth of family and love fill the room. He leaned back, wrapping an arm around Stella. 'You were right, Ella,' he whispered in her ear. 'This is the perfect way to enjoy our first Christmas together.'
As the night wore on, they shared stories, played music, and even danced a little. Stella helped Night bring out trays of homemade snacks that Night had prepared, filling the air with the comforting smell of freshly baked cookies.
As everyone gathered in the living room after unwrapping the presents, Richie exchanged a quick, knowing glance with Night. With a smile, he stood up and clapped his hands to get everyone's attention.
'All right, everyone, it's time for the surprise I promised!' Richie announced, his voice full of excitement. The room went quiet, with curious eyes turning towards him.
Wealth's face lit up with anticipation. 'What is it, Daddy?'
Richie nodded to Night, who reached behind the Christmas tree and pulled out a beautifully decorated, large red box with a golden ribbon tied around it. The box was adorned with photographs of Richie and Night, and the photos of Stella and Peter's first meeting at the music show at University of Abuja, capturing moments of laughter, milestones, and memories they had shared throughout the years.
Peter and Stella exchanged puzzled but intrigued looks as Night handed the box to them.
'This one's for you both,' Richie said, his eyes twinkling.
Stella gently untied the ribbon and opened the box. Inside, they found a beautifully handcrafted scrapbook. Each page was filled with photos, handwritten notes, and little mementos that documented their journey—from the early days of their friendship with Richie and Night, to the unforgettable moments they had shared over the years.
Peter turned the pages slowly, a smile spreading across his face. 'Richie... Night... this is incredible,' he said, his voice thick with emotion. 'How did you both know that Stella and I were meant for each other?' seeing the first photo of their meeting he was surprised.
'Night had to gamble. And she won,' Richie chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Night stepped forward, her eyes glistening. 'We wanted to give you something that reminds you of the family you have in us. Seeing Peter walk into the show that day and sat beside Stella, I knew that he was perfect for my friend Stella. And one of the photographers that day, I had to ask him to take pictures of you two,' Night said, recalling everything. 'From that day on, I paid him to take secret photos of you two because it would be memorable for you when you see your photos… And as you start this new chapter with your wedding, we hope these memories inspire you to create even more beautiful moments together.'
But the surprise didn't end there. Tucked into the back of the scrapbook was a small envelope. Stella opened it, revealing a set of tickets for a honeymoon trip to Switzerland—a breathtaking country renowned for its stunning scenery, quaint villages, and crystal-clear lakes.
Peter and Stella would be staying in a charming lake house on the shores of Lake Lucerne. This luxurious retreat was surrounded by lush mountains and offered panoramic views of the serene lake waters. The cosy yet elegant interiors, complete with large windows, would allow them to soak in the beauty of nature while enjoying the comfort of their private sanctuary.
Richie beamed as Stella's eyes widened with delight. 'We wanted you both to start your married life in a place as beautiful as your love story,' he said. 'You can explore the charming towns, take a boat ride on Lake Lucerne, or simply unwind together by the lake.'
Stella turned to Peter, her eyes glistening with joy. 'This is the perfect beginning to our forever,' she whispered, overcome with happiness.
'We know you two have been busy planning the wedding,' Richie said with a grin. 'So we thought we'd take care of your honeymoon as our gift to you. A little getaway to relax and enjoy each other after the big day.'
Wealth, who had been watching with wide eyes, jumped up and down excitedly. 'Does that mean Uncle Peter and Auntie Stella get to have a plus-minus honeymoon too?' he asked innocently, making everyone laugh.
Peter and Stella, now on the brink of tears, embraced Richie, Night, and Wealth. 'You've truly made this Christmas unforgettable,' Stella whispered.
The room was filled with heartfelt hugs, tears of joy, and the warmth of family. To Richie and Night, both Peter and Stella were now like a family to them.
'To Peter and Stella, may your marriage be filled with as much joy, laughter, and love as we've shared tonight. Here's to new beginnings and unforgettable memories,' Richie said, lifting his glass for a toast.
Everyone raised their glasses in a toast. Peter and Stella, holding hands, looked around at the faces of the people who meant the most to them.
Peter said warmly, 'Thank you, Richie, Night, and Wealth. And thanks also to Hansel and Kimberly… I believe they're happy too.' He glanced at the twins, who were being gently rocked by the two hired nurses in a quiet corner of the living room. Though their soft murmurs occasionally rose, the nurses' soothing care kept them content and calm, allowing the gathering to continue undisturbed.
Hearing this, Night instinctively glanced at the twins as well. Her heart warmed at the sight of her little ones, and she walked over to them, quietly exchanging words with the nurses before lifting one into her arms. Settling into a nearby chair, she began to breastfeed, her attention fully on her babies.
The warmth of the moment lingered as Peter continued, 'Thank you all for making this night so special,' his voice filled with gratitude.
Stella nodded, her eyes glistening. 'We feel truly blessed to have you all in our lives.'