In her room, Stella grappled with a profound sense of dissatisfaction. "Am I even living or am I just existing?" she questioned herself, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty.

Dependent on Jeff for her every need, Stella couldn't shake the feeling of unease. "I'm tired of relying on Jeff for everything, especially my basic needs," she lamented, recognizing the imbalance in their relationship.

Despite the comfort of Jeff's financial support, Stella yearned for something more. "Yes, the monthly allowance and other remunerations are enough for me, but I still want to do something for myself," she mused, determined to carve out her own path.

As she contemplated her options, a glimmer of inspiration struck. "What if I went into business?" Stella pondered, the idea taking root in her mind. "Perhaps Jeff could support me in opening a supermarket. It could be a good start for me," she reasoned, her resolve firming.

With her plan taking shape, Stella knew she had to find the right moment to broach the subject with Jeff. "How to present the plan to Jeff is another thing I have to prepare for," she acknowledged, aware of the importance of approaching him with care and conviction.

Determined to take control of her future, Stella prepared herself to visit Jeff at his house the following day. With a sense of purpose guiding her, she embarked on this journey, ready to seize the opportunity for change and self-reliance.

The following day, Stella prepared herself to visit Jeff at his house, determined to discuss her business aspirations with him.

Upon arriving, Stella apologized for potentially disturbing Jeff's nap. "Sorry that I disturbed your sleep," she said, acknowledging his rest.

Jeff, ever attentive to Stella's moods, noticed her somber expression and inquired about it. "Babe, you're wearing a long face. What's the matter?" he asked, concerned for his fiancée.

Seizing the opportunity to broach the topic, Stella took a deep breath and spoke up. "Babe, I really need some money to go into business," she stated politely but firmly.

Jeff, taken aback by Stella's request, voiced his skepticism. "Business? What do you know about business? Besides, you're not lacking anything," he remarked, unsure of Stella's intentions.

Determined to assert her independence, Stella stood her ground. "Babe, I know. It's not really ideal for me to always depend on you for everything, including my undies," she exclaimed, highlighting her desire for financial autonomy.

Amidst their banter, Jeff couldn't help but laugh at Stella's candidness. "You know you don't have to mention that here, right?" he teased, amused by Stella's bluntness.

Despite his initial reservations, Jeff reassured Stella that he would consider her request. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Stella felt a surge of happiness knowing that her influential boyfriend was willing to support her endeavors.

With Jeff's promise to look into her business plans, Stella felt empowered and hopeful for the future. Little did she know that this conversation would mark the beginning of a new chapter in her life, one where she would take charge of her own destiny and pursue her dreams with unwavering determination.

Relieved that Jeff seemed receptive, Stella returned home, her mind buzzing with excitement.

Meanwhile, Jeff wasted no time in contacting his agent, Bruno, to arrange for the purchase of a supermarket.

Bruno, who had been Jeff's trusted agent for years, swiftly sprang into action upon receiving instructions from his boss. In less than a week, he managed to secure a sizable supermarket for sale in Lagos.

Eager to involve Jeff in the new development, Bruno promptly contacted his boss. Jeff, recognizing the potential opportunity for Stella, instructed Bruno to go to Stella's house so they could proceed with the inspection.t

On Wednesday morning, as Stella's stylist prepared to tend to her hair, Bruno arrived at her doorstep, ready to fulfill his mission.

"Good morning, madam," Bruno greeted respectfully.
Stella reciprocated the greeting with a polite nod. "Good morning, sir," she replied.

Perplexed by Bruno's presence, Stella questioned his purpose. "Who are you, and how may I help you?" she inquired, trying to understand the reason for his visit.

Bruno introduced himself with a courteous smile. "I am Bruno, Jeffrey Benard's agent," he explained. "He actually directed me to you."

Stella's face lit up with recognition. "Oh, Jeff! He's actually my fiancé," she exclaimed with a hint of pride.

Bruno nodded in acknowledgment. "Oh, really? Welcome, ma'am. It's nice to meet you," he responded warmly.

Pleasantries exchanged, Stella's curiosity was piqued. "So, what brings you here?" she asked, eager to know the purpose of Bruno's visit.

Bruno wasted no time in getting to the point.

Ok ma," Bruno continued, his tone brimming with enthusiasm. "It is actually about a supermarket. Jeff asked me to make it available a week before. As a matter of fact, I am here to take you to the place to have a thorough look at it. You will like it."

Stella's eyes widened in surprise and delight at the revelation. A supermarket? Her mind raced with possibilities as she imagined herself as the proud owner of such a business.

Stella's heart skipped a beat as she processed Bruno's words. A supermarket? Jeff had arranged for her to inspect a supermarket?

With a mix of excitement and curiosity, Stella composed herself before responding. "Oh, good job. So the place is available now?"

Bruno nodded in confirmation. "Yes, ma'am, it's ready for viewing. If you don't mind, we can head there now," he suggested.

Stella agreed, dismissing her stylist and informing her that they would resume later. With a sense of anticipation, she joined Bruno in his Toyota Voltron car, ready to embark on this unexpected adventure.

Stella's excitement grew as she and Bruno embarked on their journey to inspect the supermarket.

In just an hour's time, they arrived at the location. Stella meticulously observed every detail of the store, taking in its layout and surroundings.

"This is really a nice place," Stella remarked, her eyes scanning the interior. "It's already stocked up, and the location is ideal."

However, her joy was tinged with concern as she considered the potential cost. "But I think this will really cost a lot," she voiced her apprehension to Bruno.

"Yes, ma'am, it's indeed quite costly," Bruno affirmed, nodding in agreement.

Despite the hefty price tag, Stella couldn't help but feel optimistic about the opportunity before her. She knew that with Jeff's support and her own determination, she could turn this venture into a success.

With a smile on her face, Stella made her decision. "I see," she replied confidently, ready to take on the challenge of acquiring the supermarket and making her mark in the business world.

However, when she asked about the cost, Bruno hesitated, explaining that Jeff had instructed him not to disclose the amount.

Am sorry, ma, it's not really in my power," Bruno pleaded earnestly.

"It's okay, I understand," Stella replied with a smile, her expression still warm. "Meanwhile, the place is okay for me. Thank you. I will take it from here."

"Thank you, ma," Bruno expressed his gratitude. They both returned to the car and zoomed off.

After dropping Stella off at her house, Bruno bid her farewell before heading back to his own residence.

"Yes, finally," Stella exclaimed, unable to contain her joy as she stepped into her home.

Her elation was interrupted by Jeff's incoming call. "Hello, babe. I hope you like the place my agent showed you," Jeff inquired, eager to hear Stella's thoughts.

Stella's excitement bubbled over as she responded, "Dear, liking it is nothing compared to what I saw there. I love it—the environment and just everything about it," she confessed happily.

Jeff's smile radiated through the phone as he reassured her, "It's okay, dear. I'm happy that you love it. You can start anything you wish to. Everything needed to be put in place has finally been settled already," he assured her.

Grateful for Jeff's support, Stella continued showering him with praise. However, her gratitude was cut short when Jeff deliberately hung up the call, leaving Stella feeling slightly bemused but content.

Without hesitation, Stella decided to share the exciting news with her friend Linda. As Linda arrived at the agreed time, Stella welcomed her warmly and offered her a glass of wine to celebrate.

"Babe, I am really happy for you! Look at you, look at my friend," Linda exclaimed, complimenting Stella's good fortune as they shared a laugh.

Stella beamed with excitement as she shared the news. "Do you know that Jeff bought a big supermarket stored up with goods in it?" she revealed, her enthusiasm palpable.

Linda's eyes widened in astonishment. "You don't mean it! Are you serious?" she exclaimed, amazed by Jeff's gesture.

Stella nodded emphatically. "This guy really loves you," Linda remarked, impressed by Jeff's generosity.

"Babe, you can say that again," Stella agreed wholeheartedly, feeling incredibly blessed to have Jeff in her life.

Both Stella and Linda laughed as they enjoyed their drinks, basking in the warmth of their friendship. After a while, Stella made a plea to her friend to wait for her while she retrieved something from inside.

"Alright, dear," Linda replied, feeling relaxed and comfortable in Stella's company.

A few minutes later, Stella emerged from the house holding a cheque of one million naira (#1,000,000) in her hand. She handed it over to Linda, who was taken aback by the gesture.

Linda's expression turned to one of surprise and confusion as she stared at the cheque in disbelief. Before she could even formulate a question, Stella came to her rescue.

"Babe, that's a cheque of a million naira," Stella explained, her eyes shining with sincerity. "I don't know what it can do for you, but I believe you can manage it to start up something. So that you will quit that hotel job."

Overwhelmed with emotion, Linda struggled to comprehend the magnitude of Stella's generosity. She pinched herself to ensure she wasn't dreaming before allowing tears of joy to roll down her cheeks. Her smile, radiant and genuine, only added to her beauty as she looked at Stella with gratitude.

"Babe, you don't know what you've done for me," Linda exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. "As a matter of fact, I'm quitting that job immediately. You know I told you I'm good at seamstress work. With this," she said, pointing at the cheque, "I can get a store and some equipment to start up with."

Stella's heart swelled with pride as she listened to her friend's plans for the future. In that moment, she knew that her decision to help Linda had been the right one. Together, they embraced the promise of new beginnings, fueled by friendship, love, and unwavering support.

That's very good," Stella acknowledged, touched by Jeff's generosity. "That reminds me, I told Jeff about my intention to assist you financially. I also mentioned how you always stood by me and encouraged me back at the hotel. He accepted to contribute his own quota, which he sent—eight hundred thousand naira (#800,000)."

"Oh, Jeff! God bless him. Please thank him for me. I really appreciate this," Linda prayed softly, her heart brimming with gratitude.

"Girlfriend, you deserve more than this, trust me. You are like a sister that I don't have," Stella expressed warmly, her eyes welling up with tears of gratitude.

"The first day I came to the hotel, you were good and helpful to me," Linda reminisced, her voice filled with emotion. "You didn't allow the other girls to bully me. You accepted me without minding that I was a stranger."

Stella was touched by Linda's words, feeling overwhelmed by the depth of their friendship. "Linda, you are a true friend. Despite the trauma life threw at us, we came out stronger and better," she said, her voice choked with emotion. "I'm proud of you too."

As they embraced, tears streamed down their faces, a testament to the bond they shared and the challenges they had overcome together.