37. "Surprise Gift for Vivienne: A Heartwarming Gesture of Affection."

*******

...

...

Sterling Mansion,

Lucien lounged on his comfortable couch, sipping his morning coffee after breakfast, lost in thought. He couldn't help but wonder about Vivienne, his wife who had recently left for a business trip.

Simran, their housekeeper, gracefully wiped the table and fetched a glass of water, placing it on the table with a gentle clink.

"Hmmm! I think her mood was a little sour. Perhaps this trip will do her good," Simran said, her thoughtful gaze meeting Lucien's.

Lucien sighed inwardly, feeling a pang of concern. He had noticed Vivienne's mood being off lately, and he hoped that the business trip would help her unwind.

He realized that he had never given her a gift before, but Olivia, his close friend, and his employee, had suggested it, and he had taken her advice to heart.

"Well, let's hope so. By the way, when is she coming back?" Lucien asked, realizing he had no idea about Vivienne's return date.

"Mistress should be back the day after tomorrow, if nothing else comes up," Simran replied with a warm smile.

Lucien nodded, feeling relieved that Vivienne would be back soon. He had been thinking about surprising her with a gift, something he had never done before. He smiled at the thought, encouraged by Simran's positive response.

"Thanks, I hope Vivi will like it," Lucien said, feeling a sense of anticipation building up.

Simran's smile grew wider as she nodded in agreement. "It's a pleasant idea, and it might lift Mistress's mood."

With renewed enthusiasm, Lucien began to think about what to gift Vivienne. He mulled over various options in his mind, considering her likes and dislikes, her hobbies and interests. He wanted to find something that would truly make her happy and show her how much he cared.

"Hmmm! Let's go with 'that'." Lucien muttered suddenly remembering something which he have mulling over for sometime.

...

An hour later, in the HQ of Sterling Industries.

Lucien Sterling summoned Aarav Brown, known as the Legal Titan of Novus City, to his office with sudden urgency.

Aarav, dressed in typical office attire and carrying a handbag, hurriedly arrived, showing his respect for Lucien as he bowed his head.

Lucien welcomed Aarav with a warm smile and gestured for him to sit down.

Aarav, who had been handling legal cases for the Sterling family for a decade, was known among the upper class as the shield of the Sterling family when it came to legal matters.

He had played a pivotal role in making the Sterling family what it was today, although he humbly downplayed his own contribution.

Aarav vividly remembered how Lucien had freed him from the mistakes of his past, and he was forever indebted to him.

The weight of his past actions had hung over him, but Lucien had been a guiding light, leading him out of the darkness. Now, as he sat in Lucien's office, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for the man who had changed his life.

The office exuded an air of sophistication, with its tasteful furnishings and the panoramic view of the bustling city below.

The sunlight filtered through the large windows, casting a warm glow on the room. Lucien, ever the epitome of grace and refinement, sat behind his polished mahogany desk, exuding an air of authority mixed with approachability.

"Master Sterling, why did you call me so suddenly?" Aarav inquired, his voice a blend of curiosity and respect.

"Oh, thank you for your prompt arrival, Aarav Brown," Lucien said with a smile, acknowledging Aarav's presence. "Please, have a seat."

Aarav obliged, taking a chair opposite Lucien. He couldn't help but be in awe of the man sitting in front of him.

Lucien was known for his sharp intellect and unwavering determination, traits that had elevated the Sterling family to great heights.

Aarav had witnessed firsthand how Lucien had transformed the family's fortunes, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride to have played a small part in it.

As they began their discussion, Aarav listened attentively, hanging on to every word that Lucien spoke.

His mind raced with legal strategies and solutions, a testament to his years of experience and expertise.

He was always impressed by Lucien's keen insights and foresight, which often left him in awe.

The conversation between Lucien and Aarav flowed smoothly, punctuated by moments of laughter and deep discussion.

Aarav was grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Lucien, who had always been a mentor and a friend to him.

Their interactions were a harmonious dance of intellect and camaraderie, a reflection of the bond they had built over the years.

As the meeting concluded, Aarav felt a sense of satisfaction. He had come to Lucien's office with a sense of duty, but he was leaving with a renewed sense of purpose.

"Thank you, Master Sterling," Aarav said sincerely, rising from his seat. "I am honored to be of service to the Sterling family."

Lucien's smile spread across his face, a genuine expression of gratitude as he looked at Aarav, his trusted advisor.

Lucien's eyes sparkled with appreciation, reflecting his admiration for Aarav's expertise and loyalty.

"The honor is mine, Aarav," Lucien spoke softly, his voice carrying warmth and sincerity. "Your unwavering support and dedication are invaluable to me."

Aarav inclined his head, acknowledging Lucien's words with a nod, before taking his leave to handle the business at hand.

Lucien watched him go, his thoughts momentarily shifting to the surprise he had planned for Vivi, his wife. A nervous excitement fluttered in his chest as he wondered if she would like it.

"I never imagined I would fall for someone," Lucien mused to himself, his hand absently patting his heart.

"And now here I am, worrying if my own wife will accept my gift or not." He chuckled softly, remembering his past self, who had been aloof and detached, never expecting to feel such emotions.

"But this feeling is not bad at all," Lucien thought, a sense of comfort settling over him. He wanted to experience it more deeply, to explore this newfound vulnerability that had entered his life.

Lost in his thoughts, Lucien stood there for a moment, relishing the strange mix of nerves and anticipation that coursed through him.

...

...

*******