Chapter 79: Lugard conquest

Three days of pent-up emotions had taken their toll on Lisa. She woke up feeling down and angry, the weight of her Lugard absence kept crushing her.

She trudged to the bathroom, hoping a shower would wash away her frustration. The warm water cascaded down her face, but her emotions remained turbulent.

Dressed in comfortable clothes, Lisa walked downstairs, her footsteps echoing through the silent hallway. The lavish décor seemed to mock her, reminding her of the emptiness she felt.

Jenkins, the butler, greeted her with a concerned smile. "Good morning, Mrs. Lu. Breakfast is ready."

Lisa forced a smile, not wanting to alarm him. "Thank you, Mr Jenkins."

As she entered the dining room, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and cooked meals filled her senses. But her appetite was gone, replaced by a gnawing sense of discontent.

Lisa poured herself a cup of coffee, her eyes drifting toward the empty chair across from her – Lugard's seat.

she slumped into her chair, coffee cup untouched. A week since Lugard left for his business trip, and she felt lost.

She scratched her hair in frustration. "How ridiculous! I don't even have my husband's phone number."

The thought stung. What kind of wife didn't have her husband's number?

Embarrassment washed over her. Asking the guards or housekeepers for Lugard's number felt awkward.

"Why didn't he leave a contact?" Lisa wondered, frustration simmering.

Jenkins entered with fresh pastries. "Is everything alright, Mrs. Lu?"

Lisa forced a smile. "Yes, Mr Jenkins. Just... thinking of something."

Jenkins' expression softened. "what ever that is bodering you Mrs Lu, Mr . Lu will return soon."

But Lisa's unease lingered.

After eating breakfast, Lisa wandered towards the garden, seeking solace in nature's serenity. The warm sunlight and gentle breeze greeted her as she strolled along the manicured paths.

She breathed in deeply, letting the scent of blooming flowers calm her racing thoughts. The garden's tranquility slowly soothed her frustration.

Lisa settled onto a bench, surrounded by vibrant greens and colorful blooms. She closed her eyes, allowing the peaceful atmosphere to envelop her.

As she sat there, Lisa's mind began to clear. She reflected on her feelings, realizing her frustration stemmed from feeling disconnected from Lugard.

"Why didn't he leave a contact?" she wondered again.

Suddenly, a gentle voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Mrs. Lu, may I join you?"

Lisa opened her eyes to find Maria, the young maid, standing beside her with a warm smile.

"Of course, Maria," Lisa replied, making space on the bench.

Maria sat down, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Are you okay, Mrs. Lu? You seem... troubled."

Lisa scratched her hair, her frustration evident. "I'm just feeling down," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Maria, the young maid, smiled sympathetically. She raised her hand to comfort Lisa but hesitated, remembering their social divide. Lisa's stunning beauty and delicate features made Maria feel hesitant to touch her.

"You can touch me, Maria," Lisa said, noticing Maria's withdrawn hand. "We're all human beings. Forget about class and status."

Maria's eyes lit up, and she asked, "So I can touch you?"

Lisa nodded.

Maria hugged Lisa from the side, patting her back. "You're missing our young master, don't worry. He'll be back in a week."

Lisa's eyes narrowed. "He's staying for another week?"

Maria nodded. "Yes, one more week."

Lisa felt disappointment wash over her. She hadn't realized how much she missed Lugard until now.

"Why does it feel so long?" Lisa wondered aloud.

Maria's expression turned understanding. "Love can make time feel slower, Mrs. Lu."

Lisa blushed, her cheeks flushing. "Who said I love him?"

Maria smiled knowingly. "You don't have to say it, Mrs. Lu. Your eyes speak volumes. Besides, it's natural to fall for our young master."

Lisa's blush deepened. "You're just a maid, how do you know so much?"

Maria chuckled. "I've been serving the Lu family for years. I've seen many women fall for him, but he's never noticed. Until you."

Lisa's curiosity piqued, "What do you mean?"

Maria leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's different around you, Mrs. Lu. Softer, more relaxed. You bring out a side of him no one's seen before."

Lisa's heart skipped a beat at Maria's words.

Suddenly, a faint noise echoed from the hallway. Maria's head jerked towards the sound. but there was no one there.

Maria's eyes sparkled with amusement. "He mostly causes disasters wherever he goes because of his beauty. Remember that time in USA?"

Lisa's curiosity piqued, "What happened?"

Maria leaned in, a conspiratorial tone in her voice. "He attended a social party, invited by the President of the United States. He didn't want to go, but the President is a close friend."

Lisa's eyes widened.

Maria continued, "The President's new wife fell head over heels for him at first sight. She couldn't take her eyes off him, even with her husband standing right next to her."

Lisa giggled.

Maria grinned mischievously. "It's said she even called out his name in her dreams!"

Lisa burst into laughter.

Maria joined in, her laughter filling the garden "And to think, she traveled all the way to our city to find him!"

Lisa laughed harder, tears streaming down her face. "Can you imagine? Seven months of marriage nearly crashed like that!"

Maria chuckled. "And now, you're married to the man who caused chaos in the President's wife's heart!"

Lisa's laughter turned hysterical. "I heard about this story back then... who knew I'd marry and live with the disaster-causing Lugard?"

Maria smiled warmly at Lisa. "You're the only one who can tame him, Mrs. Lu."

Maria smiled mischievously. "There was another time in Paris, when a famous actress tried to sabotage her co-star just to get Lugard's attention."

Lisa's eyes widened in surprise. "What happened?"

Maria leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "The actress, Isabella, was infatuated with Lugard. She would often show up at any events he will show up, hoping to catch his eye."

Lisa chuckled.

Maria continued, "But Mr Lu, oblivious as always, didn't even notice her. Instead, he became friends with her co-star, Sophia."

Lisa's laughter grew louder.

Maria grinned. "Isabella was furious. She tried to ruin Sophia's reputation, but it backfired. Sophia became an even bigger star, and Lugard remained oblivious to Isabella's affections."

Lisa wiped tears from her eyes. "You're a treasure trove of Lugard's conquests, Maria."

Maria smiled warmly. "I've seen it all, Mrs. Lu. But you're the one who's truly captured his heart."

Maria smiled mischievously. "There was another time in Tokyo, when a renowned businesswoman tried to win our Young Master's favor."

Lisa's curiosity piqued, "What happened?"

Maria leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "The businesswoman, Yumi, was determined to secure a business deal with our Young Master's company. But she soon found herself drawn to his... icy charm."

Lisa chuckled.

Maria continued, "Despite our Young Master's cold demeanor, Yumi couldn't help but be smitten. She would often send him gifts, hoping to thaw his frosty exterior."

Lisa's eyes sparkled with amusement.

Maria grinned. "But our Young Master remained unmoved, focusing solely on the business at hand. Yumi's infatuation only grew stronger, much to her dismay."

Lisa laughed.

Maria smiled warmly. "Our Young Master's reputation precedes him, Mrs. Lu. Women can't resist his enigmatic charm."

Lisa's thoughts drifted to Lugard's reserved nature. Did he truly not notice these women's affections?

then what happened to those women at last? Lisa asked.

Maria scratched her head, a hint of seriousness creeping into her expression. "Mm, you know our Young Master is ruthless, Mrs. Lu. The rumors about him... some are true, some aren't. But his nickname 'Cold Demon' isn't unfounded."

Lisa's heart trembled, her curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"

Maria's voice dropped to a whisper. "If you challenge him or cross his bottom line... or even hurt someone from his own side, you're done for. And that's what happened to those women."

Lisa's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

Maria hesitated before continuing. "Those who tried to climb into his bed, thinking they could tame him... they ended up with their reputations ruined, businesses bankrupt, or even worse."

Lisa's breath caught. "Worse?"

Maria nodded. "Some disappeared from the public eye entirely. Others were left with scars, physical and emotional. Our Young Master doesn't forgive easily."

Lisa felt a chill run down her spine. She had never seen this side of Lugard.