Chapter 74: Business Trip

Lugard glanced at his watch. "Wow, it's already 10:28 PM."

Ben stretched. "Time flies when you're teasing Jerry."

Jonathan chuckled. "We should do this more often."

Alex smiled. "Jerry's reactions are priceless."

Jerry shook his head, laughing. "You guys are something else."

The group continued to banter back and forth, enjoying each other's company.

As the night wore on, Jerry's earlier concern about his tenants seemed to fade away.

Here's the continuation:

Lugard stood up, announcing, "I'll be heading home now."

The group erupted into teasing.

"Yeh, our new married man!" Ben exclaimed.

"Rush home now and keep my sister-in-law company," Jonathan said with a mock-sorrowful tone, clutching his heart. "She'll be feeling lonely... and craving for you."

The group burst into laughter.

Lugard glared at Jonathan, a hint of a smile on his face. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

Alex chimed in, "Lugard's got his priorities straight – wife over friends!"

Lugard shook his head, chuckling. "You guys are unstoppable."

Jerry patted Lugard's back. "Go, enjoy your married life. We'll keep Jerry's tenant drama alive."

Lugard grinned. "Thanks, guys. I'll see you all later."

Here's the continuation:

The group slowly dispersed, each member heading home.

"Later, guys," Jerry called out.

"See you soon," Ben replied.

Jonathan chuckled. "May Jerry's tenants be peaceful."

Alex smiled. "And may Lugard's wife keep him on his toes."

The friends shared one last round of laughter before parting ways.

As they walked to their respective cars or homes, the night air was filled with the sounds of their fading conversations and laughter.

Jerry returned to his house, wondering what the next day would bring with his tenants.

Lugard arrived home to a warm welcome from his wife, Lisa.

"Hey, handsome," Lisa said, smiling.

Lugard hugged her. "Hey, beautiful. Miss me?"

Lisa giggled. "Always."

The night ended on a peaceful note, with friendship and love filling the air.

Here's the continuation:

Jerry got home, a smile playing on his face, thinking that the tenants were already asleep, no causing trouble for him tonight. He walked into his house and walked towards his room quietly.

Clap, clap.

The sound of clapping startled him, making his heart jump.

Didi and Emma came out of their hiding place, mischievous grins on their faces.

"Oh, so you're our next-door neighbor," Didi said.

"Why have you been hiding from your new neighbors? Can't you say hi?" Emma teased.

Jerry stared at these beautiful, troublesome ladies, his heart beating fast. He pretended to wave his hand.

"Nice to meet you, new neighbors. Sorry I'm always coming back late; I never had a chance to say hi." He introduced himself, "I'm Jerry."

"I'm Didi," Didi said.

"I'm Emma," Emma echoed.

Jerry turned to leave, but Didi stopped him.

"Can we see your face, Mr. Jerry?" Didi asked.

Jerry's heart skipped a beat; he felt like teaching these two ladies a lesson.

"You're lucky I don't beat women; if you guys were men, I'd make sure you eat five bags of sand," he yelled in his heart.

"Sure," he said to the girls and removed his face mask and cap.

Didi and Emma's eyes widened in surprise.

Jerry's striking good looks left them breathless. His piercing brown eyes sparkled with warmth, framed by thick lashes. His strong jawline and sharp nose added to his masculine charm. A hint of stubble accentuated his full lips, curved into a gentle smile.

Didi's voice barely above a whisper, "Wow, Mr. Jerry, you're... stunning."

Emma's eyes locked onto Jerry's, her gaze lingering. "We didn't expect..."

Jerry's innocent, charming smile disarmed them. His effortless elegance made him even more captivating.

Didi regained composure, "We didn't mean to startle you. We wanted to meet you."

Emma added, "And apologize for the note drama."

Jerry's smile softened. "No worries, nice to meet you too, Didi and Emma."

The tension dissipated, replaced by an unexpected connection.

Jerry recalled Lugard's advice: "Be friendly, but set boundaries."

He smiled warmly. "Thanks for the apology, Didi and Emma. No hard feelings."

Didi nodded. "We promise to respect your space."

Emma added, "the chef cook better food."

Jerry chuckled. "I appreciate that."

The three of them stood there, an awkward silence lingering.

Jerry broke the silence. "So, what brings you two to this neighborhood?"

Didi launched into their story, sharing their move from the city.

Emma chimed in, discussing their jobs.

Jerry listened attentively, finding common ground.

As they talked, Jerry realized Didi and Emma weren't so bad.

Lugard drove into the estate, the automatic gates swinging open to welcome him home. As he stepped out of the car, his butler, Jenkins, greeted him with a warm smile.

"Good evening, young master! Welcome home," Jenkins said.

Lugard nodded, handing Jenkins his keys. "Thanks, Jenkins. How was the evening?"

Jenkins took the keys, his expression neutral. "Quiet, sir. Mrs. Lugard retired to her room about an hour ago."

Lugard nodded, heading towards the house.

He walked upstairs to his bedroom, after taking a shower he went to Lisa's room, finding Lisa fast asleep, her gentle breathing filling the room.

Lugard slipped off his shoes and quietly walk towards her bed.

He climbed into bed beside Lisa, careful not to disturb her.

Lugard stared at her peaceful sleeping figure, his heart filled with love. He slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out a small box.

He opened it, revealing a beautiful diamond necklace.

A smile spread across his face as he gazed at the sparkling gemstones.

He had purchased it earlier that day, planning to surprise Lisa.

Lugard gently lifted the necklace from the box and placed it beside Lisa's pillow.

He leaned in, softly kissing her forehead.

"Love you, beautiful," he whispered.

Lisa continued to sleep, unaware of the surprise waiting for her.

Lugard settled beside her, watching her peaceful slumber.

Lugard hugged Lisa tightly, breathing in her fresh, floral scent. The warmth of her body and the gentle rise and fall of her chest lulled him into a peaceful slumber.

As he drifted off, he felt grateful for this serene moment, surrounded by the woman he loved.

The soft darkness enveloped them, filling their room with tranquility.

Lisa's gentle snores harmonized with Lugard's deep breathing, creating a soothing melody.

Their peaceful sleep was a testament to their love, a haven from the world outside.

Hours passed, and the night slowly surrendered to dawn.

The first light of morning crept through the curtains, casting a warm glow.

Lugard and Lisa slept on, wrapped in each other's arms.

The next day, Lisa woke up to find a small, elegantly wrapped box and a handwritten note on her bedside table. She stretched, yawned, and reached for the box, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.

The note read:

Here's the continuation:

The note read:

"Troublemaker,

I've gone on a short business trip. Will be back in a few days.

Take care,

Lugard"

Lisa's face fell, surprised and disappointed.

She hadn't expected him to leave without saying goodbye.

She read the note again, feeling a pang of loneliness.

Lisa placed the note on her bedside table, her eyes fixed on the diamond necklace.

The sparkle had dimmed slightly, but she smiled, knowing Lugard's thoughtfulness.

She got out of bed, putting the necklace on, feeling Lugard's love despite the distance.

As she walked to the kitchen, Jenkins greeted her with a warm smile.

"Good morning, ma'am. Mr. Lugard left early. Shall I make your favorite breakfast?"

Lisa nodded, appreciating Mr Jenkins' kindness.

"Thank you, Jenkins."

Lugard stepped off the plane, his mind already focused on the business meetings ahead. He had a busy schedule, with multiple deals to finalize.

As he exited the airport, his driver, Sam, greeted him.

"Good morning, sir. The car is ready."

Lugard nodded, settling into the luxurious sedan.

During the drive, Lugard reviewed his notes, preparing for the first meeting.

Alex's voice broke the silence. "Arriving at the hotel, sir."

Lugard glanced out the window, seeing the sleek skyscraper.

The day's meetings were intense, with tough negotiations.

Lugard's sharp business acumen and charm helped secure two major deals.

As the sun set, Lugard relaxed in his hotel room, feeling satisfied.