New Neighbor
A silver Audi came to a halt in front of a large gate. The gate automatically opened, and the car entered the private drive and came to a stop right in front of a beautiful mansion. The car’s driver got off and opened the back door. As soon as the back door of the car opened, two young men emerged, followed by a lovely lady. Lotus took a look around at the mansion in front of her. She had created this mansion entirely on her own. It is equipped with modern technology and security features. It is her and her children’s new home. James and Jenny were overjoyed with their new home.
Jenny inquired innocently, “Mommy, is this our new home?”
“Of course, it’s our house, you knucklehead. Why would mommy bring us to another person’s house?” James responded by patting her on the head.
“James, do not address your sister by name. I taught you to be gentle with women,” Lotus spoke sternly to James.
“OK, mom,” James said, embarrassed by his actions.
“Let’s take a look inside. I’ll show you around your new room,” with that, the small family of three entered the mansion.
Monica rushed over to greet them as soon as they entered the mansion.
“Welcome home, Lotus, Jenny, and James,” she said softly.
Monica was the twins’ nanny and caretaker. She is a lovely woman in her early forties. Lotus first met her when she was seven months pregnant. Monica became a mother figure to her, which she had never had before. Monica also treated them as if they were her own family because she had no other relatives.
“Thank you very much, Monica.” Lotus hugged her and said, “We missed you.”
Monica had arrived in New York a week ago with the other staff members to finalize everything before Lotus and the kids arrived.
“I missed you terribly, dear. In particular, the two apples of my eyes.” With that, she knelt and hugged James and Jenny.
“We missed you too, Nana,” the twins said in unison.
Jenny declared, “I missed you more than James did,” in an attempt to win over her twin.
“No, she didn’t miss you as much as I did,” James explained.
“Enough with the fighting.”Let’s go upstairs to your room,” Lotus said as she walked up the stairs.
Lotus was the first to take the twins to their room on the second floor, followed by Monica. When the twins entered the room, they were giddy with delight. The room was quite large, with two beds, two study tables, and two closets. On one side, everything was blue and adorned with a robotic design. Everything on the other side of the room was pink with a princess design.
“Did you enjoy your room?” Lotus asked them, even though it was obvious from their expressions how happy they were because she needed their confirmation.
“We loved it, mommy,” they both agreed.
Lotus was pleased with their response.
“Please assist them in changing their clothes and notify the cook to serve lunch. I’m getting hungry.” Lotus made a request to Monica.
“Okay, sweetie. You, too, are transformed. I’ll call you as soon as the food is ready.”
Lotus then went to her room.
Lotus undressed in her room and entered the bathroom. She poured a glass of wine for her and filled the bathtub with lukewarm water. She didn’t usually drink, but it was a special occasion. She ran into two men who were once her ideal. But she now despises them both the most. Lotus immersed herself in the warm water and drank a sip of wine. She closed her eyes and considered the next step in her strategy. She had to take each step very carefully because one wrong step could endanger her babies. Lotus exited the shower and went downstairs. James and Jenny were waiting for her at the table. She sat in the table’s head chair and began eating. Monica was assisting both twins in eating their meals.
“So, how did you feel about their education?” Monica inquired of Lotus.
“They’re only three now, so let them have a little more fun. I’ll enroll them in school the following year.” Lotus responded casually. They finished their meal while discussing various household issues.
Lotus went to her study room after lunch to review the design of the Officer’s building, while Monica took the children to their room for a quick nap.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
She made some changes based on General Lee’s recommendation. She then worked on another design. As the company’s CEO, she is only responsible for the designs of their most important clients. And for the majority of the designs, she had a team of architects working with her. She only did a final check on their design and approved it if she was satisfied. Two small figures burst open the door to her study room while she was busy at work. James and Jenny rushed over to her. When she noticed them, she paused her work and shut down her laptop.
“Mommy, let’s go visit the garden; we haven’t seen it yet,” James said, pulling Lotus by the hand.
“Let’s go. Do you know we have a sea saw, a water slide, and a swing in the garden? “She asked them as she approached the garden area.
The garden, like the mansion, was massive. It was surrounded by green grass and flowers. On one side, there was a playground for children. The twins bolted for the playground. Jenny sat on the swing while James tried to ride a rocking horse. Lotus sat across from them on a nearby chair. Seeing her children’s happiness made her smile as well. Monica showed up a few minutes later with two cups of coffee.
“It appears that they are very pleased with their new surroundings.” Monica chimed in.
“Yes, I see what you mean. I was worried about them. Children, as we all know, do not like to be moved around frequently. They require time to adjust to their new surroundings.” Lotus spoke about her anxiety.
“Perhaps because they are twins and are not alone here. As a result, they had few complexities with the relocation.” Monica attempted to relieve Lotus’s tension.
“Who lives in that house, Mommy?” Jenny asked abruptly, interrupting Lotus and Monica’s conversation. She indicated the villa next to theirs.
“I noticed a very attractive young man there the other day,” Monica responded to her.
“Well, our new neighbor is a handsome man.” “Does he have a girlfriend, Nana?” Jenny inquired innocently, and both Monica and Lotus burst out laughing.
“Your daughter has a thing for handsome men.” “I believe it is past time for you to find a boyfriend.” Lotus, Monica said.
“You know I don’t believe in love anymore, Monica.” Apart from that, I don’t want to be shared with anyone except my children.”
“However, no matter how successful you become, Lotus, you will always need a man by your side. To keep you and your children safe.”
“Why would Mommy require the services of a man? I am the man of the house, and I will protect my mother and sister.” James stated steadfastly.
Lotus approached him and picked him up, hugging him close to her heart.
“Yes, Mommy does not require any additional men. You are the patriarch of this family “She spoke against her son in hushed tones.
“Mommy also carries me. What’s the point of only hugging your brother?” Jenny expressed her dissatisfaction.
Lotus laughed, knelt, and took both of them in her hands.
“It’s getting cold outside, let’s go inside,” she said as she led her two children inside.
Later that evening…
A black Bentley pulled up in front of the house next door to Lotus’. Peter got out of the car. He was too exhausted from his flight from Paris. He was about to enter his villa when he noticed lights from the mansion next to his. He entered the villa through the main door. An elderly caretaker hurried over to take his briefcase and coat.
“Did the owner of the mansion next door just move in? I noticed that the mansion has been brightened up “He inquired of the elderly caretaker.
“Yes, young master. They finally arrived. This evening, I noticed a beautiful woman in the garden with two small children “He responded.
Peter simply nodded and ascended the stairs to his room.
“Should I ask the maid to warm dinner for you, Young Master?” the caretaker inquired from behind.
“There’s no need. I’m not hungry at all.”
Peter slammed his room door shut and untied his tie. He sagged on the couch and closed his eyes. His phone rang just then. He looked at the phone screen with drowsy eyes. Rebecca’s name was displayed. He ignored the call and switched his phone to do not disturb mode. He was well aware of the reasons for her late call. He also knew she wouldn’t stop calling until he answered.
He washed his face with his hand before pressing the receive button with a heavy sigh.
“Hello, Peter, why weren’t you answering the phone?” She started whining as soon as he put the phone to his ear.
He replied solemnly, “I didn’t notice.”
“I heard you returned from Paris. So, can we meet and talk about the date of our wedding?” She got directly to the point without wasting any time.
“Right now, I’m working on an important government project.” “I’ll meet you after I sort that out,” he said flatly.
“All right, I’ll wait for your call.” I’m hoping you won’t let me down this time, Peter.” Rebecca responded.
Peter hung up on her without responding to her last question. He then dialed his manager’s number to inquire about the meeting with army officials.
“Good day, Mr. Robinson.” Even though it was late at night, Thomas replied, “Good evening.”
“How is the project progressing, Mr. Brown?” Peter inquired, but did not respond to his wish.
“The meeting was a success. J&J’s CEO wanted to meet with you personally to discuss the project.”
“All right, set up a meeting with her tomorrow at a nice restaurant.”
Peter hung up the phone after ordering this.
He has always believed that maintaining positive relationships with business partners aids in the growth of the company. As a result, he prefers to hold meetings outside of the office.
Peter went to take a hot shower after finishing the phone call. He turned on the shower and stood in the stream of water. For the past four years, he had been putting off his marriage to Rebecca. Just because he had a glimmer of hope of finding the girl from that night. But over the last four years, he had no idea who she was. His hope was dwindling with each passing day. Furthermore, it was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore Rebecca. She has become dissatisfied with the marriage. She wouldn’t stop until she dragged him along with her to the alter. Peter squeezed his eyes shut and turned off the shower. He emerged from the bathroom, a towel draped around his waist and went to the balcony for some fresh air.
Peter was standing on the balcony of his room when he noticed a figure on the balcony of the mansion next door. A young woman in her twenties stood there staring at the sky. Her face was obscured by the darkness outside, but she appeared to be speaking to the stars. Peter forgot about his anxiety when he became interested in his new neighbor. Why would a lonely girl gaze at the stars at midnight? Perhaps the girl, like him, is dealing with similar issues.
It appears that the girl became aware of his presence and turned to look at him more closely. She observed him before leaving the balcony and returning to her room.
Peter also went inside after leaving the balcony. He needs to get some rest to recover from his exhaustion and jet lag. He fell asleep on his bed, facing the ceiling, thinking about the girl next door.