Cruising high above the clouds in his private first-class cabin, Lucas Logan leaned back comfortably against the plush couch. Dressed in a form-fitting blue shirt and sleek black jeans, he looked over his tablet one last time. Every detail for his trip and stay in the United States had been meticulously arranged. Arias, his trusted associate, had stayed behind because his presence wasn't needed; everything at the Logan villa was ready and waiting.
Thinking of Jane filled Lucas with a quiet, deliberate happiness a smile on his lips. He had left his home solely to see her—to talk to her, spend time with her, and truly get to know her. It was a rare, special venture for him.
After a smooth five-hour flight, the plane touched down in the United States. Waiting on the tarmac was a sleek black Mercedes sent by Arias, with a professional chauffeur ready to assist. Lucas stepped into the luxurious interior as the chauffeur loaded his luggage into the boot, smoothly navigating toward the Logan estate.
On the screen of his phone, Arias appeared via video call. "There is nothing important at work, Sir Logan," Arias reported. "Everything is normal back at the company."
"I understand," Lucas replied.
Minutes later, the car glided up to a grand, awe-inspiring villa. It stopped before a massive silver metallic security gate, operated via a secure password code while security personnel monitored the perimeter through CCTV cameras. The heavy gates swung open, allowing the Mercedes to sweep inside the expansive estate.
The car halted beside a magnificent water fountain. Lucas stepped out, greeted by the cool American afternoon air. The chauffeur hurried to assist with his luggage, joined promptly by Butler Walter, who stepped out from the grand entrance.
"Good day, Sir Logan. Welcome home, sir," Butler Walter said respectfully.
"Thanks," Lucas replied, his tall, athletic frame striding into the house. His sharp blue eyes took in the high ceilings and tasteful decor of the vast living room, assessing whether it suited his taste or if he might prefer another estate later.
"Which room would you prefer for your luggage, Sir Logan?" Walter asked.
"Any room," Lucas murmured, walking straight toward the kitchen to pour a glass of ice-cold water.
While Walter carried the suitcase up to a grand master suite, Lucas took refreshing sips from his bottle and headed to his room. His bedroom was nothing short of magnificent: a sprawling king-sized bed, a luxurious bathroom featuring both a shower and a deep soaking tub, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a pristine outdoor view. A plush couch sat around a low table facing a large flat-screen television, complemented by a gorgeous walk-in closet, rich carpeting, a well-stocked bookshelf, and a chic cabinet containing a fine drink set. Settling comfortably onto the couch, Lucas checked his messages.
Meanwhile, across town at the Jude household, a familiar knock echoed through the front door. Father Jude smiled, knowing instantly it was his daughter Jane. True to her weekly routine, Jane always came home every Thursday to spend quality time with her parents.
Opening the door, Father Jude beamed at his daughter. Jane stood there with her short, curly brown hair falling loosely around her neck, sporting a cute pair of reading glasses and a light dusting of freckles.
"Honey, how are you?" Father Jude asked, kissing her warmly on the cheek as she stepped inside.
"Good, Father. And you, Dad?" Jane asked, her warm brown eyes locking onto his.
"Good, Jane. Very good," he replied, closing the door behind her.
Jane placed her bag on the long couch near the softly glowing television. From the kitchen came the comforting aroma of dinner; Mother Jude was already putting the finishing touches on the meal.
"Mum must be in the kitchen," Jane observed, looking toward her father, who had settled back into his armchair. Eager to help, Jane immediately headed down the hall.
Mother Jude turned around with a bright smile as Jane walked in. "Jane! How are you? How was your day?" she asked, pulling her daughter into a loving embrace and kissing her forehead.
"I'm good, Mother. My day was great. What about you, Mum?" Jane asked.
"I'm wonderful, dear. I just finished making dinner. Why don't you wash your hands? Dinner is about to be served," Mother Jude said warmly.
Moments later, the dining table was laden with a delicious spread: sizzling fried chicken, rich pumpkin soup, scalloped fried potatoes, fresh salad, strawberry cake, and yogurt. Seated together, the family enjoyed a lively dinner, with Father Jude asking about Jane's week.
After finishing, Jane offered to help clear the plates, but her mother insisted she rest. Relenting with a grateful smile, Jane headed up to her room to take a refreshing bath. Coming out with a towel wrapped securely around her wet hair, she felt a slight rumble in her stomach—she had indulged in a bit too much cake at work earlier that day, and feels like using the toilet though thankfully she didn't have a stomach ache, she entered into the bathroom after using the bathroom, she settled in bed for her evening sleep.
Elsewhere, Elsa was steadily making progress at driving school and occasionally spending quiet afternoons browsing at the Browns bookstore, reflecting on the importance of honesty with herself.
In her own room, Lucy stood before her mirror, admiring her reflection. She wore a stunning midnight-blue high-low gown, her dark hair falling loose around her shoulders, while striking green eyes gave her the ethereal grace of a fantasy princess. A sudden phone notification chimed on the bed—a message from Elsa. Lucy glanced at it briefly as she walked over to her dressing table to mist herself with perfume, picking up a matching mini midnight-blue handbag. Deciding to reply to Elsa later, she picked up her phone and a neatly wrapped novel her aunt had chosen specifically because, she knew what intresting favourite books kids like Avery likes.
Lucy swiped the screen to dismiss the notification, and headed downstairs.
Her aunt, Madison, looked up and smiled approvingly. "Lucy, you look absolutely stunning! That dress is gorgeous.
"Thanks aunty, Lucy said happy, it is one of the dresses her aunt had bought for her.
"Have a wonderful time at the party." Madison said smiling.
"Thanks, Aunty, I will!" Lucy replied, stepping out into the cool day.
The celebration was taking place right next door at the Avery Potter residence—an estate so grand and expansive it rivaled a luxury mansion. When Lucy knocked, the heavy front door swung open to reveal Mrs. Potter in her late forties, radiating a warm, welcoming energy.
"Lucy! It's so lovely to see you," Mrs. Potter greeted sweetly.
"Thank you, Mrs. Potter," Lucy smiled, holding out a neatly wrapped gift.
"Please, come right in, dear," Mrs. Potter said, leading her through the sprawling, exquisitely decorated foyer toward the party room.
The celebration was in full swing. A DJ spun lively music for dancers on the floor, a gift table overflowed with colorful packages, and a lavish snack station offered pastries, cakes, and desserts alongside a full cocktail bar. An arcade game room echoed with laughter, and clusters of people chatted and ate pizza and delicious cuisine foods around large tables.
Standing out among the guests was the birthday lady herself, Avery, dressed elegantly in a silver-blue trumpet off-the-shoulder gown adorned with shimmering beads, looking every bit like a royal princess. Avery sees Lucy and she thinks, Lucy is a damsel and looks perfect her dress is pretty and she would love to know Lucy.
As Lucy placed her gift on the designated table, Jasper approached her. Dressed in a tailored silver shirt and black jeans, he looked remarkably handsome, his bright eyes catching hers.
"You look beautiful, Lucy," Jasper said sincerely, taking in her radiant dress and smile.
"Thanks, Jasper. You look very handsome yourself," she replied, her green eyes sparkling.
"You have to follow me—there's this new pastry recipe they just put out, and it tastes heavenly," Jasper offered, leading her toward the snack table where they chatted effortlessly.
Spotting her brother and Lucy talking, Avery walked over to meet Lucy and her brother. "Princess Avery, how are you liking your party? Enjoyable or boring?" Jasper teased gently seeing her.
"It's great," Avery smiled, turning her attention to Lucy, her face and dress is beautiful and she even looks beautiful from close view, Avery thoughts says in her mind.
"Happy birthday, Avery! It's such a wonderful party," Lucy said warmly.
"Thank you," Avery replied.
"This is Lucy. We both love reading sci-fi and comic books," Jasper added, clearly enjoying Lucy's company.
"Okay, I want to try some cocktails. Would both of you like to join me?" Avery asked, eyes on Lucy then Jasper.
"Yes, definitely!" Lucy agreed, while Jasper nodded enthusiastically.
The trio made their way to the bar, ordered drinks, and settled onto stools.
"So, Lucy, where are you originally from?" Avery asked, sitting between Lucy and Jasper.
"I'm from Belth City. I moved here to stay with my aunt," Lucy explained.
Before Avery could ask more, Jasper pivoted the conversation: "What kind of video games do you like playing?"
"Well, I like playing Games of Times," Lucy answered, taking a sip of her cocktail.
"I know that game!" Avery chimed in.
"It's the one where you manage characters and shape their fates," Jasper explained.
"I thought it was a bit tedious because of all the heavy character customization," Avery admitted.
"Well, you don't have to decorate your characters if you don't want to," Jasper pointed out with a smile.
"I honestly didn't know that," Avery laughed.
"I think it's pretty interesting," Lucy noted.
After a while, Avery excused herself to chat with other friends, leaving Jasper and Lucy to head into the arcade room, where they played shooting games and laughed together. Avery played games in the arcade room with her friends and Lucy made several new friends and thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the evening eating delicious food, snacks, deserts, cocktails and playing games.
When Lucy returned home that night, she felt thoroughly refreshed and happy. Aunt Madison listened eagerly as Lucy recounted the fun details of the party, delighted to see her niece settling in and making wonderful friends.
Over the next few weeks, life settled into a comfortable rhythm at the bookstore. Elsa texted Lucy regularly, though Lucy—caught up in her new social life—sometimes took days to reply. Feeling a bit sidelined, Elsa wondered if Lucy was simply too busy or if she was inadvertently drifting away from the sister who missed her so much.
Meanwhile, Lucy and Avery's friendship blossomed. One sunny afternoon, the two girls decided to stroll over to the neighborhood park, sitting together on a shaded bench while watching teenage boys play basketball on the nearby court.
"Your birthday was so wonderful. I loved every minute of it," Lucy said, Avery eyes fixed warmly on Lucy. "The game room and everything else were just amazing." Lucy says.
Avery smiled, charmed by the genuine excitement sparkling in Lucy's eyes. "Thanks! I was originally planning on throwing it at a hotel."
"That sounds great too, though." Lucy said and Avery smiles liking Lucy.
"You should come over to my penthouse sometime. You'll love it there," Avery suggested warmly.
"Wow, really? I've never actually been inside a penthouse before," Lucy said, her eyes widening in delight, bringing a pleased smile to Avery's face.