"Lucien, who would have thought that I would hear from you again so soon?" Victoria replied with a teasing voice and a smile on her face.
"I actually wanted to ask for a favor from you and didn't know if you would fulfill it," Lucien asked in an uncertain tone.
Victoria inquired further, "Please tell me what you need my help with, and I will see if I can fulfill it or not."
Lucien explained, "I actually want to ask if I can get Lucas, the driver that you assigned to me before. I would like to hire him if possible and wanted to ask you before I approach him. I don't want you to feel like I made a deal behind your back without you knowing."
Victoria was a little surprised at how simple his request was. "If it's just that, then I can fulfill your favor. Should I give you his number so that you can contact him?"
"That would be perfect," Lucien replied, even more surprised at how easy that was. He had done some research about this driver, Lucas, and had discovered that he held a degree in Business Management from a reputable university. While Lucas was still young and lacked extensive work experience, Lucien found it would be a waste of his skills as just a driver.
He wanted to hire Lucas as his assistant. Lucien had taken a liking to Lucas during their previous conversations while he drove him and when he was at the airport. He also believed that Lucas possessed a high sense of responsibility, was hard-working, and displayed determination to do his best. These were all qualities that Lucien considered a good starting point for his assistant. Even though he had high expectations for Lucas, Lucien was confident that he could rise to the occasion and become an exceptional assistant.
Lucas's background in business management intrigued Lucien. He saw the potential for Lucas to provide valuable insights and support in his various business endeavors. As they had conversed during their rides, Lucien had noticed Lucas's keen business acumen and his ability to think critically and make quick, effective decisions.
Lucien envisioned Lucas as more than just a driver; he envisioned him as a key player in the team that he wanted to form. He believed that with the right guidance and opportunities, Lucas could develop into an indispensable asset. Lucien was excited about the prospect of working with someone with such potential and drive.
With Victoria's permission, Lucien was ready to take the next step and contact Lucas to discuss the opportunity and see if he was interested in joining Lucien. He was confident that this decision would not only benefit his business and him, but also provide a promising young professional like Lucas with a chance to grow and succeed.
Lucien glanced at the time and noted that it wasn't too late, so he decided to call Lucas. As the phone rang, he anxiously awaited a response. After several seconds, Lucas answered.
"Hello, this is Lucien Wilson. Is this Lucas Miller?" Lucien introduced himself before getting to the point.
"Hello, Mr. Wilson, this is Lucas," Lucas confirmed, his surprise evident in his voice upon learning who was on the line.
"Hey, Lucas, I would like to propose something to you, and I'm not sure if you'd be open to hear about it," Lucien began, carefully treading into the topic.
Lucas responded, "Please continue with your offer, Mr. Wilson."
Lucien proceeded, "I would like to hire you as my personal assistant. I've already spoken to your boss and expressed my interest in hiring you. I've noticed that you have a major in business, and your qualities and sharp mind have stood out to me through your actions and our conversations. That's why I believe you'd make an excellent assistant, and I wanted to formally ask you. I see tremendous potential in you that shouldn't be confined to the role of a driver but showcased to the world, hopefully as my assistant."
There was a prolonged silence on the line as Lucas absorbed what he had just heard. He had never imagined that such an opportunity would come his way. He had always aspired to work for someone important, but for some reason, he had never been given that chance. Lucien's words were like a revelation, and they stirred a wave of emotions within him. For the first time, Lucas felt truly valued and believed in his own capabilities.
After a moment, he replied with determination and a hint of happiness in his voice, "It would be my pleasure to work as your assistant, Mr. Wilson." The gratitude and excitement in Lucas's voice were unmistakable. He was ready to embrace this new chapter in his career with enthusiasm and dedication, grateful for the faith Lucien had shown in him.
With a sense of relief and elation at Lucas's affirmative response, Lucien proceeded to discuss the practicalities of Lucas's transition to his new role.
"It would be fantastic if you could start from tomorrow. Let's meet in Ardenvale," Lucien suggested, considering the logistics. He assured Lucas that he would take care of booking a flight for him and promptly send over all the necessary details.
Lucas, always displaying a readiness to tackle challenges head-on, responded, "I'll begin packing right away, and I'll be there without any hitches. You can count on me."
Lucien continued, "In your new role as my assistant, I'd appreciate it if you could dress in formal attire. It's important to project a clean and professional image."
Lucas acknowledged Lucien's request and promised to adhere to the dress code.
After wrapping up the conversation, they exchanged goodbyes and ended the call. Lucien returned to the living room, where the late evening ambiance enveloped him. Knowing that he still needed to book a plane ticket for Lucas, he set to work. He carefully arranged the travel plans, ensuring that Lucas would receive all the necessary information to make his journey smooth and hassle-free. This thoughtful gesture was just the beginning of their collaboration, and Lucien was excited about the potential that lay ahead as he prepared to welcome Lucas into his professional life.
As Lucien's uncle continued to pack the remaining items, his aunt was in the kitchen, preparing a delicious snack. The tantalizing aroma of fried chicken wafted through the house, and it immediately caught Lucien's attention. Fried chicken was a rare treat in their household, usually reserved for special occasions.
Curious, Lucien approached his aunt and inquired, "Aunt, what's the special occasion? You're making fried chicken, which is something we have on big celebrations."
His aunt turned with a warm smile and explained, "Well, today is indeed a special occasion, dear. We're marking the end of an era by letting go of our old house and starting a new chapter in our lives. It's a significant moment, and we want to celebrate it with a little feast."
Lucien couldn't help but feel a deep sense of nostalgia and excitement. The old home held a treasure trove of cherished memories from his childhood, and the thought of leaving it behind was undeniably bittersweet. The familiar creaking floorboards and the cozy living room where they had spent countless evenings together.
As his aunt and uncle prepared to say their goodbyes to this place that had been their sanctuary for so long, they couldn't help but be overwhelmed by a mix of emotions. However, the prospect of new beginnings filled them with hope and anticipation. They knew that the new chapter in their lives held the promise of exciting adventures and fresh memories waiting to be created.
Lucien understood that this transition was not just about leaving behind the old but also embracing the new. As the scent of fried chicken filled the air, he couldn't help but reflect on the significance of the moment and the importance of cherishing the memories that would forever be a part of his.
They gathered around the table and enjoyed their little feast, savoring the crispy fried chicken, sharing stories, and toasting to the new beginnings that awaited them. Laughter and lively conversation filled the air as they celebrated well into the late evening.
As the hours passed, they indulged in a few drinks, gradually becoming a bit tipsy. Lizzie, being too young, was not allowed to partake in the drinking festivities, but she watched her family with a mix of amusement and affection as they shared this special moment.
Lucien, his aunt, and his uncle talked openly, reminiscing about the good times they had shared in their old home and expressing their hopes and dreams for the future. The alcohol loosened their tongues and helped them connect on an even deeper level, fostering an atmosphere of closeness and unity.
Despite the effects of the drinks, their conversation remained heartfelt and meaningful. It was a memorable night of celebration, laughter, and emotional reflection on the past and the exciting journey that lay ahead as they stepped into a new chapter of their lives.
As the night wore on, the three of them gradually began to wind down. Lizzie, exhausted from the day's events, had retired to her room earlier. Shortly after, his aunt, who had been instrumental in preparing their special feast, also decided it was time to call it a night and headed to her bedroom.
Lucien and his uncle, being the last ones still awake, lingered for a while longer in the dimly lit living room. They continued their heartfelt conversation, delving into topics that ranged from their family's history to the dreams and aspirations they held for the future. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the quiet of the late evening provided the perfect backdrop for their shared reflections.
Eventually, they too decided it was time to call it a night. Lucien and his uncle bid each other goodnight and headed to their respective bedrooms, feeling grateful for the bond they shared and looking forward to what the future had in store for their family. The house was now quiet, and as they settled into their beds, they drifted off to sleep, ready for the day ahead.
…
The next morning.
Despite feeling a bit sluggish from the late-night conversation with his uncle, Lucien remained steadfast in his commitment to his daily routine. He followed the familiar routine, changing into his workout attire and departing from the house with unwavering determination. The city was still hushed, bathed in the gentle, early morning light as he jogged towards the nearby mountain.
Lucien ascended the mountain, immersing himself in the tranquil surroundings. At the mountain's peak, he delved into his customary exercise regimen, drawing energy from the cool morning breeze. Upon completing his exercises, he paused, taking a moment to catch his breath and revel in the breathtaking view of the city below, slowly coming to life with the dawn of a new day.
His thoughts turned to the house of his aunt and uncle, a place filled with cherished memories. For a while, he had contemplated the idea of buying it from them, renovating it, and transforming it into a vacation home. However, he had reservations. The neighborhood was still known for its safety issues, and he wanted his family to have a secure place to visit without worries. Ultimately, he decided it would be best to purchase a house in a more affluent and safer neighborhood, a place they could return to whenever they wanted to visit Ardenvale.
After his brief moment of contemplation, Lucien stood up and made his way back down the mountain to the house. Upon his return, he noticed that everyone was still fast asleep. He quietly changed into fresh clothes and then headed to the airport. He had booked an early flight for Lucas, eager to welcome his new assistant to Ardenvale. Lucien's plan was to pick Lucas up himself, saving him the trouble of a taxi ride.