Chapter 183: Call From India. (1/2)
The next morning, Jack woke up to the soft rays of sunlight streaming through the curtains. Beside him lay Katrina, her serene face resting peacefully on the pillow. For a moment, he simply watched her, her beauty radiant even in her sleep. A fleeting thought crossed his mind—he hadn't had time to meet with Maria recently. Maria, after all, was just a friend, while Katrina, although not officially yet, was the woman he considered his wife in every sense that mattered.
Shaking off the thoughts, Jack quietly slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb her. The first thing he did was head to the bathroom for a refreshing shower. The cold water cascaded down his body, washing away the lingering drowsiness and revitalizing his senses. Once done, he dressed casually, stepping out into the living room where the morning air felt crisp and welcoming. He settled himself comfortably on the plush couch, his favorite spot, and picked up the warm cup of coffee waiting for him on the table.
It was perfect—rich, aromatic, and just the way he liked it. He took a long sip, savoring the familiar taste, and smiled. Of course, it was Katrina who had made it for him. As soon as he had left the bed, she had stirred awake, quietly heading to the kitchen to prepare his morning coffee. It was such a simple act, yet it spoke volumes about her care and attention. Jack couldn't help but feel a wave of gratitude and affection for her.
As he sat there, sipping his coffee, his thoughts wandered. He wondered why he had ever left Katrina behind in the Philippines. She was more than just a partner to him—she was his goddess, a source of inspiration and strength. Her presence was like a calming balm to his chaotic life, and he couldn't help but feel a tinge of guilt for having been away from her for so long.
Interrupting his thoughts, Katrina appeared, her presence lighting up the room. She carried herself with the confidence and grace that Jack admired so much. Sitting down beside him on the couch, she leaned towards him, her expression radiating warmth and pride.
"I made you some money," she said with a playful smile, her voice carrying a mix of excitement and accomplishment. "I know it's not much, but your initial investment doubled. The juice I sold has been flying off the shelves, and guess what? I even opened another branch."
Jack's eyebrows shot up in astonishment. "You've even opened another branch in just twenty or so days?" he asked, his tone a blend of surprise and admiration.
Katrina nodded enthusiastically, her red eyes sparkling with joy. "Yes! You now have two shops in the Philippines," she declared with a triumphant laugh. "How am I? Good, right?"
Jack couldn't help but laugh softly, shaking his head in disbelief. "Can a man get a better woman than you?" he said, reaching out to pat her head affectionately. Her silky hair slipped through his fingers as he gazed at her with a mixture of pride and tenderness.
Katrina's cheeks flushed slightly, and her red eyes brimmed with love as she looked up at him. In that moment, it was clear to Jack that she was more than just his partner in business or life—she was his equal, his supporter, and his biggest cheerleader. Every step she took, every effort she made, was not just for herself but for him as well.
Her unwavering devotion left him speechless, but he didn't need words. The silent exchange between them spoke louder than any conversation. As they sat there, side by side, Jack realized that with Katrina by his side, he could conquer anything. She wasn't just his goddess—she was his everything.
Jack leaned back on the couch, a thoughtful expression crossing his face as he turned toward Katrina. "Alright, let me check on Maria. You two came together, right?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with curiosity.
Katrina's lips curled into a soft smile, and she nodded. "Yes, the plane you sent was awesome. The manager—or agent, I suppose—just took my passport, and that was it. The process was so smooth, and the next thing I knew, I was here," she replied, her tone light and cheerful as she recounted the experience.
Jack chuckled, pleased to hear her praise. "That's good to hear," he said, pausing for a moment before leaning forward slightly. "But how was the plane? Did you feel comfortable during the flight?" There was a hint of pride in his voice; the plane was no ordinary aircraft. It came directly from the System, a testament to his influence and resources, and he wanted to ensure it lived up to its reputation.
Katrina's smile grew wider, her red eyes glinting with warmth. "It was super comfortable," she said enthusiastically. "Honestly, I've never been on a plane before, so I don't have anything to compare it to. But everything felt so luxurious, and the service was excellent. I felt like royalty up there," she admitted, her voice filled with a mix of wonder and gratitude. But then, her expression shifted, her smile fading just a little. "Although... I do have one tiny problem," she added, her tone taking on a hint of dissatisfaction.
Jack's brows furrowed slightly, caught off guard by her words. "A problem?" he repeated, his tone tinged with concern. He couldn't imagine what could have gone wrong; the Luxaviation service was renowned for its perfection. "What happened?" he pressed gently.
Katrina let out a small sigh, crossing her arms in front of her. Her pout was subtle but unmistakable as she replied, "There were too many girls, Jack. That's the problem." She looked up at him, her expression a mix of playful jealousy and genuine concern. "My husband, staying on long flights with so many women around... It doesn't sit well with me," she added, her voice trailing off as she glanced away, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
Jack blinked in surprise before breaking into a soft laugh. "So, that's what it's about?" he said, shaking his head with amusement. He leaned closer, gently cupping her cheek with his hand. "If you're so concerned, then travel with me," he said, his voice low and teasing as he planted a slow, affectionate kiss on her cheek.
Katrina's eyes widened slightly at his gesture, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of red. But then, her lips curved into a determined smile. "Alright," she said firmly, her voice carrying a resolute tone. "I will. From now on, wherever you go, I'm coming with you."
Jack leaned back with a satisfied grin, his gaze softening as he looked at her. "Good," he replied simply, knowing that with Katrina by his side, the journey would always be better—no matter where it took them.
*RING-RING*
Jack's phone rang, breaking the serene moment he was sharing with Katrina. Glancing at the screen, he saw the name "Dev Swami" flashing across it. With a small smile, he raised a hand to Katrina, gesturing for her to wait a moment. His expression was calm yet curious as he walked over to the window, answering the call.
"Son, your island is ready," came the gentle voice of Dev Swami from the other end. His tone carried the warmth of an elder speaking to someone he deeply cared for. The slight quiver in his words could easily have been mistaken for that of a typical old man, but Jack knew better—this man was anything but ordinary.
"Oh! You're early," Jack responded, his voice laced with genuine happiness. The news was unexpected, but it was welcome nonetheless. His lips curled into a pleased smile as he leaned against the window, gazing out at the horizon.
"Yes, I've been sitting here day and night," Dev Swami replied, a hint of pride creeping into his voice. "I put four shifts of workers, each doing eight hours, to make this happen. There was no time to waste." His eagerness was palpable, a reflection of his dedication to the project and, perhaps, his anticipation for what lay ahead. After all, this was more than just an island; it was a symbol of their shared ambitions.