Chapter 2: Part 2
" Good night sir.." Micheal said before leaving.
As the staff began to disperse, the soft hum of wheels on polished marble echoed through the grand hall.
Canary turned toward the sound, his expression lighting up as he saw a familiar figure being wheeled into the room.
Alexander Anderson, Canary's father, sat in his sleek black wheelchair, his face marked by age but still exuding a quiet strength.
His sharp eyes crinkled with a warm smile as he saw his son.
A young maid carefully guided the wheelchair, stopping just a few feet away.
"Canary," Alexander said, his voice deep and steady, though it carried the faint rasp of years gone by.
"Father," Canary replied, his own smile broadening as he strode across the hall. Without hesitation, he bent down to embrace his father, his hands resting firmly on Alexander's shoulders.
"It's so good to see you," Canary said, his tone softer now, filled with genuine affection.
Alexander chuckled, patting his son's arm. "And you, my boy. London seems to have done you good. You look well."
"It was a productive trip," Canary replied, stepping back to meet his father's gaze.
"But nothing compares to being home."
Alexander nodded, his sharp eyes studying his son closely, as if trying to read beyond the surface.
"You've always carried the weight of the world on your shoulders, Canary. Make sure you're not carrying too much."
Canary straightened, a faint flicker of emotion crossing his face. "I'll keep that in mind, Father."
Lucy, who had been watching from the side, stepped closer, her expression softening at the sight of the reunion.
" Your father insisted on coming to greet you, even though I told him to rest," she said, shaking her head fondly.
Alexander smirked. "A man's son returns home after weeks away, Lucy. Rest can wait."
Ketra, standing nearby, cleared her throat gently.
"Shall I take Mr. Alexander to the dining room? Breakfast is ready."
They all went to the dinning table and begun eating.
" Where is Unlce Joel ?" Canary questioned while they ate.
" He already went to the company. You know he has been so busy ever since you left." Lucy said.
____
Lisa entered her bed and put her bags on the bed in excitement. She still couldn't believe that she was really dating Canary.
But she couldn't shake the feeling that Canary was once a player and now even though she really loved him, She wondered if he wouldn't cheat on her like he has been doing previously with Camilla, Isabela and all the other girls he has been playing around with.
***
The morning sun streamed through the windows of Lisa's room as she got ready for the day.
She wore for a more relaxed, comfortable look—faded jeans, a simple t-shirt, and her favorite sneakers.
The casual outfit made her feel more at ease, and after the whirlwind of her London trip, she welcomed the change of pace.
Though the workday ahead loomed large, a soft excitement bubbled within her.
It had been weeks since she'd been to the office, and despite the mixed emotions she had about returning, the familiar rhythm of work was something she had missed.
Arriving at Andersons Group, Lisa entered the sleek building, the hum of activity all around her.
As she walked past the reception desk and into the main lobby, the sound of her colleagues' voices reached her first.
Then, as she rounded the corner, she was greeted by a loud cheer from Gladys, Simon, and the others.
"Lisa's back!"
A smile broke across Lisa's face as her friends rushed toward her, each offering a warm hug and a quick greeting.
"Look who's back from London!" Gladys said, grinning widely.
"We missed you around here! How was your trip? Spill everything!"
Simon, with his trademark relaxed demeanor, added, "I thought you were going to become a permanent resident over there!"
Lisa chuckled, feeling a sense of comfort in the familiar banter.
" London was great, but it's nice to be back."
Gladys raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Oh? Back already? Not enough excitement in London for you?"
Lisa smiled, shrugging casually. "You know how it is—work comes first. But I'm glad to be back home."
" Well, we've missed you!" Simon said, throwing an arm around her shoulder as they walked down the hall.
" Hope Canary didn't mistreat you again ! It must have been hectic being with him for a week.." Simon spoke.
Lisa's heart gave a small, unexpected lurch. Simon's mention of Canary was casual, but it sent a wave of warmth—and nerves—through her. She fought to keep her expression neutral.
"He didn't ?" she replied.
" Oh, yeah that's great. We were worried about you ," Simon continued.
"Of course," Lisa replied quickly, her professional instincts kicking in. "I'll be ready to jump right back in."
Gladys gave her a sly look. "And no secrets this time? We want to hear all the details! London, Canary… spill it!"
Lisa felt her cheeks heat up but quickly played it off with a laugh. "It was all business. No time for anything else."
Simon and Gladys exchanged a knowing glance but didn't press further.
" Look who is back !" Jenny said to Richie angrily when they saw Lisa.
Lisa was grateful for the distraction.
Lisa felt the tension in the air. "I'm back," she replied, keeping her voice steady.
Jenny's smile turned cold. "Must've been nice to be away while the rest of us had to pick up the slack."
Richie chimed in, "Don't think we've forgotten."
Lisa's stomach tightened, but she remained calm. "I'm here now, ready to help."
Jenny's smile never reached her eyes. "Of course, you are. Just don't expect us to roll out the welcome mat."
Gladys quickly stepped in. "Let's not do this now, okay?"
Jenny and Richie turned and left, their footsteps echoing.
" Don't mind them," Simon said, giving Lisa a reassuring pat on the back. "They're just jealous."