Chapter 322: After a Long Projecct
Chapter 322: After a Long Projecct
Manila International Airport, Philippines
The hum of the aircraft engines gradually quieted as the plane taxied to a stop at the gate. Michael Reyes unbuckled his seatbelt and stood up, stretching his legs after the long flight from Washington D.C.
The staffers in his Dreamliner 747 made preparations for his departure. They moved swiftly and efficiently, gathering his belongings and ensuring everything was in order.
As he stepped off the plane and into the bustling terminal of Manila International Airport, the familiar sights and sounds of home washed over him. He walked briskly through the corridors, his heart racing with anticipation. The crowd of passengers thinned out as he approached the immigration area, where he presented his passport and received a warm welcome from the immigration officer.
"Welcome back, Mr. Reyes," the officer said with a smile. "Have a pleasant stay."
"Thank you," Michael replied, his own smile broadening.
Clearing immigration, he made his way to the baggage claim area. His eyes scanned the crowd, searching for the familiar faces of his girlfriend, Bridget, his mother, Myra, his secretary, Juliet, and his key investor, Antoinette Estolas. He spotted them standing together near the exit, holding up a sign that read.
Michael's heart swelled with emotion as he walked towards them. Bridget was the first to notice him, her face lighting up with joy. She waved excitedly and ran towards him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug.
"Michael, I've missed you so much!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with happiness.
"I've missed you too, Bridget," Michael replied, holding her close and savoring the moment.
Next, he embraced his mother, Myra, who looked at him with tears of joy in her eyes. "Welcome home, Michael," she said softly. "We're so proud of you."
"Thanks, Mom," he said, kissing her cheek and feeling a deep sense of gratitude.
Juliet, his efficient and always reliable secretary, stepped forward with a warm smile. "It's good to have you back, Michael. We've kept everything running smoothly in your absence."
"Thank you, Juliet. I knew I could count on you," Michael said, shaking her hand warmly.
Finally, he turned to Antoinette Estolas, who extended her hand in greeting.
"Welcome back, Michael. The team has been eagerly awaiting your return."
Michael shook her hand firmly. "Thank you, Antoinette. I appreciate everything you've done while I was away."
With the reunions complete, they made their way out of the terminal and into the waiting car. As they drove through the busy streets of Manila, Michael took in the familiar scenery. It had been about six months since he had left for the United States, and every street and every building felt like a long-lost friend.
He listened as Bridget, Juliet, and Antoinette filled him in on the latest updates, both personal and professional.
After about two hours, they finally reached Tagaytay, where Myra's house is located.
Michael stepped out of the car, stretching his legs and taking in the fresh, cool air of Tagaytay. The familiar scent of pine and the sight of Taal Volcano in the distance brought a sense of peace and nostalgia.
"Good thing that I chose this place to build you a home, Ma," Michael said, observing the lush greenery and serene surroundings.
Myra smiled warmly. "It's perfect, Michael. I couldn't have asked for a better place to live."
They walked up the pathway to the house. Inside the house, the head maid and the staff greeted them warmly, taking their bags and ushering them into the spacious living room.
"Everything looks wonderful," Michael said, looking around. "You've done a great job keeping the place in order."
"Thank you, sir," the head maid replied with a respectful nod. "We're glad to have you back. It has been so long since you visited us."
"That's true and the fact that I'm looking around makes me want to buy my own house," Michael said, glancing at Bridget whom he wanted to be with in a home of their own. Bridget caught his glance and smiled, understanding his unspoken thoughts.
"Maybe it's time for us to start looking, then," Bridget said softly, squeezing his hand.
Just as he was about to say yes without hesitation, he remembered his previous discussion with the President, about them starting a war. Building a house won't be much of a priority for him. After all, he can't control the situation, especially when someone has already decided they'll go through with it.
But he can't just tell Bridget that they won't be building a house because there'll be war in the future. Well, maybe he could agree on the idea of building a house
in the near future, once things settle down. For now, he needed to focus on the tasks at hand, both personally and professionally.
"Absolutely, we should start looking," Michael said, squeezing Bridget's hand in return. "But let's take it one step at a time. There are a few things I need to handle first."
Bridget nodded, her smile unwavering. "I understand. We'll find the perfect place when the time is right."
"So how was your trip to the United States about your project?" Antoinette curiously asked.
"Well the United States loves the project and they are willing to buy it for 50 billion dollars which I can use on another technology that I have in mind," Michael replied. "It's a huge opportunity, but there's still a lot of work to be done before everything is finalized."
"It's a huge opportunity, but there's still a lot of work to be done before everything is finalized."
They spent the next few hours catching up, enjoying a home-cooked meal prepared by the staff. The laughter and conversation flowed easily, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere. Michael felt a deep sense of contentment, surrounded by the people he cared about most.
Later in the evening, as the group began to wind down, Michael and Bridget found a quiet moment alone on the porch. The cool night air was refreshing, and the stars twinkled brightly in the clear sky.
"How are you really feeling about everything?" Bridget asked, her voice gentle and concerned.
Michael sighed, leaning against the railing. "It's overwhelming, to be honest. There's so much at stake, and sometimes it feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders. But being here with you, with everyone, it reminds me why I'm doing all this. It gives me strength."
Bridget reached out, taking his hand in hers. "You don't have to do it alone, Michael. We're all here to support you. And whatever happens, we'll face it together."
He looked at her, gratitude and love filling his eyes. "Thank you, Bridget. Your support means everything to me. I hope one day, you'll understand what I'm doing."
Bridget simply smiled.