Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

94  The Prelude to Surprise

After having a date in Intramuros, Michael drove his pickup truck to Bridget's hotel. He cast a side glance at her and saw that Bridget was feeling sleepy. Michael reached his hand over to Bridget's head, his movements gentle as he brushed aside a loose strand of her hair. With a tender touch, he pulled her head gently onto his shoulder, allowing her to rest against him as they continued their journey through the quiet streets of Manila.

"Is this okay? Wouldn't you get distracted while driving?" Bridget asked concernedly.

"It's fine. The pickup is an automatic transmission and besides, I only need one hand to maneuver the steering wheel," Michael reassured her.

"Safety first, though. I'll keep my focus on the road."

Bridget nodded, her expression softening as she leaned into his shoulder, finding comfort in his presence. "Thanks, Michael. I appreciate it."

They continued their journey in comfortable silence, the hum of the engine mingling with the occasional sound of Bridget's sleepy sighs. Despite the late hour, the streets of Manila remained surprisingly quiet, offering a peaceful backdrop to their shared moment.

As they approached Bridget's hotel, Michael glanced over at her, noticing the faint lines of exhaustion etched on her features. "We're almost there," Michael said softly, his voice breaking the silence. "Just a few more minutes."

Bridget nodded, her eyes fluttering closed as she leaned more heavily against him. "Thanks, Michael. I'm really tired."

Michael reached over to gently squeeze her hand, offering her a reassuring smile. "You've had a long day. Get some rest, okay? We'll tackle everything tomorrow."

With a nod of gratitude, Bridget mumbled her agreement, her exhaustion evident in every weary line of her body. As they pulled up outside the hotel, Michael shifted the truck into park, bringing it to a stop in front of the entrance.

With a gentle nudge, Michael roused Bridget from her sleep, his voice soft as he whispered her name. "Hey, we're here."

Bridget blinked sleepily, her gaze wandering to the familiar sight of her hotel. With a small yawn, she straightened up, offering Michael a tired but grateful smile.

"Thank you." "Do you want me to escort you to your room?" Michael offered, concern evident in his voice. "I don't mind making sure you get there safely."

Bridget hesitated, her fatigue evident as she considered his offer. "I appreciate the thought, Michael, but I think I'll be okay. It's late, and I don't want to bother you any further."

Michael shook his head, determination shining in his eyes. "It's no bother at all, Bridget. I want to make sure you're taken care of."

Bridget smiled gratefully, touched by his concern. "You're too kind, Michael. But really, I'll be fine."

Despite her protests, Michael remained firm. "I insist, Bridget. It would bother me more to let you go alone. Please, let me escort you."

Bridget sighed, realizing she wouldn't be able to sway him. "Alright, if it means that much to you, then I won't argue. Thank you, Michael."

With a relieved smile, Michael opened the door of the pickup truck, stepping out to assist Bridget. Together, they made their way into the hotel lobby, Michael guiding her with a gentle hand on her back.

As they reached Bridget's floor, Michael walked her to her room, ensuring she was safely inside before bidding her goodnight. With a final wave, he turned to leave, his heart lighter knowing that Bridget was tucked away safely for the night.

As he made his way back to the pickup truck, Michael set his next destination on Google Maps. Home.

***

It was ten o'clock in the evening. Michael entered his house, the familiar warmth and coziness enveloping him as he closed the door behind him. Glancing around the living room, he noticed that his mother had not yet returned home.

His mother usually arrived home around this time, but tonight seemed to be an exception.

Frowning slightly, Michael decided to wait for her in the living room. He settled into the plush sofa, grabbing the remote to flip through the channels on the television while he waited.

Minutes ticked by slowly, and with each passing moment, Michael's concern for his mother grew. She was usually punctual and rarely stayed out late without informing him beforehand.

As the clock approached half-past ten, Michael's phone buzzed with a message notification. He quickly checked it and saw a text from his mother.

[Running late, dear. Will be home soon. Don't wait up. Love you.]

Michael typed a reply. [No, I'm going to wait for you mother, we have to talk about something important.]

He hit send and then set his phone aside, his mind preoccupied with thoughts about the conversation he needed to have with his mother. He had been meaning to surprise her with a brand new house and a convenience store. Michael wanted his mother to stop working for minimum wage and finally have the comfort and security she deserved.

As he waited in the living room, Michael couldn't shake off the nervous energy coursing through him. The anticipation of revealing his plans to his mother filled him with both excitement and anxiety. He hoped she would be happy with his decision and see it as a gesture of love and gratitude for everything she had done for him over the years.

Minutes stretched into what felt like hours as Michael sat on the sofa, his gaze fixed on the door, waiting for his mother's arrival. Each passing moment only heightened his eagerness to share the news with her, to see the joy and relief in her eyes when she learned of his surprise.

Finally, the sound of keys jingling outside signaled his mother's return. Michael's heart raced as he heard her footsteps approaching the door, his anticipation reaching its peak.

As the door swung open, revealing his mother's tired but smiling face, Michael knew that the moment had come.

"Mom," Michael stood up from the sofa, a warm smile spreading across his face as he approached his mother. "I've been waiting for you."

Myra's eyes brightened with surprise as she stepped into the living room. "Michael, dear, I didn't expect you to stay up. You should've gone to bed."

Michael shook his head, his excitement bubbling over. "I wanted to talk to you about something important."

Myra raised an eyebrow, curiosity evident in her expression. "What is it, Michael? You look so serious."

Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Michael reached out to take his mother's hand. "Mom, I've been thinking a lot lately, and I've decided to do something for us."

Myra's gaze softened, her hand tightening around Michael's. "What do you mean, dear?"

"Well…I think it'd be best if I were to show you tomorrow." "But I have work tomorrow," Myra said. "Then take a leave of absence, Mom," Michael said. "Tomorrow is an important day of our life and I want you to be there with me."

Myra's eyes widened in surprise, a mixture of confusion and anticipation flickering across her face. "What's happening, Michael? You're not giving me much to go on here."

Michael grinned, excitement coursing through him as he looked at his mother. "Trust me, Mom. It's going to be worth it."

Myra couldn't help but smile back, her curiosity piqued by her son's mysterious demeanor. "Alright, Michael. I'll take the day off tomorrow. Now, will you at least give me a hint?"

Michael chuckled, shaking his head playfully. "No hints, Mom. You'll just have to wait and see."

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