CHAPTER 182: FURNITURE SHOPPING.

Lukas had barely finished his morning coffee when he glanced at Annie and Bella, already bored on the couch, laughter echoing between them as if they’d known this place almost forever now. The morning sun spilled across the luxurious windows, casting a soft golden hue over the room. It was the perfect day for something productive and joyful.

"Let’s shop for the mansion," Lukas said with a grin, pulling on his tan overcoat. He was in an unusually bright mood—there was something calming about having Annie and Bella close. Annie, gentle and glowing in her first trimester, nodded eagerly. Bella clapped her hands, her energy infectious as ever.

Jay was ready with the Mercedes, and soon they were heading toward the first of many high-end furniture stores in Philadelphia. Their first stop was at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, a store known for luxurious yet modern pieces. Annie found herself drawn to plush cream-colored sofas, testing each one with cautious excitement. Bella, on the other hand, was darting around, pointing out everything from gold-rimmed coffee tables to designer lamps that looked more like art sculptures.

"This place smells expensive," Bella teased, flopping onto a velvet couch.

"That’s because it is," Lukas chuckled, watching her with amusement.

They visited RH Philadelphia next, a massive structure that looked more like a palace than a store. Annie spent time selecting soft linens for the bedrooms—she had a good eye for calming palettes. Bella got distracted in the outdoor section, envisioning garden parties and wine nights, dragging Lukas and Annie over every ten minutes to check out something new.

Throughout the day, they snacked constantly—fresh croissants from a boutique bakery near Rittenhouse Square, gourmet pretzels from the Reading Terminal Market, and a quick stop at a Korean dessert cafe where Lukas insisted they try bingsu. Annie’s face lit up with every bite, while Bella kept poking her spoon into Lukas’s bowl instead of her own.

The best part wasn’t even the shopping. It was the laughter. The inside jokes. The spontaneous dance Bella did when she found music-themed wall art that matched her room idea. The way Annie carefully took photos of different bedroom sets, her mind was already nesting. And the way Lukas silently paid attention to everything they liked, jotting notes down on his phone, already imagining the house slowly becoming a home.

By the time evening fell, the back of the Mercedes was filled with catalogs, shopping bags, and a few custom order slips. They were exhausted but smiling, cheeks glowing with the kind of joy that only came from a day spent right.

As the car drove back through the warm lights of Philadelphia, Annie leaned on Bella’s shoulder, and Bella hummed something soft. Lukas looked at them from the rearview mirror and felt something unfamiliar—peace.

"One more store?" Bella asked, peeking her head forward.

"Only if we get dumplings after," Annie said sleepily.

Lukas chuckled. "Deal."

And just like that, it wasn’t just about furnishing a mansion anymore. It was about building a life, step by step, laugh by laugh, memory by memory.

After a long day wandering through every stylish showroom in Philadelphia, the trio returned to the suite just as dusk began to settle over the city skyline. The mood was light, the city below sparkling through the wide glass windows of the penthouse, and the air inside buzzed with comfort and the warmth of companionship.

Once inside, Annie slowly lowered herself onto the couch, visibly exhausted from the day’s walking. Lukas noticed immediately and knelt beside her, gently placing his hand over her belly.

"You should rest," he said softly. "We went overboard today."

Annie smiled tiredly and gave a small nod before slipping into the bedroom for some rest. Bella helped her get settled, fluffing pillows and dimming the lights, before returning to the living room, where Lukas stood by the coffee machine.

He handed her a steaming mug and took one for himself. The two sat down on the large cream-colored couch, surrounded by a dozen unopened boxes of decorative pieces and textiles they had picked up throughout the day.

"We did good, didn’t we?" Bella asked, looking around at the pieces they’d selected.

Lukas chuckled, leaning back. "We barely made a dent. That mansion’s huge. Today felt like we were shopping for a cozy apartment."

Bella took a thoughtful sip of her coffee, legs tucked under her. "We could try New York. Bigger showrooms, more variety. Might be worth the trip."

"Already thought about it," Lukas replied. "We’ll go in a few days. Take it slow with Annie. I want her to enjoy it too."

Bella looked at him, a subtle admiration in her eyes. "You’re handling all of this pretty well. It’s not easy... fame, business, becoming a father."

Lukas gave her a small smile, something more sincere than his usual confident smirk. "I’m trying. Feels like things are moving fast, but with you and Annie here... it feels more real. More grounded?"

They both turned to the large window as the city lights flickered to life. Silence hung comfortably between them for a while, broken only by the occasional clink of their coffee mugs.

"She’s going to be a beautiful mom," Bella said softly.

Lukas nodded, his eyes still on the city. "I guess yes."

Bella smiled wide, nudging his shoulder playfully. "Just don’t expect me to change diapers."

They both laughed quietly. A night of calm had settled over them, a pause between storms of responsibility and ambition. For now, Lukas was simply a man sitting on a couch, sharing coffee with someone who had become family.

And in that moment, it was enough.

The next morning, the suite was filled with a rare energy. Annie, despite being pregnant, woke up with a radiant glow and surprising enthusiasm. She moved around the room humming softly, her hand resting on her belly with care and pride. Bella, still in her sleepwear, peeked through the window at the Philadelphia skyline, smiling at Annie’s uncharacteristic liveliness.

Lukas, having finished a light workout and sipping his black coffee, watched her with a raised brow. "You’re... very energetic today," he commented, amused.

Annie gave him a wink. "It’s the baby. I think they’re excited too. I feel like walking, shopping, just going out and having fun."

Lukas chuckled and nodded. "Then let’s not waste time."

Without a second thought, he picked up the phone and called Henry. "Get the Gulfstream ready. We’re flying to New York this afternoon. Charter. Just us. And book the top suite at The Plaza. Make sure everything is perfect."

Henry responded efficiently, knowing Lukas preferred speed and discretion. "Consider it done. The plane will be prepped within two hours. The Plaza knows you’re coming."

By noon, they were in the sleek black Mercedes, Jay behind the wheel, Roy in the passenger seat, escorting them quietly to the private terminal. The chartered Gulfstream G-IV was parked elegantly on the tarmac, gleaming under the summer sun.

Flight staff greeted them with warm smiles and privacy. Annie was handed a plush throw blanket and sparkling water with lime, while Bella couldn’t stop marveling at the plush leather seats and polished wooden interiors. Lukas, in his Zegna casuals and sunglasses, leaned back with his arm over Annie’s shoulder, watching both women with a serene contentment.

The flight was smooth, just a quick hop to New York. From the air, the skyline glittered like a jewel. Bella pressed her face to the window excitedly while Annie napped softly, her head on Lukas’s shoulder.

Upon landing, a blacked-out Rolls-Royce Phantom awaited them, already coordinated by Henry. They were driven straight to The Plaza Hotel, where the top-floor Royal Suite had been prepared to Lukas’s exact specifications. Grand chandeliers, a private library, a baby grand piano, and breathtaking views of Central Park welcomed them.

"Now this," Bella whispered, eyes wide as they stepped into the suite, "is what I imagined your life would be like."

Annie giggled, still energetic. "This feels like a movie."

Lukas grinned. "It’s just another Chapter. We’ve got a whole mansion to fill. Let’s start tomorrow."

And with that, they settled into their luxury suite, the city of dreams waiting just outside their window.

The Gulfstream jet touched down smoothly at Teterboro Airport under a clear morning sky. Lukas sat by the wide oval window, his gaze fixed on the skyline stretching in the distance—New York City, glowing like a dream spun from steel and glass. Annie, radiant with her newfound energy, laughed quietly as Bella pointed out the Chrysler Building with the excitement of someone returning to a favorite place. But for Lukas, this was his first time. And it felt like something was shifting inside him.

As they were driven into the heart of Manhattan in a sleek black Mercedes S-Class, Lukas couldn’t stop looking out the window. The endless avenues, the historic stone buildings, the chaotic yet organized bustle—everything screamed ambition, scale, and dominance. It was a city where dreams either ascended to dizzying heights or vanished into obscurity.

When they pulled into the entrance of The Plaza Hotel, Lukas remained still for a moment, lost in thought. He stepped out onto the iconic red carpet, eyes slowly scanning the world-famous Fifth Avenue before him. He wasn’t just here to shop anymore. A seed had been planted.

They were escorted to the Royal Suite—a sprawling residence with floor-to-ceiling windows, gold trim, rich velvet furnishings, and a grand piano standing in the center of the salon. Annie walked around in awe, placing a hand on her baby bump. "This feels like a dream," she whispered.

Bella twirled once, laughing. "We’re in a movie."

But Lukas stood by the window, his eyes fixed beyond Central Park. His reflection merged with the towering skyline.

"This city," he murmured, mostly to himself. "This city needs to know who I am."

Annie looked over from the couch. "What did you say?"

Lukas turned, a new kind of fire in his eyes. "I said I’m going to build Facebook headquarters here. Right in Manhattan."

Bella tilted her head. "But aren’t you just starting Facebook? Shouldn’t it grow a bit first?"

He smiled, not arrogantly, but with conviction. "It will. This city is made for giants. It speaks my language. We’ll be here before the world knows it."

Annie looked at him with quiet pride, then exchanged a glance with Bella. The air in the room seemed to buzz.

In his mind, Lukas was already drawing blueprints. He imagined a high-rise in the Financial District or maybe something near Hudson Yards. Glass walls. His name was etched into the entry floor. A rooftop garden where he could see every corner of his empire. It would be bold, audacious, and undeniable. Just like the city itself.

And this was only the beginning.