Chapter 3: Spoiling the Family

Lucas stared at the blank text message thread with his wife, Emily. His fingers hovered over the keyboard, unsure of how to start. How did he even begin to explain the unbelievable events of the last few days? How did he tell her that, overnight, their financial worries had evaporated, replaced by wealth beyond imagination?

Hey, Em. Just made a few million in real estate and stocks, no big deal.

He sighed, shaking his head. There was no way she would believe it. Not without seeing the proof.

But then again, he didn’t need to say anything just yet. Maybe he could let his actions speak first. He could give her a taste of the life he wanted them to have—the life they both deserved.

He looked at the tablet in his hand, the system waiting patiently for his next move.

“System,” he muttered, still not fully comfortable talking to an invisible, mechanical presence. “What’s the best way to… spoil my family?”

“Recommended actions: Purchase luxury gifts and experiences. Begin with a new home, followed by vacations, luxury vehicles, and education for your children. Estimated satisfaction levels: high.”

Lucas nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. Emily had always dreamed of a house by the ocean. Something spacious, with room for the boys to run around, and maybe even a garden where she could grow her own flowers and vegetables. A place where they could finally settle down, where their kids could grow up without the constant strain of worrying about bills.

“Alright,” Lucas said decisively. “Let’s start with a house.”

The system blinked to life, and within seconds, a list of prime real estate properties filled the screen. Oceanfront estates, sprawling country villas, and modern city penthouses all within his reach. His eyes locked onto one listing in particular: a five-bedroom villa on the coast of California, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, an infinity pool, and enough space to host their entire family, friends, and more. It was exactly the kind of house Emily had always dreamed of.

"Recommended purchase. Property value expected to increase 8% over the next year due to rising demand for coastal homes." the system chimed in.

Lucas tapped Buy without hesitation, the transaction finalizing in seconds. His pulse quickened as the confirmation message appeared on the screen. He now owned the house.

The next day, Lucas stood outside the sleek, private jet the system had arranged for him. He still wasn’t used to the luxuries that seemed to come with every step of this new life. The jet gleamed under the midday sun, its polished surface reflecting the clear, blue sky.

His heart raced with anticipation. Emily thought they were simply flying out for a weekend getaway, one of his spontaneous ideas to spend time together as a family. She didn’t know that this trip would change everything.

“Daddy! Daddy!” Liam’s excited voice echoed across the tarmac as the little boy came racing toward him, his twin brother, Leo, hot on his heels.

Lucas knelt, scooping both boys into his arms. Their giggles filled the air, and for a moment, everything felt perfect. This is what it’s all about, he thought, hugging his sons tightly.

Emily approached, her soft smile full of warmth. She was as beautiful as ever, her dark hair framing her face in loose waves, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. She wore a simple sundress, looking effortlessly radiant.

“You really went all out this time, didn’t you?” she teased, gesturing toward the jet. “What’s the occasion?”

Lucas gave her a sheepish grin, his heart pounding with excitement. “Let’s just say… this is a trip you’re not going to forget.”

She raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued, but didn’t press him further. As they boarded the plane, Lucas couldn’t help but steal glances at her, wondering what her reaction would be once they arrived at the house. He could barely contain his own excitement.

The moment the car pulled up to the house, Emily gasped. The coastal villa rose before them like something out of a dream, the white stone walls gleaming under the sun, the lush gardens stretching out around it. Waves crashed against the nearby cliffs, the sound of the ocean filling the air.

“Lucas,” she whispered, her hand flying to her mouth. “What… what is this?”

He grinned, taking her hand and gently leading her out of the car. “This… is home.”

Her eyes were wide with disbelief. “What? Lucas, this is… there’s no way we could afford something like this.”

“I bought it,” he said, his voice filled with quiet confidence. “It’s ours.”

Emily shook her head, still in shock. “But how? This—this place must be worth millions.”

Lucas hesitated for a moment, his heart racing. He hadn’t prepared a perfect explanation, but he knew that honesty was the only way forward. He took a deep breath, his gaze steady as he looked into her eyes.

“Emily, something happened. Something… unbelievable.” He took her hands in his. “I’ve been given a second chance. A system an investment system that’s able to predict market trends and make perfect financial decisions. I know it sounds crazy, but… it’s real. This house, the money it’s all real.”

She stared at him, searching his face for any sign of doubt or deception. “You’re serious?”

“As serious as I’ve ever been. I know it sounds impossible, but everything’s changed, Emily. We don’t have to worry anymore. No more bills piling up, no more stress about the future. We can give the boys the life they deserve. I can finally take care of you the way I’ve always wanted to.”

Tears welled in her eyes, and she took a shaky breath. “Lucas, this is… I don’t even know what to say.”

He smiled, pulling her into his arms. “You don’t have to say anything. Just enjoy it. This is our life now.”

The boys had already run ahead, their laughter echoing through the house as they explored every room. Emily wiped a tear from her cheek, her smile radiant.

“I don’t know how this is possible,” she whispered, “but I trust you. And I’m just… I’m so happy, Lucas. You’ve made us so happy.”

Lucas’ chest swelled with pride. This was the moment he had dreamed of the moment he could finally give his family everything they deserved.

Over the next few days, Lucas continued to spoil his family. He bought Emily the luxury car she had always admired, a sleek, silver sports car that made her laugh with joy when she first saw it. He took her shopping in high-end boutiques, where she hesitated at first but quickly warmed to the idea of treating herself. The boys were equally thrilled, especially when Lucas presented them with a room filled with the latest toys, gadgets, and everything a six year old could dream of.

But beyond the material things, what mattered most to Lucas was the look of peace and happiness on Emily’s face. For the first time in years, she wasn’t worried. There was no more tension between them, no more late-night discussions about bills or whether they could afford the things their children needed. Now, they had freedom. Freedom to live, to laugh, to enjoy each other without the weight of the world pressing down on them.

As Lucas sat on the terrace one evening, watching the sunset with Emily beside him and the boys playing in the garden, he realized something profound. The wealth, the system, the power it wasn’t just about money. It was about love. About being able to provide, to protect, and to create a world where his family could thrive.

And as long as he had that, nothing else mattered.

But in the back of his mind, a lingering question remained: What did the system want in return?

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