Twin Souls

Chapter 6: Mesmerized

REVISED: 18th Feb 2024

6. Mesmerized

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London, United Kingdom

Ivan was ecstatic as he enjoyed the warm summer breeze while strolling through the streets of London. The highly anticipated World Conference at Hampton Court Palace was just two days away, and he had made sure to arrive early to have ample time for sightseeing. Although he had been to London several times before, this was the first time he would be exploring the capital of the United Kingdom, and he was thrilled. His previous visits to London had been only for political discussions with Arthur Kirkland.

As Ivan slowly sauntered along the meandering cobblestoned streets of London, he couldn't help but be entranced by the meticulous and thoughtful construction of every path. The streets were a visual feast, with the historical buildings and towering modern skyscrapers blending in perfect harmony. The texture of the cobbled stones under his feet added to the unique character of the place. The buildings were a marvel to behold, with their intricate designs and ornate details, that spoke volumes about the rich heritage of the city. The juxtaposition of the old and new was striking, with historical landmarks such as "The Gherkin" and "The Shard" standing tall against the backdrop of classical architecture. The bustling streets were filled with the sounds of street performers, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the happy chatter of the locals. As Ivan took in the beauty of London, with its picturesque scenery, vibrant culture, and friendly people, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder.

Amazed by his surroundings, Ivan quickly pulled out his smartphone and captured the beauty of London's architecture. He couldn't wait to send the pictures to Maria, who was currently studying the said field. Sending photos to her had become a habit for him, and he knew she would appreciate this gesture.

As he continued his stroll, Ivan found himself in a bustling district with several shops selling a wide variety of items. It was already 3 pm, and he realized that he had lost track of time exploring the city. Suddenly, his smartphone beeped, and he excitedly tapped the screen to open it, curious to see what awaited him.

Incoming video call...

Maria de la Cruz

+63-905-364-0592

A small smile appeared on his face as he anticipated the identity of the caller. It was already 11 pm in Manila and she usually video chatted with him before going to bed. The screen displayed a teenage girl dressed in a white nightgown with her long hair flowing down, and she wore her customary cheerful smile. "Hey, how's your trip to England?" Maria asked.

"Everything is great,", Ivan's response was filled with excitement and positivity. He eagerly turned the screen to give her a better view of the surroundings. "I wish you could be here to see this for yourself. You'll be blown away by the beauty of this place," he added.

Maria let out a deep sigh, her voice laced with disappointment. "How I wish I could take a break and travel for vacation," she said, her eyes looking wistfully into the distance. "But these days, country issues have me completely swamped."

"I understand," Ivan replied, his voice filled with empathy. He had invited her to travel earlier, but she had declined. The recent removal of some of Alfred's establishments from the Philippines had caused the country's economy to suffer, and Ivan had wanted to support Maria financially. However, the Russian economy was also struggling, making it difficult for him to do so. Maria had mentioned that Yao had been staying with her for a week, offering her much-needed support during these challenging times. China was one of the most prominent foreign investors in the Philippines and had enough prosperity to aid her.