Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

The industrialist duo walked into the center of the dance floor with their partners. Jonathan is with Caroline while Poul is with Amelia. Both took their positions, placing their hands on their respective partners' waists, and began to move gracefully to the beat of the music. As they danced, the two men exchanged knowing glances, each one silently communicating to the other their confidence and excitement of dancing with the beautiful women in the party.

As they twirled and dipped around the dance floor, the couples' movements became more fluid and graceful with each passing moment, their bodies swaying in perfect unison. Jonathan's eyes never left Caroline's as he led her through each step of the dance, while Poul and Amelia seemed to be lost in their own world, their bodies swaying.

"Your prowess in this dance is quite impressive, Jonathan," Caroline remarked with a hint of admiration in her voice. "Might I inquire whether you have had the pleasure of attending a similar affair before?"

"Yes, when the company we were working with landed a big contract with the Danish government to overhaul the railway networks. Our boss said it was a formal event and there would be a waltz so Poul and I practiced for seven days to perfect it," Jonathan said and then suddenly pulled her close, startling her.

"Oh…feisty, Caroline let out a surprised giggle as Jonathan suddenly spun her around, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "It seems you have some hidden talents, Mr. Axelsen," she added, a hint of flirtation in her voice.

Jonathan chuckled, and Caroline felt his grip tighten around her waist as they continued to dance.

"Perhaps, Lady Caroline, but I assure you, my only talent is in making things run smoothly," he said with a playful smile, his movements becoming more fluid and graceful as if to demonstrate his point.

Caroline's eyes sparkled with amusement as they continued to dance, both of them swept up in the enchanting melody of the music. As they moved across the dance floor, Jonathan couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration and contentment, knowing that he was in the company of such a beautiful and captivating woman.

"Pray tell, Jonathan, what do you make of those two?" Caroline inquired, casting a subtle gaze towards Poul and Amelia who were elegantly moving across the dance floor a mere five yards from where they stood.

"Poul is smitten with Amelia, my lady," Jonathan revealed with a small smile. "He's admitted to me his feelings for her, but he is plagued with uncertainty. There are times when he's quite conflicted."

"Uncertain and conflicted?" Caroline repeated. "What do you mean, Jonathan?"

"Well, in our world before we arrived here, Poul was in love with a girl named Sara. She lived in the same neighborhood as us and was a talented surgeon. They shared a platonic relationship until Poul asked her to marry him. Unfortunately, our plans were disrupted when a truck crashed into the coffee shop where we were in."

"Ah, I see," nodded Caroline, comprehending.

"I once asked him what he would do if Sara were here in this world," continued Jonathan. "Would his feelings for Amelia change? Of course, it's a fanciful notion as Sara is not here, but we assumed it was the case."

"And what was his reply?" Caroline inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"He said his feelings for Amelia would not falter, my lady," replied Jonathan. "Once he had fallen for her, he would not abandon her for anyone else, even if it was Sara. To do so would be foolish and unkind."

"I see, well it is indeed impossible for a living person to be sent into this world," Caroline softly said.

"How did you get here, Caroline? Were you struck by a truck just like us?"

"No, from overwork," Caroline revealed. "I was working on this project that must be completed in three days. I didn't take care of myself back then and as a result, died. I will not make the same mistake again."

"My condolences, Lady Caroline. You did not deserve to die so young," Jonathan said with a sympathetic nod. "But at least you have learned from your mistake, and that is something to be grateful for. It is not often that we are given a second chance at life, and it is up to us to make the most of it."

Caroline smiled, touched by Jonathan's kind words. "You are right, Jonathan And I intend to make the most of it," Caroline paused for a moment and then spoke. "Say, Jonathan, pull me out of this party."

Jonathan raised a brow. "What do you mean Caroline?"

"Let's go outside, where the two of us can be alone. Just for five minutes," Caroline said.

Jonathan doesn't seem to understand what has gotten into her but nevertheless, he complied. Grabbing her by the arm gently, they left the ballroom, leaving Poul, Amelia, Morgan, and Sherman surprised.

"Where are those two going?" Amelia muttered.

"Probably they want to have some time alone," Poul guessed and thought to himself. 'Seriously? Is Jonathan starting to make a move on her? That's some guts he got there!'

Jonathan and Caroline exited the hotel and settled at the grounds which are surrounded by floras.

Caroline looked up to the sky and saw thousands of stars and the milky way. It was an ethereal sight, making her feel at ease.

"Uhm, Caroline what's going on?"

"Do you see the skies?" Caroline asked.

Jonathan gazed up and let out a sigh of admiration. "They are beautiful…but why did you ask to pull you out there?"

"Jonathan, what is your plan in this world?" Caroline asked, her gaze fixed on the sky.

"What's gotten into you?"

"Answer my question, please."

"My plan? Poul and I have plans in this world. We want to become the top of this world using the skills and knowledge we had gained from our previous world."

Caroline giggled. "That's a shared dream. My plans for this world are the same as yours. That's why I founded my company. You might think my success was easy, but the road to get where I am now was full of thorns. In this era, women didn't have the same privileges as men. Society viewed women who owned a company as unfeminine or improper and they faced significant social stigma and discrimination. Women were expected to focus on domestic duties and motherhood rather than pursuing careers or running businesses. But I proved them wrong. I faced challenges from people who tried to undermine me or backstab me," Caroline paused, taking a deep breath. "But I didn't let that stop me. I persevered and worked hard, and now my company is one of the biggest in the country."

Jonathan nodded, impressed by Caroline's determination and strength. "I had no idea, Caroline. I can only imagine how hard it must have been, but I have to say, I admire your resilience."

Caroline smiled, grateful for Jonathan's words. "Thank you, Jonathan. It hasn't been easy, but I'm proud of what I've achieved. And I'm not going to stop now. I want to continue to push boundaries and break down barriers for women in this society. I want to leave a legacy that will inspire future generations of women."

Jonathan felt a sense of kinship with Caroline, despite their different backgrounds and experiences. He too wanted to leave a mark on this world and make a difference. "I share your ambition, Caroline. And I have no doubt that we can achieve great things together."

Caroline's smile widened. "I'm pleased to hear that, Jonathan. Let's make it happen." Looking up at the sky, they were both united in their shared vision for the future, the stars shining brightly above them.

Moments later, Jonathan couldn't help but steal a glance at Caroline's face. Her eyes were closed, her chin lifted, and her hair fell behind her like a veil. She looked so beautiful that he was drawn in, his heart beating faster as he took in the sight before him. He was about to ask if she wanted to return to the ballroom when Caroline spoke up.

"Jonathan, do you have feelings for me?" she asked, her voice soft and low.

He was taken aback by her question, but he knew the answer without a doubt. "I am infatuated, Caroline. Who wouldn't be? You are beautiful, smart, and strong. I admire you wholeheartedly. Why did you ask that?"

Caroline smiled at his answer. "Do you have a girl you loved so deeply in your previous world?" she asked.

"No, I don't," Jonathan replied.

Caroline's smile widened. "I'm glad to hear that," she said.

He couldn't help but notice the flirtatious remarks she had been throwing his way. "I have noticed that you have been giving me signals, Caroline. As if you were encouraging me to make a move."

"It's good that you're not oblivious," Caroline chuckled. "So, what will you do?"

"I suppose I should do what any man in my position would do - try to win your heart," Jonathan said with a smile.