Chapter 7
I noticed her pale skin first, so fair it seemed almost translucent in the dim light of the café. Her eyes were a deep, dark brown, pools of mystery that I found myself getting lost in each time our gazes met. Her hair was pure black, cascading down her back like a river of ink, framing her face perfectly. She was beautiful in a way that words couldn't quite capture.
When she handed me my order, our hands touched briefly. Her wrist felt so small and delicate in that fleeting moment, I couldn't help but think how fragile she seemed. It looked as though if I were to grip her hand just a little too tightly, it might snap in two. Despite this, I found myself returning to the café day after day, week after week, drawn to her in a way I couldn't explain.
Finally, after what felt like months of silent admiration, we exchanged more than just pleasantries. She asked my name, and when she smiled at me, so brightly and warmly, it was as though the world shifted. Her beauty in that moment was overwhelming, and I realized with a start that I was falling for her.
"James, James," Nima's voice broke through my reverie, pulling me back to the present. "The movie has ended. Let's go."
I glanced around, noticing the darkened theater then we existed theatre.
"It's already dark. I should get going." She said smiling at me.
"Let me take you home. Where do you live?" I offered.
"Thanks, but you don't need to trouble yourself. I can just catch a cab," she replied.
"Wait here," James said, disappearing for a moment.
Honk, honk Nima turned to see James getting out of a sleek, black Range Rover. He opened the door for her, and though she hesitated, surprised by the gesture, she eventually slid into seat. The ride was silent at first, the air thick with unspoken words.
Nima broke the silence with a sarcastic joke, "You really are super rich, huh? Driving a black Range Rover and all," she laughed awkwardly.
James smiled, "I told you I was rich, and it was also true when I said I'd take you to eat at fancy places whenever you want to."
An awkward silence settled over them again. "Go straight and then turn right," Nima directed softly.
They arrived at her place, and both got out of the car. James handed her a book. "Here," he said.
Nima gasped, her eyes lighting up with joy. "I thought this book wasn't coming out until next month. How did you get it? Is this real?"
James nodded. "The main reason I wanted to meet you was to give you this book."
"But how, James?" Nima asked, bewildered.
"Turns out the author is someone I know. So, I asked him to give me a copy a month earlier than the release date."
"Someone you know? Who is it? Is he a close friend?" Nima's curiosity was piqued.
"That's a secret," James said with a mysterious smile. "Nobody knows him for a reason. I'll tell you when the time is right. But Nima, why do you like this book so much?"
Nima thought for a moment. "Hmmm, I wonder why. Probably because I love the main characters. They really love each other. The guy, Ciel, is from a wealthy family while the girl, Vanessa, is a poor farm girl. Both their families are against them. Ciel's family wants him to marry a girl of the same status while Vanessa's family wants her to marry their farmland owner. But despite everything, they're always together. I've never experienced love, so I dream of finding someone like Ciel who will love me through thick and thin, who is reliable, gentle but strong. I just put myself in Vanessa's place while waiting for my Ciel to come. That's probably why I love this story."
"It's getting late, you should probably go home and rest. Thank you for today," Nima said, her voice softening.
"Goodnight," James replied, a smile playing on his lips as he turned to leave.
Both turned their backs to each other, walking away.
Suddenly, James called out, "Nima!" His voice was louder, more urgent.He turned around. "Is it okay if we meet again next time?"
Nima smiled, a genuine, warm smile. "Sure," she said.
James smiled back, a little embarrassed but happy. "Then see you."
As they parted ways, the night air seemed a little warmer, filled with the promise of something new.