Chapter 13
He stared blankly at his computer screen, unable to shake off his thoughts about Nima. He tried to keep himself busy with his office work to forget about her, but it made him miss her more than he cared to admit. In the middle of the night, he picked up his phone and dialed a number.
"Hello, can you come to my office?" he said in a heavy voice. After a while, there was a knock on his office door. "You came," said James in a heavy voice to Liam.
He was sitting in his chair with his hands on his forehead, spending the night in turmoil. Liam had never seen his younger brother in such a state. He looked disturbed, worried, and perplexed.
"You look like you haven't slept in days," Liam said, his concern evident. "Is it about work? You can tell Father that you don't want to be the next heir. Maybe he'll listen to you," said Liam, concerned.
"I'm not as brave as you, brother," he chuckled. "It's about a girl." He looked at his brother, his eyes on the verge of tears.
Liam looked at James, stunned and at a loss for words, then laughed. "So, it is a girl that made my brother this sad," he teased, trying to lighten the mood.
Liam D. Watson, the eldest son of the Watson family, had left his father's company at the age of 25 and started his own business, which took him three years to succeed. He was respected for his wisdom and leadership by everyone. Despite the age gap, he and James shared a close bond.
Liam sat on the chair across from James's desk. "So, what happened between you two?" James leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples with a long deep sigh. "It's about Nima. I tried to bury myself in work, but it just seems to backfire. I can't stop thinking about her, and I don't know what to do."
Liam also leaned back in his chair and observed James. "Tell me everything. From the beginning to the end."
James recounted everything: how he met Nima, their daily interactions at the cafe, and how he suddenly stopped visiting without explanation. He confessed to Liam how much he missed her and how his attempts to distract himself had only made things worse.
Liam listened carefully, nodding occasionally. When James finished, Liam leaned forward, his expression serious but compassionate. "James, it sounds like you've been torturing yourself over this. Have you tried talking to her?"
James shook his head and said, "She said she liked someone. Someone who is far from her reach and how she can only dream of being together with him."
Liam looked at James. "How do you know she is not talking about you? From what you just said, you sound like a coward, running away and hiding. You should talk with her and clear the misunderstandings." He then stood up. "I have a meeting with my company's shareholders tomorrow. I need to prepare documents."
He walked towards the door, his footsteps echoing. He turned back and looked at James. "You're a good guy, James. Don't let fear hold you back. Be brave." He then walked out of the office.