Chapter 14
After Liam left, silence filled James's office. The words his brother had spoken replayed in his mind, leaving a heavy feeling on his heart.
It was already morning, but James had not stepped out of the office since the previous day. The night had passed in a blur of restless thoughts and unresolved emotions. He kept staring at his phone, torn with indecision about how to move forward. Each tick of the clock seemed to intensify his anxiety and uncertainty, making the decision he needed to make feel even more daunting.
A knock on the office door broke the silence. "Sir James," Luke's voice echoed through the room as he entered, his concern palpable. "You've stayed the night at the office?" he asked, noticing the strain in James's demeanour.
James put his phone down and looked at Luke with weary eyes. The exhaustion was evident in the deep lines etched on his face. "Luke, I'm going to confess to Nima today without fail," he said, his voice heavy with emotion. He sighed deeply, as if the weight of his decision was almost too much to bear. "I've been avoiding her, thinking it would make everything okay, but in reality, it's only made me miss her more than I ever thought possible." He covered his eyes with his hands, trying to hide the tears that had begun to well up. "I need to see her and let her know how I truly feel. I plan to meet her after her work shift ends."
Luke nodded, his expression reflecting a deep understanding of the situation. "I see. What do you need from me, sir?" he asked, ready to assist.
James looked at Luke with determination clear in his eyes, a stark contrast to the weariness he had just displayed. "I need you to cancel all my meetings and reschedule everything. I have to make things right with her. This can't wait any longer."
Luke smiled reassuringly, pushing his glasses up with a gentle gesture. "Of course, Sir James. I'll take care of everything. You focus on what's important."
James gave Luke a grateful smile, a hint of relief breaking through his previously clouded expression. The supportive words from his assistant provided a small yet significant comfort. Luke returned the smile warmly. "Good luck, sir. I'm sure everything will work out for the best."
With that reassurance, James left the office, the weight of his decision now resting on his shoulders as he made his way home. His thoughts were consumed with how he would finally express his feelings to Nima, the emotions and scenarios replaying in his mind. As he stepped into his apartment, the familiar surroundings felt strangely alien after a long, restless night spent at his office. The once comforting space now seemed to amplify his nervous energy and anticipation.
He took a long, hot shower, the water serving as a physical manifestation of his attempt to wash away the fatigue and emotional exhaustion he had been enduring. As he dressed in fresh clothes, he caught his reflection in the mirror. He looked different from his old self—older, perhaps, but also marked by a newfound determination that gave his appearance an air of resolve.
As the day wore on, James felt an increasing urgency, his anticipation mounting as the hours ticked by. He arrived at the cafe just before Nima's shift was set to end, his heart pounding with both hope and anxiety. Pacing nervously outside, he tried to steady his breathing, each step a reflection of his inner turmoil. When Nima finally came outside from the cafe, her tired eyes widened in surprise at the sight of him.
"James," she said, her voice trembling as she struggled to hold back tears.