Chapter 19
After breakfast, Nima hurried to get ready while James cleaned up the kitchen. She quickly brushed her hair, feeling a bit flustered from their conversation about marriage. By the time she was done, James had already changed and was waiting for her by the door.
He opened the car door for her with a warm smile, gesturing her to get inside the car first. "Ready to go?" he asked.
Nima nodded and smiled back at James as she stepped into his car. As they drove through the morning traffic, her mind wandered to the lovely moments she had shared with James. The thought of their conversation about marriage earlier made her blush and smile unconsciously.
James glanced at her and noticed her expression. "What is it, Nima? Why are you smiling to yourself?" he asked, turning the steering wheel as they navigated a curve.
"Oh, it's nothing," Nima replied, feeling a bit flustered and embarrassed. "It's just... it feels like a dream, being able to be with you. It's like I'm living my dream," she admitted, her voice soft, accompanied by a faint smile. She looked down at her hands resting on her lap, trying to mask her emotions.
James's smile widened, and he reached over to gently stroke her hand. "It's not a dream, Nima. I'm here with you, and I'll always be with you," he assured her, his voice calm and soothing, filled with sincerity and affection.
Nima looked up at him, her eyes shining with affection and gratitude. She felt a deep sense of happiness and security, knowing that James was by her side. The rest of the drive was filled with a comfortable silence, punctuated by shared glances and warm smiles.
When they arrived at the café, James parked the car and turned to her. "Have a great day, Nima. I'll pick you up after work, okay?"
"Thanks, James," Nima said, her heart swelling with affection. "See you later."
She got out of the car and waved as she walked towards the café entrance. James watched her until she disappeared inside, a content smile on his face. Just as he was about to drive away, his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and answered it, still smiling.
"Hello, Luke?" he said. However, as he listened to the response on the other end, his smile faded rapidly, replaced by a look of growing concern. His grip on the phone tightened, and his eyes darkened with worry.
"Okay. I'll be there," James said, his voice now laced with tension. He ended the call and sat in the car for a moment, his mind racing. He took a deep breath, letting out a heavy sigh as he felt a wave of frustration and anger wash over him.
Leaning forward, he rested his head on the steering wheel, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and bitterness. "Just when I finally found my happiness... now that I'm finally happy..... Damn it" He cursed.
The emotions churned inside him, a mix of helplessness and resentment. He lifted his head, his expression hardening. With a determined, almost aggressive motion, he started the car and navigated the steering wheel with a sense of urgency.
The once serene morning now felt far removed, replaced by a storm of worry as he sped off to face whatever awaited him.