Chapter 22
"How have you been son?" her distant footsteps echoed as she elegantly walked closer towards Victor, her husband and sat beside him, crossing her long legs.
"I'm fine, Mother. What about you?" said James with a faint smile as he glanced at his parents who were sitting across him.
"I and your father is doing great, darling as always, as you can see." said Silivia with a chuckle, as she gently pulled Victor close, and kissed him on his cheeks leaving a red lipstick stain on his cheeks.
"That's great to hear." said James, his lips curled up forming a dishonest smile.
Silivia leaned back, her eyes slightly narrowed, observing James, "So, James," her tone shifting into curiosity, "How's that young woman you were seeing? What was her name again? Ohh right Lila. I totally forgot her name." She said with a laughter.
James's eyes empty with no lingering feelings towards Lila, "We've already broken up, mother. It's been almost 6 years." James replied.
Silivia eyebrows arched with surprise with glint of satisfaction in her eyes and in the tone of her voice, "Oh, really? What a pity." she said with a light chuckle, teasing him. "Well, to be honest, I never thought she was the right one for you, darling. She lacked the qualities to be the Watson's family daughter-in-law."
James remained silent, listening to his mother with growing frustration inside him. He desperately wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible. His mind was consumed by the thoughts of Nima. He recalled how happy and beautiful she looked this morning. All he wanted was to return to her arms and feel her warm embrace.
"Son, son?" His mother's voice echoed in his ears. "Are you paying attention to what I'm saying?" she squinted her eyes looking at James.
"James, Your mother is asking you something. Answer her son." Victor's voice struck his ears.
He returned to his senses, "I'm listening, mother." James replied taking a deep breath, forcing himself to meet his mother's gaze.
"Good, then." She continued. "I was saying that, we can pick a bride for you on your upcoming birthday party. It would be a perfect occasion to select someone who is beautiful and worthy of being our daughter-in-law."
She turned her gaze towards Victor, "Don't you think it is a splendid idea, honey?"
Victor let out a sweet smile towards his wife Silivia, "It is indeed a splendid idea, honey." He agreed to her as he leaned over and kissed her hands tenderly.
Hearing his parents decide everything on their own without his consent made him furious, but he remained calm as he was powerless before them, he had to play his cards carefully in order to keep Nima safe by his side. Given his parents' nature, he couldn't reveal that he was already in love with Nima, fearing what they might do to her.
"I'm the one getting married here, So, shouldn't I have a say in who I choose?" He said mustering up the courage he could, with a calm and confident voice.
His parents stunned, their eyes widened in surprise as they heard their son speak up for himself for the first time. The room turned silent, the weight of James word hanging in the air.