Chapter 30 30
A genuine smile was evident on Nathan's face as he read and re-read the note in his hand. The note was short and simple but his smile only grew wider as he kept reading it. He was sitting in the back of the car as he was driven to the airport.
Congratulations on your promotion to the CEO position, Nathan. I wish you great success in your endeavors. Here is my gift to you. I hope you like it.
From, Brooke.
“Brooke gave me a gift,” he said quietly to himself, still unable to believe it.
A part of him wanted to tell the driver to turn around and head straight to the Turners’ mansion. But his flight would be leaving in less than an hour, so he had to stay on course.
Still, he made a mental note. Visiting Brooke would be the first thing he’d do when he got back from his business trip.
After staring at the note for a while, Nathan reached into the bag and brought out a small box. Inside was a beautiful wristwatch. It was clearly customized, with his initials “NL” engraved on it.
His smile grew wider. The design, size, and style were all his favorites. Everything he loved in a wristwatch.
He quickly took off the one he had on and replaced it with the new one. It fit perfectly. He stretched his hand out to admire it, then noticed something. his wedding ring.
Nathan realized he still wore it, even after the divorce. He had never taken it off. Not even he knew why.
“Why do I still have this on?” he wondered. “Has it become a part of me, or does it still mean something more?” He turned the ring around his finger and sighed.
Nathan chuckled softly. He didn’t have an answer, but one thing was clear. He couldn’t wait to see Brooke again.
“Thank you, Bee,” he said in a low voice, still admiring the wristwatch. “For this perfect gift. I can’t wait to see you when I return.”
“Mr. Leo, I’m so glad you came all the way here to see the sites we’re working on.” said a man in a business suit as they walked out of his office. “Your suggestions and contributions will help our business greatly. I hope this opens more opportunities between us.”
With a polite smile, Nathan replied, “I’m glad I did, Mr. Manaf. I’d also like to work with you on more projects.”
As they reached the lobby, a tall, slender woman with blonde hair and blue eyes approached them.
“Ah… Kate, come meet Mr. Leo,” Mr. Manaf said.
Then he turned to Nathan. “You’ve been divorced for some time now, Mr. Leo. I think it’s a good idea to meet someone new.”
“I’m not interested in meeting anyone,” Nathan replied without looking at her.
“Oh, come on,” Mr. Manaf said. “She’s one of our most hardworking single models.”
Nathan gave her a quick glance. She smiled, but he remained unmoved. Her outfit was too revealing, and it only made him more irritated.
“She’s not my type. I prefer someone more modest.” Nathan said as they continued walking, leaving Kate behind.
Ever since Mr. Manaf found out Nathan was divorced, he had been introducing different women to him. But Nathan always turned them down. Outwardly, he gave excuses, but deep down, he knew the truth. None of them compared to Brooke.
“But you have to admit, she’s gorgeous,” Mr. Manaf said with a grin.
“I don’t find her attractive,” Nathan said simply. “You seem to admire only physical beauty, but I look beyond that.”
He paused before continuing, “My ex-wife was an amazing cook. She made all my meals herself. She loved taking care of people.”
“I see,” Mr. Manaf replied thoughtfully.
That evening, Mr. Manaf invited Nathan to have dinner with his family. The family was kind, and the food was delicious. After dinner, the two men were having coffee when Mr. Manaf’s young daughter came over.
“Daddy, can you help me with my homework?” she asked.
“I have a guest, sweetheart. Go ask your mother,” Mr. Manaf replied.
“I did, Daddy, but she doesn’t know it. I missed the class last week because I was sick,” she explained.
Mr. Manaf remembered the school calling about her illness the week before. “What about your nanny?” he asked.
“She doesn’t know it either,” the girl said, frowning.
“Then use the computer to check online,” her father said with a sigh.
But the girl still looked disappointed. Nathan, who had been watching quietly, smiled. “What subject is it? Maybe I can help,” he offered.
“Biology,” she replied, her face lighting up.
“Biology? That was my wife’s favorite subject,” Nathan said gently. “Let’s see what we can do.”
He helped her with the homework, just like he used to help Brooke years ago. Brooke had loved biology and dreamed of becoming a doctor. Nathan still remembered how eager she was to learn everything about it.
Soon, they were done. The girl thanked him cheerfully and ran off.
“Thank you, Nathan,” Mr. Manaf said. “I didn’t know you were good at biology.”
“It was because of my wife - I mean, ex-wife,” Nathan said with a soft smile. “She didn’t just love the subject, she lived it. She always reminded me to eat healthy and made sure our meals were balanced.”
He paused for a moment. “She would have studied medicine if we hadn’t married so young.”