Nathaniel's POV
I stood near the window of my bedroom, looking at the busy city. Two kids caught my attention, laughing and roaming around like nothing else matters except themselves.
I looked at the photo in my hand. We were just like them.
"I wish I could scoop you up and beg you to make me your husband" I whispered as if she is listening.
"I want to see how you look right now. I want to make sure my dreams didn't lie about you." I smiled at the photo.
"Are you still that cute, naughty girl or did you become serious and matured?"
"Please don't be matured. Be my naughty one. Naughty enough to make me tickle you to handle your mischiefs"
I can feel I am being devoted to her. I laughed at myself.
———————
The party night
I rose from the couch after he left and felt that pull again, drawing me toward the storeroom.
My heart felt at ease as I stepped inside. The air smelled faintly of dust. I reached for the picture and held it carefully in my hands.
A small smile curved on my lips the moment I saw her face.
The first picture I ever clicked of her.
She was smiling as if the world had been made just for her. Pure. Unaware.
Wearing the necklace I had gifted her that day.
I remember how she had laughed when I told her it suited her. Said she would never take it off.
A heat rose to my cheek and my chest tightened.
Both at the same time.
Where are you now?
My thumb brushed over the edge of the photo.
I'll find you.
———————
I straightened as I heard that faint knock on my door, back to my composure. I put her picture on my desk and gave it a final look as if grounding myself.
"Come in" I said.
My assistant walked in.
"Sir, Car is waiting.
I nodded.
And walked down the stairs. Maids greeted me.
I walked straight towards the car.
My assistant walked forward and opened the door.
I slid in to the back seat.
The softness from seconds ago was replaced with the seriousness and control I always carry.
I door closed behind me with a final thud.
My assistant circled the car and entered through the opposite rear door, settling beside me with careful compose. He placed a file in his lap. He didn't speak.
Neither did I.
The engine started. We left the house.
My assistant spoke
"Sir, the manager of the S N Group sent an email. They're proposing a collaboration for the Skyline Tower project."
He Paused.
I frowned at his pause and looked at him.
"…But they want majority control." he continued.
"Tell them NO" I said calmly but it was firm enough.
"Sir, but… they're offering to fund sixty percent of the construction cost,"
he said carefully.
"If we reject this, we'll have to liquidate assets."
I leaned back , my gaze stayed outside.
"Do you think they're offering majority control out of generosity?" I asked quietly.
He hesitated.
"No, sir."
"They don't want partnership," I continued.
"They want leverage."
The assistant swallowed and adjusted the file in his hand.
"Sir… the board might disagree."
I let out a slow breath and turned to face him.
"The board works for me."
The air paused.
"Prepare a counter proposal."
His eyes lifted slightly.
"Forty percent funding. Forty-nine percent control. Non-negotiable."
"And if they refuse, sir?"
I turned, my expression unreadable.
"Then they can watch Skyline Tower rise… without them."
The assistant straightened immediately. "Yes, sir."
I looked outside again, grounding myself.
My mind flickered back to the thoughts about her.
Eliza
I might look controlled and composed but my mind whispers her name. I am living with her memories.
Do you still remember me, Eliza?
I have became famous. Isn't it easy for you to find me?
I don't care. I will come to you. Soon.
I didn't realize I was smiling.
"Sir, today's meeting-"
"Cancel tomorrow's meetings. I am busy with something else." I cut him off.
He was silent for a second.
"Sir, but we might lose crores" he said with a slight hesitation.
"I don't care" I replied, my tone laced with a determination.
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