"If you love two people at the same time, choose the second one because if you really loved the first one you wouldn't have fallen for the second one."
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I stepped out of the boardroom, frustration simmering beneath the surface. The meeting had dragged on longer than I'd anticipated, and the tension with my father hung thick in the air. I was supposed to meet Aria tonight, and the thought of keeping her waiting gnawed at me.
After a quick glance at my phone, I saw her last message—a simple check-in. I wanted to reply, but I was still knee-deep in negotiations with a rival faction. It was the kind of business that demanded my full attention, and I couldn't afford to slip up. We were discussing territories and alliances—things that could escalate quickly if not handled properly.
As the minutes turned into an hour, a knot formed in my stomach. I hated being late, especially for someone like Aria, who was clearly trying to step into a new chapter of her life. I wanted to support her, not be another disappointment.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I wrapped up the negotiations. I shook hands with the leaders, forcing myself to stay composed despite the guilt gnawing at me. The evening air hit me as I stepped outside, and I took a moment to collect my thoughts before I hurried to my car.
Driving through the city, I pushed aside the anxiety creeping in. I had a date to salvage. As I glanced at the time, my heart sank. I wouldn't text her; it was too late for that. I just hoped she hadn't left the restaurant yet.
When I pulled into the parking lot, the restaurant's warm glow was inviting but felt distant. I rushed inside, my heart racing, and approached the hostess.
"Table for two, under James," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
She led me to the table, and my stomach dropped when I saw the empty seat across from Aria. My disappointment deepened as I scanned the room; she was nowhere in sight. I glanced at my watch—an hour late. Damn it.
I quickly exited, frustration boiling over. As I stepped outside, my phone buzzed. It was Tony, and I hesitated before answering.
"Stergios, what the hell? Simone just called me, and she's freaking out about Aria," he said, his voice tight.
"What do you mean?" I asked, trying to catch my breath.
"She said you stood her up. Aria's been waiting, and now she's gone. She was excited about this date," Tony replied, frustration evident in his tone.
"I didn't mean to—work got in the way," I said, running a hand through my hair.
"Bro, you've got to fix this. You're screwing it up before it even starts," he warned.
"Yeah, I know," I muttered, pacing outside the restaurant. "I'll make it right."
"Just talk to her. Don't let this be the end before it even begins. She deserves better than this," Tony added, his voice softening slightly.
