Chương 19: Chapter 19: I'm still here, waiting for you
"Oh boss! You were so cool, but I admit, I fear that version of you," the secretary said, a playful spark in her eye.
Sam's footsteps halted, his eyes squinting slightly as he turned towards her. "You? Afraid of me?"
The secretary stopped as well, her face suddenly turning serious. "Oops! Did I just ruin the mood?" she thought, her expression becoming distant.
Noticing her distraction, Sam stepped closer, gently guiding her toward the car. "First, let's get out of this overwhelming crowd."
As they approached the car, Sam opened the front passenger door and gestured for her to enter. "Get in."
"Hmm..." She nodded and slid into the seat, her mind still wandering.
Sam then turned to his driver, who stood frozen with his mouth wide open. Smiling, Sam asked, "Why the wide mouth?"
"Sorry, boss. I just got a little... distracted," the driver stammered, quickly handing over the keys.
"I'm in a good mood today. Take the rest of the day off," Sam said, patting the driver's shoulder before sliding into the driver's seat himself.
With the engine roaring to life, they soon disappeared onto the highway.
"Boss, I've read the document..." the secretary's trembling hand placed the papers on the car's console, her thoughts spiraling.
Sensing her unease, Sam flicked her forehead gently. "Why are you so lost in thought?"
"I just can't believe it, boss. In one month... all of this is really going to happen?" Her voice quivered slightly.
Calmly steering through the highway, Sam nodded, taking her hand in his. "I know it's a lot to take in, and I don't expect you to adjust overnight. But don't be too tense." He rubbed her hand softly. "I want you to be prepared, not overwhelmed. I don't want to see you hurt in the days ahead."
The road was mostly clear now, so Sam eased off the accelerator and glanced at her. "You're stronger than you think. You'll be able to handle it."
Her shoulders relaxed, and a hint of color returned to her face. With a faint smile, she said, "Thank you, boss, for trusting me."
Seeing the hint of recovery on her face, a faint smile crept onto Sam's lips. He glanced at her briefly before refocusing on the road. He took a turn, and within a few minutes, the car came to a stop at a viewpoint where they could see the towering beauty of distant mountains and dense forests. The scene was breathtaking, though all of it seemed far away.
Stepping out of the car, Sam opened the door for her. "You might be feeling down, but maybe this view will lift your spirits," he said softly. She stepped out, her eyes instantly drawn to the majestic mountains and the lush green forest. "It's beautiful," she whispered.
Standing behind her, Sam gently placed his hands on her shoulders, massaging them soothingly. "This might help you feel a little better," he said, his voice filled with care.
Divya, his secretary, stood silently for a moment, soaking in the beauty of the landscape. Then, without turning around, she asked the question that had been weighing on her mind. "Sam, I know you've loved me for a long time, and I've never confessed or returned your feelings. Do you know why?"
Sam was momentarily lost in thought. A bittersweet smile tugged at his lips. "I always thought I just didn't know how to express it," he admitted. Continuing to massage her shoulders, he added, "You probably know better than anyone. I'm not exactly experienced with this sort of thing. Maybe you didn't want to ruin our friendship?"
She chuckled at his innocence, a small laugh escaping her lips. "No, Sam," she began, her voice softer now, tinged with emotion. "I grew up in a middle-class family. I'm the only daughter, and I have no siblings."
Her gaze shifted to the horizon, eyes misting over. "The one thing my parents have always been proud of is that I got my MBA from abroad and landed a job right after."
A shiver ran through her body, and her voice wavered slightly. "During college, I had many friends who worked part-time jobs to pay for their education and living expenses. I was inspired by them. You might not know this, but I did the same. I worked part-time to pay my own way."
Pausing, she wiped at her eyes and continued. "One day, my parents found out. They couldn't believe their daughter was working to support herself. I'll never forget the look on their faces—their trembling hands, their quivering voices. They were heartbroken."
She turned to Sam, her eyes filled with tears. "Do you want to know what they said to me?"
Sam gently wiped her tears away, his voice soft. "You can tell me anything, Divya. Don't hold back."
Without a word, he moved behind the car and grabbed a blanket. Returning to her side, he spread it out on the ground, then helped her lie down with her head resting on his thigh. Stroking her hair, he whispered, "It's okay to cry. Share what you want to. I'm here for you, no judgment."
Divya let out a soft laugh, her eyes still wet. "You always say the wrong thing at the right time," she teased, though her smile was grateful.
Sam scratched his head awkwardly, offering a sheepish smile. "I'm still here, waiting for you."
Her smile widened as she patted his leg. "You always try so hard to lift me out of my dark moods," she said gently. "But you'll understand me better if you hear this."
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