William stayed the whole day at home, thinking of a way to create a tragedy that would make Tina run to him. Did she mean it when she said I was old? he wondered to himself, pouring wine into his glass.
I am just 31 years old. What makes her think I'm too old? He tried calling her phone several times, but she wasn't picking up. He sent her several text messages, but she didn't respond either.
"Good afternoon, Mr. William," Nancy greeted, shocked to receive a call from him.
"Good afternoon, Nancy. I just wanted to ask how Tina is doing. Have you perhaps spoken to her? Is she okay?" he asked, worry evident in his voice.
Nancy turned to Tina, who was manipulating her phone next to her. "Yes, she's here with me. Is there a problem, Mr. William?"
"Is she there with her cellphone?" he asked.
"Umm... no, she's not with her cellphone. Is there a problem, Mr. William?"
"No, it's okay." He hung up, knowing she had lied to him. He had been calling Tina for days, but she wasn't picking up or responding to his text messages. He even had to ask his men to keep an eye on her, scared she might be in danger, but it turned out she was simply avoiding him.
That evening, his friends invited him out to a party where they drank and discussed various topics.
"William, are you okay? You look troubled. Is Edward doing okay?" Ken asked, worried about him. Unlike his usual self, William was quiet, paying more attention to his drink than to their conversation. He barely even spoke.
"It's Tina."
Matthew nodded his head, trying hard to control his laughter. "I told you—you love this girl, but you argue. What has she done to put you in this state?"
In one smooth motion, William ran his hand through his hair in frustration. "She thinks I'm too old for her, you know? I'm only eight years older than her, but she made me feel like I'm 80 years older. Can you imagine that?"
"Hahaha! 😆" Matthew laughed. "I told you one day you would meet your match. Women always think older men are better because of their willingness, maturity, and affection, but that girl is definitely a hard nut to crack." "I don't know, but there is something about Tina that makes me want her even more. I have never felt this way toward any woman. I like everything about her, and you can't imagine—she told me she's still a minor, considering our age gap!"
"Hahaha, 😆😆" both of his friends burst into laughter.
"I feel like she despises the ground I walk on. She once said she admired me and was ambitious about being close to me, but I don't see that anymore. All I see now is hatred," William said, his voice heavy with frustration. His friends grew serious, surprised to see him downgrading himself for the first time because of a woman.
"Women can be crazy at times," Matthew said, tapping his shoulder.
"I think you should give her some time or maybe talk to her and see how you two can fix things. Maybe don't approach her as a CEO or from a position of authority. Instead, try being friends with her first. Find out what changed. I think you should pocket that CEO position of yours and face her like a gentleman."
Matthew continued, "Talk to her calmly. Don't make her feel commanded, but instead always give her the opportunity to choose. If she says no, respect it. Women love that—especially if they don't like you initially. It creates a foundation of respect. Take this as advice from someone who's been married for three years."
William nodded his head, grateful for the advice. It was a great point to start from.
Ken looked at both of them. Although he wasn't married, he had to agree—Matthew gave the best advice when it came to relationships.
"I think you should listen to Matthew. He's right."
————
The next day, which was Saturday, William sent Tina a message. After receiving the documents from James regarding Tina's date with her course mate. He thought of Mathew's advice and decided it was best he said calm.
"Good morning. I want us to talk. Please let me know when you are free. Thank you."
He waited for her response and saw that she had read the message.
After a few minutes, he added, "If you're busy, then it's fine. You don't have to think too hard about it. It's just a harmless meeting in a public place. We can always meet during the week, next week, or maybe the week after that."
He kept his phone next to him, waiting for her reply. This was the first time he had been so polite toward a woman.
After a few minutes, a notification popped up.
"I am free today. Where do you want us to meet and talk, and at what time?"
William smiled, silently thanking Matthew for his advice, as he quickly responded.
"You can choose any place you like. If it's fine by you, we can meet early so you can attend to other things. I know it's the weekend, so you must be busy."
He was about to take a bath when another notification came through.
"I think 4 p.m. is okay by me, but I don't know where we can meet. I only have 50€ to spend."
William smiled. "It's fine. You won't have to spend more than 50 euros. There's a restaurant near your school. How about it? Are you okay with it?"
"No," she replied. "My coursemates and other people might misinterpret our relationship. I'd prefer somewhere farther."
"Okay. I know a place near my house. It's also a restaurant. I can drop you off once we're done. Are you okay with that?"
"Yes, I'm fine with that. Send me the address, and I'll meet you there," she replied.
"Sure, I will. Thank you," he responded.
"You're welcome, Mr. William."
William frowned in frustration. Mr. William again? When does she plan on cutting off this formality? Deep down, I know she curses me without adding 'sir' to it, but when she talks to me, she suddenly starts acting all formal.