Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 296: Why Does it Hurts?

"But before you can change, Mr. Reyes. I need your decision on our shipbuilding sector. Should we contact the shipbuilding companies for a discussion over a potential partnership?" Juliet asked, looking at Michael expectantly.

Michael took a deep breath and tried to refocus his thoughts. "Yes, Juliet. Go ahead and contact ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and BAE Systems. Arrange meetings with their representatives as soon as possible. We need to get this moving."

Juliet nodded, making a note on her tablet. "Understood, sir. I'll reach out to them today and set up the meetings. Is there anything else you'd like me to address?"

Michael shook his head. "No, that's all for now. Just keep me updated on any progress."

"Will do, Mr. Reyes," Juliet replied, standing up and heading towards the door. She paused before leaving, turning back to him. "And sir, don't be too hard on yourself. You'll figure things out with Bridget."

"Thanks, Juliet," Michael said, offering a faint smile. "I appreciate your support."

After Juliet left, Michael leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. His mind was still clouded with thoughts of Bridget and their conversation. He knew he had to make changes, but it wouldn't be easy balancing his professional and personal life.

Determined to start somewhere, Michael pulled out his phone and sent a quick text to Bridget:

[Hey Bridget, I've been thinking a lot about our conversation. I want to make things right and show you how much you mean to me. Can we meet for dinner tonight?]

He hit send and hoped for a positive response. In the meantime, he turned his attention back to the stack of reports on his desk. There was still work to be done, and he needed to stay focused.

Five minutes later, his phone chimed and Michael quickly picked it up to read the message from Bridget.

"Hey Michael, I appreciate your message. I'm really busy handling some things right now and can't make it tonight. Maybe another time?"

"She's not available?" Michael muttered. Normally, she'd accept his invitation for dinner without hesitation. He stared at her message for a moment before typing a response.

[No problem, Bridget. Just let me know when you're free. Take care.]

He put his phone down, feeling a mix of frustration and determination. He knew he had to give her the space she needed but also prove to her that he was serious about changing.

Michael decided to channel his energy into his work. He spent the next few hours meticulously reviewing the reports from different industries and they were all doing well. All are doing well except for him.

This is the first time he has experienced working while thinking of someone constantly. He felt his heart stiff and he couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment. Determined to push through, he forced himself to focus on the task at hand. The reports required his attention, and he couldn't afford to let his personal issues affect his professional responsibilities.

As the day wore on, Michael managed to regain some semblance of concentration. He had several meetings scheduled with key team members to discuss ongoing projects and future plans.

Later in the afternoon, Juliet returned to his office with an update. "Mr. Reyes, I've scheduled meetings with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and BAE Systems for next week. Both companies are very interested in discussing potential partnerships."

"Great work, Juliet," Michael replied, forcing a smile.

"You are still thinking of Lady Bridget," Juliet observed.

Michael sighed, leaning back in his chair. "I can't help it, Juliet. She's on my mind constantly. I know I need to focus on work, but it's difficult."

Juliet nodded, understanding the dilemma. "It's natural to be preoccupied, Michael. But remember, you've always been able to balance multiple priorities. You can do this too. Maybe take a small break and clear your head?"

Michael considered her suggestion. "You're right. Maybe a short break would help. Thanks, Juliet."

Juliet smiled. "Anytime, Mr. Reyes. Just remember, we're all here to support you."

As Juliet left the room, Michael decided to take a short walk around the office building. He needed to clear his mind and refocus. Walking through the corridors, he greeted a few employees, trying to distract himself from the thoughts swirling in his head.

He also went to the rooftop of the Golden Topper where he could see the view of the entire BGC skyline around the city. The panoramic view of the bustling city beneath him offered a momentary escape. He took a deep breath, letting the cool breeze calm his racing thoughts.

But—his thoughts kept returning to that evening when Bridget rejected his feelings. He couldn't shake the disappointment and the nagging sense of failure. After a while on the rooftop, Michael decided he needed more than just a walk to clear his head. He made his way back down to his office and grabbed his jacket.

As he exited the building, Michael headed towards a nearby upscale bar he occasionally visited. It was a place where he could unwind and, for a moment, forget the pressures of his responsibilities.

He pulled up his jacket's hood and made his way inside the dimly lit bar, finding a quiet corner where he could sit alone. The bartender, recognizing him, approached with a knowing smile.

"Evening, Mr. Reyes. The usual?" the bartender asked.

Michael nodded. "Yes, please."

As the bartender prepared his drink, Michael leaned back in his seat, letting the ambiance of the bar wash over him. The murmur of conversations and soft music provided a backdrop that was both comforting and isolating. When the drink arrived, he took a sip, savoring the familiar burn of the alcohol.

His mind kept drifting back to Bridget. He couldn't help but replay their conversation, trying to understand where he went wrong and how he could make things right. Despite his best efforts to distract himself, the weight of their discussion hung heavily on him.

After a couple of drinks, Michael's thoughts began to blur, but the ache in his heart remained. He realized that numbing the pain wouldn't solve his problems.

"Why does it hurt?" Michael muttered to himself, staring into his glass. He knew that the answer wasn't in the bottom of the glass, but he couldn't help but seek a temporary escape from the turmoil in his mind. He signaled the bartender for another drink, hoping to dull the sharp edges of his thoughts.

As he took another sip, his phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen, expecting it to be another work-related message. To his surprise, it was a message from Bridget.

[Michael…I'll be flying to Germany tomorrow for my father's birthday. We might not be able to have that dinner. Maybe after my trip, we can hang out?]

Michael clicked his tongue. "Why all of a sudden."