Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 297: The Space

A day later, Michael was at the Manila International Airport, his eyes scanning the busy crowd for any sign of Bridget. The airport was bustling with activity, with travelers hurrying to their gates, and announcements echoing overhead.

Michael felt a sense of urgency as he made his way through the throngs of people, his heart pounding with anticipation and worry.

He had to see Bridget before she left for Germany. He needed to talk to her. He couldn't let her leave, especially when he was experiencing such turmoil and uncertainty about their relationship.

Finally, he spotted her near the check-in counters, her familiar figure standing out in the crowd. She was talking to an airline staff member, her expression focused and slightly anxious. Michael quickened his pace, weaving through the sea of passengers until he was just a few feet away from her.

"Bridget!" he called out, his voice cutting through the noise of the airport.

Bridget turned, her eyes widening in surprise as she saw him. "Michael? What are you doing here?"

Michael took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. "I needed to see you before you left. I know you're busy, but please, just give me a few minutes."

Bridget looked conflicted, glancing back at the airline staff member and then at Michael. "What's there to talk about, Michael? I have heard your conviction. There is nothing for us to talk about other than respecting my decision."

Michael stepped closer, his eyes pleading. "Bridget, I understand that I haven't shown you the commitment you deserve, but I need you to know that I can't do that if you are going to push me away and put distance between us."

"Oh, now you are blaming me?" Bridget raised an eyebrow, her tone sharp. "You can't just come here and make it seem like it's my fault. I'm asking for space because I need it, Michael. You have to respect that."

Michael shook his head, his expression desperate. "I'm not blaming you, Bridget. I'm just asking for a chance to show you that I can be the partner you deserve. I know I've made mistakes, but I want to make things right."

Bridget didn't respond to her.

"Look, if you are not going to talk to me because you have a flight then, I guess I'll have to call my pilot and charter a flight to Germany. I will follow you there," Michael said, his voice firm with determination. "I can't just let you go without making an effort to fix this."

Bridget's eyes widened in shock. "Michael, you can't be serious. You can't just drop everything and follow me to Germany. That's not the solution."

"Then if you don't want to follow me, why would you text me about you leaving today for Germany?" Michael asked. "If you really don't want me to follow you, you wouldn't even tell me where you are. That's a sign that you still care, Bridget. Please, give me this chance to make things right."

Bridget sighed, her resolve wavering for a moment. "Michael, it's not that simple. I told you about my trip because I wanted to be honest with you. I didn't want to just disappear without a word. But that doesn't mean I want you to follow me or to make any grand gestures. I just need time and space to figure things out."

Michael's shoulders sagged slightly, but he didn't back down. "I understand, Bridget. I'm not trying to crowd you or force you into anything. I just wanted you to know how serious I am to you."

Bridget looked at him for a long moment, her eyes filled with conflicting emotions. "Michael, I do appreciate that. I really do. But this trip is important for me. I need this time away to think. Can you respect that?

And it's not only you who are bothered by this."

Michael nodded slowly, his heart aching but knowing he had to let her go. "I respect that, Bridget. I won't follow you. But please, when you get back, can we sit down and talk about everything?"

Bridget gave a small, sad smile. "Alright, Michael. When I get back, we'll talk. But for now, I need to go."

Michael stepped back, giving her the space she needed. "Safe travels, Bridget. I'll be here when you get back."

She nodded, picking up her bag and turning towards the gate. As she walked away, Michael watched her go, his heart heavy but hopeful.

Seeing her go towards the gate made his heart ache even more. He felt a mix of emotions—regret, hope, and a deep longing to make things right. He stood there for a few moments, watching as she disappeared into the crowd, feeling a sense of emptiness.

Determined to turn his feelings into action, Michael took a deep breath and left the airport. He knew that respecting Bridget's need for space was crucial, but he also knew that he needed to work on himself in the meantime.

Michael arrived at his office, and Juliet was there waiting for him. She looked up from her work as he walked in. "How did it go?" she asked, concern evident in her eyes.

Michael sighed, running a hand through his hair. "She needs time and space to think. I promised I'd respect that."

Juliet nodded. "That's a good step, Michael. Giving her the space she needs is important. What will you do now?"

"I'm going to focus on work and on myself," Michael replied. "I can't just dwell on these emotions and let them consume me. I need to be proactive and make positive changes."

Juliet gave him an encouraging smile. "That's the right attitude, Michael. Remember, we're all here to support you."

Michael spent the following days immersing himself in work. He attended meetings, reviewed reports, and strategized for future projects with renewed determination. He also took time each day for personal reflection and growth, seeking advice from trusted friends and reading books on relationships and self-improvement.

As the days turned into weeks, Michael began to notice changes in himself. He was more aware of his actions and their impact on others. He made a conscious effort to balance his professional and personal life better, ensuring that he was present and engaged with those around him.

One afternoon, while Michael was in a meeting with his team discussing a new project, his phone buzzed with a message. Glancing at the screen, he saw it was from Bridget.

[Hi Michael, I'm back from Germany. Can we meet tomorrow to talk?]

Michael's heart raced with anticipation. He quickly typed a reply.

"Fine."