"Wait…what? No? What do you mean…" Michael''s face fell as soon as he processed Bridget''s answer. He was expecting that she''d reciprocate his feelings, not reject them. His heart sank as he looked into her eyes, trying to understand the reason behind her response.


    Bridget sighed. Michael, I do like you. You''re an amazing person and an incredible partner in business. But when ites to us, I feel like it''s mostly just words. You say you have strong feelings for me, but I haven''t seen those feelings reflected in your actions."


    Michael blinked, his mind racing to recall moments where he might have shown his affection. "But Bridget, I''ve always tried to be there for you, to support you in everything we do."


    "Yes, you have," Bridget acknowledged. "But supporting me in business and being emotionally present are two different things. You''ve always been focused on our projects, our goals, our visions. And while that''s admirable, it leaves little room for personal connections."


    Michael felt a pang of guilt. He had indeed been consumed by his ambitions, always thinking about the next big move, the next project, the next milestone.


    "I didn''t realize I was neglecting our personal rtionship. I thought we were building something together."


    "We are, Michael," Bridget said gently. "But building a business empire and building a romantic rtionship require different kinds of effort. You''ve always been so focused on our professional achievements that I''ve never felt like a priority in your personal life."


    Michael''s heart sank further. "I didn''t mean to make you feel that way. I care about you deeply, Bridget. I really do."


    "I believe you," Bridget replied. "But caring isn''t just about saying the right words. It''s about showing it through actions. And I haven''t felt that from you. There have been times when I needed you emotionally, but you were too caught up in work to notice. It feels like I''m just another part of your business n."


    Michael''s mind shed back to numerous instances where he had prioritized work over spending quality time with Bridget. He had always assumed she understood his dedication to their shared goals, but he had clearly misjudged the impact on their rtionship.


    "Ohh…no no no… It was not my intention to hurt you, Bridget," Michael said, his voice filled with regret. "I thought we were on the same page, striving for our goals together. I never realized I was neglecting the emotional aspect of our rtionship."


    Bridget''s eyes softened, but she maintained her firm stance. "Michael, I know you didn''t mean to hurt me. But intentions alone aren''t enough. It''s the actions that matter. I need to feel valued, not just as your business partner, but as someone you care about deeply."


    Michael''s mind raced as he tried to find a way to make amends. "Bridget, I''m willing to change. I want to be there for you, not just in business, but in every aspect of life. Tell me what I need to do."


    "Then you should try harder…" Bridget said firmly. "Michael, it''s not about grand gestures or promises. It''s about the little things. It''s about being present and showing me that you care through your actions."


    "I will try harder…" Michael said with conviction.


    "We should go back now. They are waiting for us," Bridget suggested, her tone softening.


    Michael nodded, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "You''re right. Let''s go back."


    They returned to the dining room, where the lively conversation andughter filled the air. Despite the warm ambiance, a somber expression lingered on both Michael and Bridget''s faces.


    Henry Sy Jr. noticed immediately. His keen eyes took in their expressions, and he sensed that something significant had transpired. He approached them with a concerned look.


    "Michael, Bridget, is everything alright? You both look a bit... off."


    Michael forced a smile, trying to mask his emotions. "It''s nothing, Mr. Sy. Just had a small, personal conversation."


    Bridget nodded in agreement. "Yes, nothing to worry about. We''re fine."


    Henry studied them for a moment longer.


    "Personal conversation, eh…? Well, if you ever need to talk, my door is always open," Henry said, his tone kind but probing.


    "Thank you, Mr. Sy," Michael replied, appreciating the offer but eager to move past the scrutiny.


    Bridget added, "Yes, thank you. We appreciate it."


    Henry nodded, his gaze lingering for a moment before he turned back to his other guests. Michael and Bridget returned to their seats, the weight of their earlier conversation hanging between them.


    Michael struggled to concentrate on the remainder of the dinner. The food tasted nd, the conversations around him seemed distant, and all he could think about was Bridget''s words. He knew she was right. He had to show her, not just tell her, how much she meant to him.


    Bridget, on the other hand, maintained herposure, engaging politely with the other guests. But Michael could see the flicker of sadness in her eyes, a sadness that mirrored his own.


    The dinner eventually came to an end, and the guests began to leave. Michael and Bridget thanked Henry for his hospitality and made their way to the car in silence.


    He opened the door for her and helped her climb up.


    "Thank you…" Bridget said softly as she settled into the car. Michael nodded, closing the door and walking around to the driver''s side.


    As Michael drove, the city lights passing by seemed to blur into a reflection of his thoughts. He stole nces at Bridget, her face illuminated intermittently by the streetlights. She looked deep in thought, and he wondered what was going through her mind.


    When they finally reached Bridget''s ce, Michael turned off the engine and sat in the quiet car for a moment. "Bridget, I know I''ve said it before, but I''m really sorry. I promise to show you how much you mean to me, through my actions."


    Bridget looked at him, her expression a mix of sadness and hope. "Michael, I want to believe you. I really do. But I need to see it. I need to feel it."


    He nodded, understanding the weight of her words. "I understand. I''ll prove it to you."


    She smiled faintly. "Goodnight, Michael."


    "Goodnight, Bridget."


    "Would you like me to walk you to your door?" Michael asked, his voice tinged with hope.


    Bridget shook her head gently. "No, thank you, Michael. I need some time to think."


    Michael nodded, respecting her need for space. "Alright. If you need anything, you know you can call me."


    "I know. Thank you, Michael."


    Bridget stepped out of the car and walked to her door. Michael watched her go, and for him it felt like she was leaving him for the first time. He sat in his car for a few minutes, staring at the door Bridget had just entered. His heart felt heavy, but there was a spark of determination within him. He knew he had to change, and he was ready to do whatever it took to win Bridget''s trust and affection.


    ***


    A dayter, at the Golden Topper.@@novelbin@@


    Michael was in his office along with Juliet. She was going over thetest proposal for their shipbuilding division. Her presentation was thorough, filled with data and strategic insights, but Michael''s mind was wandering, still reying his conversation with Bridget.


    "Michael, did you hear what I said?" Juliet''s voice broke through his thoughts.


    Michael snapped back to the present. "Sorry, Juliet. Can you repeat that?"


    Juliet sighed, though her tone remained professional. "I was saying that we should consider acquiring a license from German and UK shipbuildingpanies. This would allow us to build a line of destroyers and corvettes. The technology and expertise from these partnerships would significantly elerate our capabilities."


    Michael nodded, trying to focus. "That sounds like a solid n. Whatpanies are we looking at specifically?"


    Juliet nced at her notes. "We''re considering ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems from Germany and BAE Systems from the UK. Both have extensive experience in naval shipbuilding and a strong track record of sessful projects."


    Michael leaned back in his chair, and asked a follow-up question dispiritedly… "And what would be the next steps?"


    "Sir, why do you sound so disinterested? Did something happen to you?" Juliet''s concern was evident in her voice.


    Michael sighed, rubbing his temples. "It''s personal, Juliet. Something happened with Bridgetst night, and it''s been weighing on me."


    "With Lady Bridget? What could happen between you two?" Juliet asked curiously.


    "She rejected me," Michael admitted, his voice heavy with disappointment. "I told her how I felt, but she said she hasn''t seen my feelings reflected in my actions. She feels like just another part of my business n."


    "So that''s what''s troubling you, sir…" Juliet said sympathetically. "I can see why that would be hard for you, but you can''t let it affect your work too much. Bridget is an important part of your life, but so is thispany and its future."


    Michael nodded, appreciating her honesty. "I know, Juliet. I''m trying to find a bnce, but it''s difficult."


    Juliet leaned forward, her tone bing more encouraging. "You''re one of the most driven and sessful people I know, sir. If anyone can find a way to bnce personal and professional life, it''s you. Maybe this is an opportunity to prove to Bridget that you can change."


    "I will prove to her that I can change," Michael said.