Chapter 162: Putting Down the Burden
James Brown had adjusted his emotions by the time he returned to the company, although he felt an indescribable sense of loss, there was also a sense of relief, as if the emotional debt that had been weighing on his heart for years was finally put down with Melody Yoody’s departure.
"Could it be that I no longer like Melody Yoody?" James wondered to himself.
He was startled by his own thought; he felt that his feelings for Melody Yoody were not that deep after all. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been so calm when she left. Time is a butcher’s knife; he had thought that Melody Yoody was his true love, and for her, he had refused to accept the affections of any other woman. Now he realized that it was just self-deception. He did think about Melody Yoody, but that youthful fondness was not real, enduring love—it couldn’t withstand any turmoil, and a small incident was enough to shatter it.
James didn’t feel regretful; he had grown up and could examine himself now. He knew that he and Melody Yoody were on different paths; their lifestyles were very different. Melody Yoody had a strong personality, and although he seemed easygoing, he was also quite stubborn at heart, so even if they married, it would be difficult to adapt to each other, as neither could smooth out their sharp edges for the other.
Perhaps letting go was a better method after all, James concluded in the end.
Although the company was busy, James still found himself quite relaxed. Today was Friday, and he went straight home after work, unlike others who stayed late at the office.
As soon as he exited the elevator, James saw Emma Campbell standing at his doorstep, her face lit up with joy as she greeted him, "Big Brother Brown, you’re back?"
Seeing the smile on Emma’s face, James felt as if his heart was soothed by a stream of fresh water, and he couldn’t help but smile as well, saying, "Silly girl, why didn’t you call me before coming?"
Emma smiled sweetly, saying, "I was afraid I’d disturb you at work, so I just waited here."
"What if I hadn’t come back?" James asked while unlocking his door.
"Then I would have gone back home."