......
As Maria studied Liam carefully, she noticed that his handsome face showed the vicissitudes of life that belied his age.
How hard it must have been for him during this period of time. A failed career is something that hits a man's ambition hard. He must have lost all his confidence. Maria thought to herself, her heart aching.
Noticing the pain in her eyes, he turned and gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't look at me as if I'm someone weak."
Maria was flustered. Then, she smiled in an embarrassed way. "I don't think you're weak. I've always thought of you as a capable person. Truly."
Liam saw how serious she was, and he could not help but laugh.
With everything that had happened, he was grateful to have Maria as his girlfriend. During the quiet of the night when he was alone, just thinking of her warmed the cockles of his heart.
And when he was with Maria, his smile was more relaxed.