A cool breeze was blowing from the Karun River, tousling Milad's hair. His business meeting at the Ahvaz waterfront park wasn't as fruitless as he had anticipated. Although no deal had been struck, his eyes were locked onto Fatemeh's. She was a girl with long black hair that reached her waist and eyes that seemed to hide many untold stories. At 34, Milad was experiencing a year of losses. He had lost both his company and his reputation. Now, he had started over, selling home appliances. He had neither a house nor a car, but there was a hope in his heart that maybe, just maybe, this time things would turn around.
Fatemeh was 38 years old. Her face looked more mature than her age suggested. It seemed that life had placed a heavy burden on her shoulders. She had recently divorced Masoud, her ex-husband. Masoud was wealthy, very wealthy. But Fatemeh said he drained her spirit. She had studied law, but fate had led her to their family restaurant. Now she was its manager.
Milad tried to smile. “The weather is really nice, isn’t it?”
Fatemeh smiled back. “Yes, Ahvaz is known for its weather.”
A brief silence fell between them. Milad didn’t know what to say. He wanted to say something to warm Fatemeh's heart, but he couldn’t find the words.
Finally, Fatemeh broke the silence. “You know, Milad, I’m tired of arrogant and selfish men. Masoud always thought that because he had money, he could do anything. He insulted me, humiliated me…” Her voice trembled.
Milad placed his hand on Fatemeh’s hand. “I’m sorry, Fatemeh. He shouldn’t have treated you that way.”
Fatemeh locked her gaze onto Milad’s eyes. “You’re not like Masoud. You may not be wealthy, but… you have character. You respect me. It feels like my words matter to you.”
Milad’s heart raced. “You matter to me, Fatemeh. You matter a lot.”
That day, a business meeting turned into a romantic date. They walked for hours along the waterfront park, sharing stories about their lives, hopes, and dreams. Milad realized how strong and independent Fatemeh was. She was a woman who had tasted the bitter flavor of failure but still believed in love.
Days passed quickly. Milad and Fatemeh grew closer each day. Milad helped Fatemeh manage the restaurant, and Fatemeh motivated Milad to stand on his own feet again.
One night, Milad invited Fatemeh to a romantic dinner at a cozy restaurant. When dinner ended, Milad got up and said to Fatemeh, “Fatemeh, I know it’s too soon, but… I’ve fallen in love with you. I know my situation isn’t great, but I promise I will do my best to make you happy.”
Fatemeh looked at Milad with teary eyes. “Milad, I have fallen in love with you too. I don’t need Masoud’s money or wealth. I need your love and respect.”
Milad smiled. “Fatemeh, I want to be with you. I want to build my life with you.”
Fatemeh took Milad’s hand. “I feel the same way, Milad. But… I'm scared. I’m afraid of making a mistake again.”
Milad said gently, “I understand, Fatemeh. You’re right. But I’m not Masoud. I will never hurt you. I will always respect you and love you.”
Fatemeh smiled. “I know, Milad. I know. I trust you. But… let’s take our time to get to know each other better. Let me be sure this isn’t just a fleeting feeling.”
Milad agreed, knowing that Fatemeh needed time. He was willing to wait for her to fully trust him.
Meanwhile, Masoud, who had been cast out of Fatemeh's life and even blocked her number, felt intense anger and jealousy. He couldn’t accept that Fatemeh was happy with another man. He decided to sabotage this relationship at any cost.
Masoud began to investigate Milad. He learned that Milad had gone bankrupt and had no money. Masoud decided to use this information to his advantage.
Masoud contacted one of Fatemeh’s old friends. He told her that Milad was only with Fatemeh for her money and that he would soon leave her. He asked her friend to relay this message to Fatemeh.
Fatemeh’s friend, worried about her, called Fatemeh and shared the story. Fatemeh was shocked. She didn’t know what to do.
Fatemeh called Milad and asked to meet. When they met, Fatemeh angrily said to Milad, “I heard you went bankrupt and have no money. I heard you’re only with me because of my money.”
Milad was taken aback. He didn’t know what to say. He didn’t want Fatemeh to think he was only with her for her money.
Milad tried to explain to Fatemeh that he truly loved her and that money didn’t matter to him. But Fatemeh didn’t want to believe his words. She was angry and felt deceived.
Fatemeh told Milad that she didn’t want to see him anymore. She said she didn’t trust him and couldn’t marry him.
Milad’s heart broke. He couldn’t believe that Fatemeh had left him.
Days passed painfully. Milad couldn’t forget Fatemeh. He thought about her every day and wished he could be with her again.
Fatemeh wasn’t doing any better. She missed Milad but couldn’t trust him. She was afraid of being deceived again and having her heart broken.
One night, Fatemeh dreamed that Milad was leaving her. In her dream, Milad told her that he no longer loved her and wanted to marry another woman.
Fatemeh woke up in fear. She realized that she couldn’t live without Milad. She knew she had to give him another chance.