The Strongest Husband: A Man of Duty

Brian Knight entered the Coffee Cafe. His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings before stopping at a table. There, a woman in a white dress sat alone. Brian cleared his throat, feeling something lodged in his throat. Before stepping closer to her, he loosened his tie slightly and took a deep breath. This was his first time being involved in a blind date. He cursed his friends for putting him in this situation. "No, Grandpa. I don’t want to be set up!" Brian stood, staring at the woman in the white dress who was busy talking on the phone. He didn’t blink for a moment, even silently complimenting her in his mind. Wow, this woman is incredibly beautiful! Brian smiled at the thought that had crossed his mind, momentarily thinking he had fallen in love at first sight, like in romantic movies. Thankfully, he quickly regained his composure. He then sat down right in front of the woman. "Please give me a little more time, I’m bringing my fiancé home," the woman said, noticing Brian’s presence. She frowned as she spoke, "Wait a moment, Grandpa," she added, pausing her conversation. Brian extended his hand with a broad smile. "Hi, sorry to keep you waiting. I’m Brian Knight, from Norway, 28 years old." "Huh?" Her brows furrowed, her expression puzzled. Brian glanced at her right hand, which was empty. He felt a little awkward as his handshake was not returned. However, he quickly spoke up, "It’s alright, some people aren’t comfortable shaking hands with someone they have just met." He withdrew his hand. The woman placed her phone on the table. "Sorry, why are you sitting here?" She forced a smile. "Well, because you’re sitting here too," Brian answered bluntly, surprising her. He continued, "Oh, I haven’t told you my job yet. I’m a former soldier, now I work as an obstetrics nurse. And, well, that brings some new issues, like my failed love life. I have a hard time maintaining relationships because my ex didn’t like my job. Maybe it’s the same with you." "I’m taking a risk by telling you my real job, but I thought it’s better to say it upfront. I don’t want to start a relationship with lies." Brian looked at her intently. The woman chuckled softly. This made Brian even more awkward but also captivated. There was no denying that her laugh sounded like sweet music. And most importantly, it made her face even more beautiful. "Sorry, sorry." She briefly pressed the back of her hand to her lips. "Don’t worry, it doesn’t offend me at all. And I won’t push. If my job bothers you, I really apologize. Maybe we can just be friends. I don’t have many female friends. Wait, what’s your name?" She stared at Brian for a moment before smiling and answering, "I’m Celine Nilson." She extended her hand. Brian’s eyes widened. An article he had read about business flashed through his mind. Hesitantly, he shook Celine’s hand and asked, "Are you the granddaughter of the conglomerate family, John Nilson?" "Hey, how do you know my grandpa?!" Celine grabbed his hand firmly and shook it, her face beaming. She seemed excited by Brian’s shocked expression. Celine said warmly, "What was your name again? Brian Knight?" After seeing Brian nod, she continued, "So Brian, actually, we were on a call when you suddenly sat down in front of me." Brian froze for a moment, feeling uneasy, suspecting that Celine wasn’t his blind date. No way would a woman of her status be interested in a random blind date! Inwardly, he cursed himself for not realizing it sooner. Perhaps it was because Celine was so stunning that he wanted to talk to her, or maybe his friends had set him up as a prank. Brian tried hard to turn his stiff neck to look around. Oh my God! I’m talking to the wrong person! He thought after spotting another woman in a white dress sitting alone in a distant corner of the cafe. His breath became shallow, and his heart raced, his chest trembling. Sweat began to bead on his forehead, and his palms grew cold. "Brian, why are you so quiet? You were talking like an old friend we hadn’t met in years. Is your throat dry? Have some water. Oh, I haven’t even ordered a drink for you. What would you like? Iced coffee? Cappuccino?" Celine picked up the menu. "No need for that," Brian replied, his face struggling to maintain composure. "Why not? Oh, I know, some people don’t like to drink at someone else’s table, right? Hahaha, alright, I’ll keep the menu then." Celine closed the menu. "Wait, you mentioned your job earlier, now it’s my turn. Brian, I work as—" "CEO of BigNil Corporation," Brian interrupted with a trembling voice. He was certain his face must have been as red as a boiled lobster. "Wow, you’re amazing, Brian! How do you know so much about me? This is our first meeting, right? You’re sitting here because I’m sitting here. How sweet!" Celine repeated Brian’s words with a playful tone. Brian scratched his head, which wasn’t itchy. He was sure everyone in the country knew about the Nilson family, the richest family in all of Rhineland. To end the awkward situation, Brian mustered up the courage to explain, "Miss, I apologize for my presumptuous behavior and words. I thought you were my blind date." "What? Your blind date?" Celine laughed, this time bursting into laughter. "I’m really sorry, Miss. Actually, my friends set up this blind date, so…" Brian stood and bowed. "Please forget everything. I’m truly sorry." Brian left, feeling overwhelmed by shame. He bumped into several things and even someone as he rushed out. Meanwhile, Celine held her stomach, which hurt slightly from laughing too much. She was glad, amidst all the serious problems she had, that this unexpected meeting with Brian had occurred. Celine looked at her phone screen. Noticing her grandfather was still on the line, she took the phone to her ear. Her grandfather’s laughter could be heard through the phone. "Did you hear anything?" Celine held back another laugh, trying not to hurt her stomach again. But her grandfather’s laughter made her laugh again. Eventually, both grandfather and granddaughter laughed together. "He’s so funny. If you were here and saw his face change in person, I’m sure it would make you laugh even harder." "Celine, I think he could help you." "What?" Celine didn’t understand what her grandfather meant. John cleared his throat. "I like him. He’s a good man. It wouldn’t be bad if you brought him to me as your future husband." Celine’s expression changed. She hadn’t expected John to say that. She tried to stay calm and replied, "Grandpa, there are plenty of good men in this country. I can’t take them all as potential husbands." John chuckled upon hearing the change in her tone. Wisely, he responded, "Celine, even good men have different levels. Think about it. Which man would approach you without knowing who you really are, and then leave as soon as he finds out you’re the granddaughter of John Nilson?"