Chapter 41

After one more call ended with the same voice-"We've decided in favor of another candidate"-Nico put the phone down roughly, his body slumping in the chair.  

"God... why did all this have to happen?" he muttered, stroking his tired face. He felt like his life was now just a string of failures and rejections.  

The apartment door opened, and Maria entered with slow steps. "You can't go on like this, Nico," she said in a weak voice.  

Nico lifted his face, staring at his mother blankly. "What can I do, Mom? Everything I try ends in rejection. Even Calvin... he won't come with me."  

Maria sat beside him, patting Nico's shoulder. "You have to be more assertive. You can't be weak. Celine is stubborn, and she's made up her mind. But that doesn't mean you should just give up."  

"But you saw it yourself earlier, right? What can I do?" Nico stared blankly out the window, feeling like his life now had no direct