A flicker of shock, disbelief, pain, and regret crossed James’s usually composed, handsome face.
The tension in the air was obvious. My coworkers picked up on it, and after a few polite goodbyes, they quickly made themselves scarce.
“See you at the top, Casey,” someone said.
“See you at the top,” I replied.
Once everyone had left, I hugged the box holding my things and walked toward the exit.
James followed behind me. His voice trembled as he asked, “What did you just say? You want to break up with me?”
I stopped walking and turned to face him. He looked stunned, like he couldn’t believe what he’d just heard.
I had imagined that moment countless times in my head. Before, I would’ve been terrified or reluctant.
However, now that it was really happening, I felt free.
I pressed my lips together and gave him a soft smile. “Yeah. I want to break up. Every time we want to get married, you walk away. Did it never occur to you what that might lead to?”
James grabbed my hand. His lip
