Chapter 2

Two years ago, when the company opened its first branch in Springdale, Grace, one of the senior managers, immediately offered me a position.

Back then, James hadn’t started his own company yet, so I wanted us to move to Springdale and settle down there. After all, this was just a mid-sized city, while Springdale was on the coast and ranked among the top-tier cities. There were more opportunities there. However, James said there was no need to move so far or live in a city.

Just like back when he proposed, he only showed up with a simple ring. There were no decorations or romantic setup—nothing.

When I asked him why he didn’t plan something special, he just brushed it off and said, “There’s no need. You were going to say yes anyway.”

Yet, when it came to Paris’s birthday party, he went all out, saying that it was worth the effort.

This time, I decided I’d finally live for myself.

“My family's in Springdale, Grace. Please put in a referral for me. I’ll get all the application documents ready.”

Grace gave me a warm, encouraging smile. “Good. I’m glad you’ve made up your mind.”

Two days later, I passed the virtual interview and got the job. The boss told me to wrap up my work here and head to the Springdale branch as soon as possible. Therefore, I spent New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day holed up in the office, tying up loose ends.

Monday came, and I was still working late. Just as Grace was about to leave, she turned around and walked back with a smirk.

She leaned in and whispered, “Casey, your man’s here.”

I stood up and slowly made my way outside, where James was sitting by the door.

“Are you still working?” he asked. “I thought I’d spend the holiday with you.”

“Oh… yesterday was New Year’s, huh?”

I glanced at the calendar. I’d been so swamped I’d lost all sense of time.

James took the bag from my hand and pressed the elevator button.

“I heard from Grace that you’re transferring to the Springdale branch?”

“Yeah,” I replied flatly.

His expression shifted, clearly unhappy. “That’s a big decision. Why didn’t you talk to me about it first?”

I gave him a side glance. “I called you the day before yesterday. You didn’t pick up.”

James frowned and opened the passenger door for me. He looked down as he said, “Let’s celebrate New Year’s today instead. How about that farm-to-table place you liked? You said the food was great.”

“Sure.”

He then set the GPS, and we got on the freeway. However, not long after, his phone rang. It was Paris, again.

“James, my stomach hurts so bad. I can barely breathe… Can you come and stay with me? It won’t hurt if you’re here. Please, hurry…”

Just as I expected, a flicker of panic appeared on James’s usually composed face. He looked over at me.

“Paris’s stomach is hurting. It’s probably a complication from the miscarriage. I need to be there for her.”

I closed my eyes and nodded. “Go ahead.”

James let out a quiet sigh of relief. He pulled into the nearest freeway rest stop and dropped me off without a second thought before speeding away.

Half an hour later, my rideshare finally arrived.

The driver looked at me, standing alone with nothing but a bag, and asked, “Miss, what are you doing here all by yourself at a freeway rest stop?”

I stared out the window at the endless traffic and said softly, “Someone left me here.”

In the past, getting left behind would’ve shattered me. I would’ve screamed, cried, and lost control, but now I just felt calm.

Not long after I got in the car, Paris posted in the group chat.

[My stomach hurts so much, and I'm out of painkillers. What should I do?]

James replied instantly. [Don’t worry. I’ll be there in five minutes.]

I smiled to myself. Honestly, if those two didn’t end up together again, it’d be a disservice to everyone watching from the sidelines.

In the middle of the night, James actually came back. Before, whenever he went to Paris’s place, he’d always stay overnight.

This time, he slid into bed beside me, wrapped an arm around my waist, and whispered, “Baby, your birthday’s the day after tomorrow. I’ll spend it with you.”

I frowned and quietly moved his hand away.

“What’s wrong? Don’t you want me there for your birthday?” he asked.

“You’re going to leave again.”

“No, I won’t,” he said seriously, like he meant it.

Then came my birthday, and to my surprise, James didn’t bail for once. He actually planned something.

“Baby, open your gift. It’s the first time we’re celebrating your birthday together.”

I bit my lip. So he did know this was the first time.

In front of me was a giant gift box, almost as tall as my thigh. My heart fluttered a little.

The moment I lifted the lid, a fluffy little Alaskan Malamute jumped out and barked excitedly.

My face went pale.

“This puppy has amazing genetics. It’s show-level. It took me forever to find it.”

James leaned in, looking pleased with himself.

The dog had been thoroughly groomed, and someone had tied a pink bow around its neck. It was clear James had put in a lot of effort for this. However, it seemed he had forgotten that I had a deep fear of dogs.

Back in middle school, I was mauled by one. It ripped two chunks of flesh out of my leg. Even now, I panic when I see one.

It was Paris who loved dogs, and her whole house was filled with them.

“Do you like it?” James asked, holding the puppy up again, his eyes full of hope. “Paris loves–”

I took two steps back, trembling. “James, I was attacked by a dog when I was younger. I have trauma. I can’t be around them. Please, keep it away from me.”

James froze, confused for a few seconds. A flicker of surprise crossed his dark eyes.