Chapter 3

She caught empty air, her smile instantly freezing.

A heartbeat later, that helpless, pitiable look was back on her face as she turned to James.

“James, is she mad at me? I swear I didn't mean anything by it...”

James stood up, towering over me.

“It was just a joke, Wendy. Is this really necessary?”

His tone was ice-cold. The look in his eyes held not a single trace of warmth.

“Diana just landed tonight. Who are you giving an attitude to?”

I looked up at him, suddenly finding the man in front of me terrifyingly foreign.

“If I’m not welcome here, I should just go.”

Diana grabbed her suitcase from the corner, making a show of heading for the door.

James stopped her instantly.

Panic flickered across his face, but when he turned to look at me, his eyes held only disgust.

“Where do you think you’re going? It’s midnight. What is a young woman like you going to do out there alone?

“Remember high school when you walked home in the dark and got lost? We spent the whole night looking for you.”

Tears started streaming down Diana’s cheeks.

James patted her shoulder gently, guiding her back into the living room.

“Just stay here. I already got the guest room ready for you. You can head back in the morning.”

He didn't look at me once while he spoke.

I stood by the dining table, still clutching a pair of silverware.

Grease coated my palm, thick and impossible to rub off.

My phone vibrated with another text from the unknown number.

“Looking at the time, I bet he’s making her stay the night.”

My hands trembled violently as I stared at the screen.

“Not only that, you saw the ring on her finger, right?

“Want to know why he refused to marry you all this time?

“Because Diana was coming back. He was waiting for her.”

My eyes burned so badly tears welled up.

I didn't reply. I just flipped the phone face-down on the table.

---

James settled Diana into the guest room, heating up milk for her and tucking in her blanket.

He showered her with relentless care, a level of thoughtfulness he had never once shown me.

Passing the guest room, I could hear soft whispers from inside.

“Go to sleep. I’ll take you shopping for new clothes tomorrow.”

The room gradually grew quiet.

James tiptoed out of the guest room, shutting the door softly behind him.

He turned around and spotted me standing in the shadow of the hallway.

“Why aren't you asleep yet?”

His voice was hushed, clearly worried about waking Diana.

I said nothing.

He stepped closer and pulled me gently into his arms.

I went stiff. His arm wrapped over my shoulder, his chin resting against the top of my head.

“Wendy, stop being mad. I was out of line earlier and I’m sorry.”

“We’ve been together for so long. You can’t just talk about breaking up over something like this.

“I’ve always seen Diana as a little sister. Don't take it to heart.”

A faint crack formed in my hardened heart.

“Then when are we getting married?”

I looked up at him, but all I caught in his eyes was avoidance.

“Just give it a little more time. Once the company stabilizes, I’ll give you a wedding everyone will envy.”

He patted my head.

“It’s late. Let’s get some rest.”

He started turning toward the master bedroom.

I reached out on instinct and grabbed the hem of his shirt.

“James, do you even remember what today is?”

Confusion flashed across his face before he gave a fond, indulgent smile.

“Is there some piece of jewelry or a dress you’ve been eyeing again? I’ll have my assistant buy it for you tomorrow morning.

“Diana’s welcome party is tomorrow. Let’s just get some sleep.”