Lahat ng Kabanata ng You Watched Me Break, Now Watch Me Rise: Kabanata 371 - Kabanata 380

James froze, his eyes fixed on Beverly's hands pressed against his chest in resistance.As he took a moment to compose himself, he looked from her rosy lips to her nose and eyes, holding her deeply in his sight. Yet, his hand only tightened around her."Is it also true that you're remarrying Evan?" he asked softly.The memory of that night's intimacy flooded Beverly's mind. Unable to meet his eyes, she shook her head. "No."Her breath was filled with the faint inky scent of him.Though his voice was gentle, his entire being radiated an unyielding intensity that held her captive in his embrace. As he held her against him, pinned under his cool, penetrating gaze, Beverly feared the consequences would be unimaginable if she said the wrong thing.Yet, James was clearly being so tender."Where did this rumor come from?" Beverly asked, puzzled. "How have I not heard of it?"James didn't answer, though his mood visibly lightened. Releasing her face, he slid his hands under her arms an

Paula's scrutinizing gaze fell directly on Beverly, whose mood had soured the moment Esther had addressed the older woman as "Great-Grandma".Beverly knew perfectly well that Paula disliked her and was always targeting her. How could she possibly talk to her calmly?And now, Paula was outright humiliating her.She took a moment to compose herself. Since she and James were getting divorced, she wasn't really Paula's granddaughter-in-law anymore. Otherwise, she would have to put up with Paula's passive-aggressive remarks and endure the discomfort every time they met.That would be such torture."Grandma, this is a private matter between Bev and me," James said, his tone clearly protective.Sensing James' displeasure, Paula withdrew her gaze. "I might be old, and no one might listen to me anymore, but I only have everyone's best interests at heart.""Mom," Wanda interjected gently, "James knows what he's doing, and everything will happen in due time."Only then did Paula relent.

Beverly's unhappiness was her own problem. She was the one who didn't want James, yet she couldn't stand seeing him with other women.She knew it was her issue, so she shouldn't be angry. Besides, even if it wasn't Sally, there would eventually be someone else."Do you believe me now?" James asked softly.Beverly nodded.James gently pinched her cheek, his mood clearly better now.But then, he heard her say, "Chief, I'm the one in the wrong. I shouldn't have given you attitude. Even if it were a personal matter between you two, it would be normal. After all, we're already div—"James cupped her chin and kissed her lips.Fireworks bloomed brilliantly in the sky while cheers and excited screams filled the air around them.Beverly pressed her hands against James' chest as his face leaned close to hers, his lips brushing against the corner of her mouth."Don't say things you shouldn't," he murmured in a low voice thick with restrained desire.Only then did Beverly realize how man

In the past, whenever Harold was sick, Beverly would stay by his bedside all night, humming songs while patting his arm.He longed to throw himself into Beverly's embrace and feel her hold him close. The more he thought about it, the more his heart ached. But he knew he couldn't disturb Beverly. He stood where he was, watching her quietly.Just then, James entered the emergency room and glanced at Harold. He walked over to Beverly and bent down to kiss her hair. It was a natural gesture, much like how Evan used to do it.He then took her hand and whispered in her ear, "The doctor said she got gastroenteritis from something she ate, which caused the high fever. If her temperature stays down tonight, she can be discharged tomorrow."So don't worry too much. Every child goes through these stages as they grow up."Remaining silent, Beverly simply withdrew her hand from his and continued wiping Esther's body down."I'll take care of Esther. You should rest for a while."Not wanting B

Beverly caught the scent of a woman's perfume mixed with the strong odor of alcohol. She'd never seen James drink in the past—the first time had been at Victor's banquet, and now this was the second.He wasn't the type to indulge recklessly, as his time and energy were devoted to his official duties. Even when he had to attend social functions, he only ever drank water.The image of Sally's beautiful face flashed through Beverly's mind. A man could change after encountering a different woman.Frowning, she looked up at James. His handsome face was as calm as ever, devoid of any emotion.They were standing extremely close to each other. She wanted him to step back, but she didn't want to touch him while he carried the scent of another woman. In the end, she turned her face away."I came to see Esther." His calm voice sounded near her ear, carrying a faint warmth and the smell of alcohol."She's asleep," Beverly replied. "You should check the time before coming. It's very late now.