James strode past me into the room. His gaze landed on the brazier. “Is that… the photo album?”
“Why burn it? I thought you loved those photos.” He frowned at me, a trace of reproach in his eyes.
I didn’t understand. He never liked taking photos, so why question me about burning them?
“It’s nothing. They were getting moldy and yellow, so I decided to just burn them.”
He stared at me with his frown deepening. “Those photos were of me. They’re my property in a way.
“Why didn’t you tell me before burning them?” James turned to confront me. “Sarah, what’s going on with you lately?”
“Nothing.” I avoided his gaze.
“Fine, if you won’t tell me. Let’s eat – where’s my cream of mushroom soup?” James asked, his irritation barely concealed.
I picked up my phone and opened a delivery app. “I don’t feel like cooking today. Let’s order in.”
James’s expression darkened further. He tossed the medicine bag onto the couch and gripped my wrist tightly.
“Why won’t you cook? I told you in advance I wanted it!”
I yanked my hand away. “There’s no reason. I just don’t want to.”
“If you wants soup, you can go home and have your housekeeper make it.”
James’s anger instantly flared. The rage in his eyes no longer contained, he grabbed my shoulders and roughly pushed me against the wall.
“Are you throwing a tantrum? Sarah, know your place!”
“And what place is that?” I gave him a cold smile. “Oh right, I’m your friend with benefits and secretary. That’s my place.”
He froze at my words, his expression complicated as he released me. “That was just talk, it didn’t mean anything.
“Don’t take it seriously. I didn’t mean it that way, I was just talking casually with them.”
If he hadn’t thought it deep down, how could such words come so easily?
I smiled bitterly, not bothering to expose his lie further. Opening the door, I said, “You should go.”
Seeing my anger, he tried to pull me into his arms. He kissed me, touched me, just like always, as if his body could erase my unhappiness.
As if intimacy could sweep away all my dissatisfaction.
I pushed him away immediately.
“I’m really tired today. I can’t do it.”
James frowned. “Is this because of my engagement? Is that why you’re upset?”
“Don’t be unhappy. I lied yesterday; I’m not getting engaged.”
“Mr. Carter, who you get engaged to is your business. I won’t be upset about it – we’re not dating, you don’t need to explain anything to me.
“Besides, I was the one who liked you first, who pursued you. What we have is just physical relationship, not love.”
As he tried to speak, his phone rang. A woman’s voice could be faintly heard through the speaker.
I couldn’t hear what she said, but without hesitation, James answered, “I understand. I’ll be there right away.”
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