Y/n POV
Sometimes, we want to share our past with someone. But then we think—it's over, so why bring it up and make others worry? Yet, when the past comes back, we find ourselves suffering alone, unsure of how to speak about it.
Yeah… this is my life. It was never easy from the start. I tried to move on, to leave everything behind. But when Emma was gone, when I had to leave the orphanage at eighteen, I was truly alone.
The money I had was enough for a decent college, but I still had to work. A part-time job as a waitress, full-time shifts on Saturdays and Sundays—it kept me afloat. I had a place, a goal, a future. All I needed to do was study, get a good job, and live my life. And for a while, I was happy.
Until they came into my life.
A sudden knock interrupted my thoughts.
"Come in," I said.
The door opened, and before I could react, James ran inside and hugged me tightly.
"I missed you... I missed you so much, Y/N," he murmured against my shoulder.
I chuckled. "Oh? You missed me that much? Aww… I wish I could say the same."
He quickly pulled away, looking at me with wide eyes. "Don't tell me you didn't miss me at all!"
I grinned. "Hehehe… maybe just a little."
James pouted for a second before breaking into laughter. "Really? Well, that's enough for me!"
His expression softened as he looked at me. "Are you okay? Emma said you were sick." He reached out and gently touched my forehead.
"I'm fine now," I assured him.
Satisfied, he sat beside me comfortably, as if he belonged there.
James grinned. "Hey, I got something for you."
He pulled out a small gift box and handed it to me.
"I didn't know what to buy, so I just got this," he said with a nervous laugh, scratching the back of his head.
"Oh? Really?" I teased as I carefully unwrapped the box.
Inside were a pair of beautiful earrings, shimmering with a soft peach color. They caught the light perfectly, making them look even more elegant.
"James… these are beautiful," I whispered, admiring them.
"I wanted to buy everything—dresses, shoes, all the jewelry—but then I thought that might be too much," he said, chuckling.
I laughed along with him. "Oh, but James, these must have been expensive."
He quickly shook his head. "No, no, not even a bit, Y/N."
I smiled and nodded, feeling warmth spread through me.
James looked at me. "Are you hungry?"
I nodded.
"Let's go, I'll cook something for us," I said, starting to get up.
James shook his head. "No, you rest. I'll cook. But if you want, you can sit and watch me."
I smiled. "Okay, okay."
With that, we headed to the kitchen together.
"I'll call Emma," I said, and James nodded.
Stepping into the living room, I saw Emma on the phone—probably talking to Max. I signaled to her that we were cooking and to join us when she was done. She nodded in response.
Back in the kitchen, James pulled out a chair for me.
"Thanks, Jamei," I said with a smile.
James grinned. "You're welcome, Y/N. Now, watch and be amazed by my cooking skills!" he said playfully before getting to work.
Emma soon joined him, helping as they prepared the meal together. James kept glancing at me while cooking, clearly enjoying himself. I had to admit—he was a good cook.
Once they finished, we all sat down and ate dinner.
Afterward, James stretched and let out a yawn. "I'm so tired…"
Emma glanced at him. "Well, you should stay here for the night. You look exhausted."
James hesitated. "Okay… I mean, if you don't mind," he said, looking at me.
I gave him a small nod. "Go ahead. If you want to freshen up—"
Before I could finish, he grinned. "I have clothes in the car. I'll go get them."
He got up and stepped outside for a moment, taking a deep breath before coming back in.
"Are you okay if he stays with us, Emma?" I asked, glancing at her.
Emma nodded without hesitation. "Of course. I mean, he's no harm," she said with a small smile.
I let out a sigh of relief. "He'll sleep on the couch," I added, looking over at James, who was standing awkwardly by the door.
Emma nodded again, but then she leaned in closer to me. "Y/N, I think he has some feelings for you," she whispered.
I shook my head immediately. "No, Emma. He has a girlfriend, and he only sees me as his best friend," I said firmly.
Emma gave me a knowing look. "You do—" she started, but before she could finish, James walked over to us.
Clearing my throat, I turned to him. "I'll show you the living room and the bathroom," I said, motioning for him to follow me. He gave me a grateful nod and picked up his bag.
As I led him through the house, I could still feel Emma's eyes on me. I knew exactly what she was thinking, but I refused to let my mind go there. James was just a friend—nothing more. At least, that's what I kept telling myself.
I gestured toward the living room. "Here, you can freshen up. So, do you want the couch, or... you can take my room? I'll sleep on the couch," I offered.
James smirked. "Aah, why can't we just sleep in your bed together?"
I froze, my eyes widening in shock.
James laughed and playfully pinched my nose. "Just kidding, Y/N," he teased.
I let out a breath and rolled my eyes. "Not funny," I muttered.
"I'm okay with the couch," he said with a grin before heading to the bathroom.
While he was in there, I went to Emma's room. She looked up from her phone as I walked in.
"Hey, can you give me a blanket and a pillow for James?" I asked.
Emma nodded, getting up to grab them from her closet. "Here, take these," she said, handing them to me.
"Thanks," I replied, turning to leave.
Emma handed me the blanket and pillow, then crossed her arms. "And yeah, get up early tomorrow morning. You have to go with Kayden," she reminded me.
I groaned. "Ugh, right. I almost forgot."
Emma smirked before continuing. "Oh, and hey, Y/N, after the office, do you mind going somewhere with us? Max is taking me out, and he asked if you wanted to join. He said he's missing his sister," she said, rolling her eyes.
I chuckled. "Why not! But where are we going?"
Emma shrugged. "He said he has a nice house on the beach and wants us to enjoy a day there."
My eyes lit up. "Ooooh, a beach house? Okay, okay, why not!"
With that settled, I grabbed the blanket and pillow and walked to the living area, where I started making the bed for James. As I fluffed the pillow and straightened the blanket, I sensed someone standing nearby.
I turned around and saw James watching me. His damp hair clung slightly to his forehead, and his face looked fresh and glowing under the dim light. For a moment, I just stared. He looked... handsome.
A memory flashed in my mind—the first time I met him, I had thought, I want a boyfriend like him. But that wasn't going to happen.
James smiled at me, and without thinking, I smiled back.
"Your bed's ready," I said softly, looking away to hide the warmth creeping up my cheeks.
"Thanks, Y/N," he replied, his voice gentle.
"Aah, you joined the same company too, right?" I asked.
James sighed as he sat down beside me, gently pulling me to sit with him.
"Yeah, I tried," he said, "but the CEO didn't give me the job."
"What?! Kayden did that? I can talk to him about it," I offered.
James shook his head. "Don't worry. I don't need a job as long as I have you... And as for money, you know I can manage."
I laughed at his confidence. "Hey, how's Cassie? You were with her, right?"
He rolled his eyes. "No, I'm not with her. And by the way, she was with some of her friends."
"Oh," I murmured.
James: "Hey, look! I took some pictures—I think you'll love them. Maybe we can go there someday."
He grabbed his phone and showed me a picture. My eyes widened—it was the Eiffel Tower at night, glowing beautifully.
"Wow," I breathed.
James smiled. "Yeah, I knew you'd like it."
He scrolled through a few more pictures, showing them to me. As we kept looking, we both yawned at the same time. That made us laugh.
James: "We should sleep now."
Before I could respond, he gently pulled me into a hug.
"Yeah," I mumbled, feeling the warmth of his embrace.
James: "Can you stay here for a moment? After I fall asleep, you can leave," he asked softly.
"Okay," I whispered.
He tucked his arm under my head, holding me close. I felt him inhale deeply, as if taking in my scent.
James: "I missed you so much, Y/N," he murmured.
His words lingered in the air, and my mind wandered back to what Emma had said earlier. What if he really likes me? I thought, my heart pounding.
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