Chapter Eighty: Amusing little thing's temper
*WARNING*
[Please be aware that this chapter contains mentions of suicide.]
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James had been extremely busy, so busy he had not even checked any calls or messages from his personal phone number. (Which he had given to Clair)
So, the only way to reach him was through the number on his business card, or through the company phone line directly. Of course, Clair had assumed he simply did not want to talk to her when he did not respond to his messages through his personal phone number.
Sitting in his office, James glanced at his brother who was complaining about him not having any couches in his office.
His office was enormous but always felt empty since all he had was a large glass desk, his chair with wheels, and another simple chair in front of it.
Other than that, there was a cupboard for outfits, in case he ever needed to change. Inside the cupboard, there was also packed luggage in case he ever needed to fly somewhere for a last-minute business trip.
He had no bedroom inside his office because despite not looking like it; he fell asleep easily. If he were to be tired and took a quick nap, that nap would turn into a very long time he can't afford to waste. When he actually slept, it would take lots of effort to wake him up.
So, usually, his 'sleep' was actually him half-asleep. He always kept his guards up, but lately, he had realized that sharing a bed with 'that' woman had helped him sleep better these days. This was ridiculous of course since she openly shows her urge to slit his throat.
Anyway...
He would have gone home to even notified her, but he was too busy dealing with tons of last-minute mistakes by his team here in the city. He had matters to attend in other cities, of course, so he had to deal with this matter as soon as possible.
"Ms. Nova is outside requesting your attention by the way." His brother informed him, looking around his office trying to find the spot he had hidden all the snacks, candies, and chocolates.
Just like him, his brother was also a sweet tooth.
"Who?"
No, he wasn't trying to roast one of the many women who would line up outside his office. He genuinely did not remember who this Ms. Novoa is.
James really wished to tell them to have some self-respect and take the hint. Some created false rumors and have their fathers create fake articles saying he had slept with them or had some sort of fling.
As annoying as it was, it helped him in a way.
Right now he was dealing with a rat amongst the shareholders of his company, and they want people to believe he's incapable and loose. Those articles of him sleeping around foolishly had them underestimate him. He knew they would judge his morals and behaviors behind closed doors, and that's exactly what James wanted.
He had sacrificed his image and stock prices these days for the sake of his plan but as soon as the little rat fell for this trap, they would have to get on their knees and start praying.
"You-" Adan shook his head, not even surprised anymore.
"Aren't you going to let her in? Her father has you by the throat right now."
"Oh." James then realized who Adan was speaking about. His mind to him, to a memory of Clair's annoyed expression, clearly wanting to choke a certain Ms. Novoa as she tried to go against her rights over her own script in her own filming set.
He chuckled and continued his work.
"What was that?" Adan asked.
Knowing he was about to question him, James opened his drawer and tossed him a pack of sour patch kids.
"Get rid of her." He ordered.
"That would be two.... thank you." Adan grinned as he caught the second pack and walked out of his brother's office, ready to get rid of a certain woman.
Aside from the fact that he was really busy, after that night's moment with Clair, James really did not have the guts to face her. He had said something he never expected he would say to anyone other than his parents and brother.
Well, not even they heard those words often.
It was rare for him to even mention them.
Years ago, when he was just a small kid, he had been responsible for a massacre. His lack of maturity had cost the lives of many. He was not better than the killers themselves. Many died, many dear to him and his family. This was one thing he would never forgive himself for.
And then there was Cassandra.
His cousin, the diamond in high society. The princess all other young ladies of nobility looked up to. The person who had suffered behind closed doors, the person he watched cry herself to sleep. The woman who had to sacrifice her happiness, the girl with dreams who ultimately hung herself.
James flinched at the memory.
He covered his face with his palms and inhaled sharply.
He couldn't think about that. Not now.
A memory so dark that consumed every part of him. If he had done something, he would have saved her. She would be here, happily smiling. She would have known that he loved and cherished her. If he had been brave enough to speak up, he would have ended her suffering and saved her life.
And despite torturing and taking everything from the ones who did that to her, he had realized...
Once again, he was no better than the abuser.
It was his fault, this death was on his hands.
He knows, once Clair steps foot into that palace, once she is crowned... she will have so much to face. He was afraid she too would suffer and—
He was afraid she would do once again what his cousin had done.
These years he too also thought Clair's death was soon in his hands. If he had been quick enough if he had talked to her if he had captured her earlier. These thoughts overwhelmed him as he desperately searched the area looking for any signs of life.
Years later, here she is, and once again he is with the same worries. He wouldn't have chosen her if he didn't understand how strong she is and how capable she is of protecting herself. It would at least ease his worries to have her by his side as queen and wife.
He sighed and got a hold of himself before getting back to work. It would be best if he did not let his thoughts dive into other memories he had locked away.
Finally, done with work, James drove himself home at 11:55 pm.
Yes, he drove himself.
He needed some alone time after a long day and having thought of such depressing memories.
Arriving home, he removed his suit jacket and tossed it on the couch. It seemed the servants had left. Turning on the lamp on the side of the couch, he walked towards the kitchen and poured himself some water.
When he was done, he picked up his jacket again and walked up the stairs with silent steps. Making sure that if Clair was awake, he wouldn't wake her up.
To his surprise, the door of their bedroom opened with a creak, but its other owner was gone. There were no signs that she had even been there. He knew she was a spotless and organized person, so it was no surprise, really.
He removed his tie and left it on a couch on the other end of the room after turning on the lights. He thought she had stayed up late for work, or maybe she was in the study room. The ladder seemed like the highest possibility since her phone was charging in the nightstand.
Thinking of her usual behavior, he purposed undid the buttons of his shirt but did not remove it as he walked towards the study room. He knitted his brows together; she was not there either. Not the study room, not the bedroom, not the library, not the living room or the kitchen. Yes, he also checked the patio, but no. That's when he heard it.
Sounds of glass shattering and falling against each other came from the basement which he was never were even excited about. He walked down the stairs and realize it looked just like a storage room except the secret room hidden by a painting. A secret room that would not go unsociable with someone whose senses were very sharp like his.
Opening the door, he found her. She tossed all the empty beakers and glass items on the floor, clearly annoyed. Curses flowed out of her mouth like a water fountain, causing his lips to curl into amusement.
"Such an amusing little thing, when will you learn to control your temper?" He asked, leaning against the wall.
Clair instantly stiffened, it seems she was shocked at herself for not noticing another presence in the room.
'Amusing little thing?' As if she wasn't annoyed enough, he just had to call her that.
"Cut it out." She protested and didn't spare him a glance.
"What has got you so upset, hm?" He walked towards her until he was curiously looking over her shoulder.