Chapter 2
As the elevator started to rise, the images from the live cam kept replaying in my mind.
Sophie opened the door and froze when she saw me, her face stiff with shock.
"Nora, what are you doing here?" she asked.
I noticed her hand instinctively trying to close the door, and I couldn't help but smirk.
I brushed past her and glanced around the room.
Pink throw pillows, stuffed animals, trinkets, mugs...
I couldn't help but stare at Bella's feet.
She was wearing my slippers, the couple's set James and I picked out together.
The room was dead silent, almost unnaturally quiet.
For the first time, James suddenly realized he wasn't in control anymore.
He shot up, grabbed my arm, and quickly closed the balcony door behind us.
"Nora, don't get the wrong idea. I was just worried you'd get mad if you saw Bella," he whispered.
I pulled my hand away.
"When did you two start talking?" I asked.
"Your dad asked me to help her find a job. I couldn't really say no, he's your father, after all," James replied.
I let out a sarcastic laugh. "So you don't need to worry about keeping things professional anymore?"
James raised his voice.
He said, "Stop nitpicking, this is a whole different situation.
"There are colleagues here today. Don't embarrass me, and please don't start anything with Bella."
I looked up, ignoring his excuses.
"Do you even know what day it is?" I pressed him.
"What day?" James looked confused, his brows furrowed.
When I kept staring at him, he let out a helpless sigh.
He explained, "Bella's place had a leak, so I invited her to stay here. Everyone just came over for dinner.
"Please, just try to be understanding. She's just staying in the guest room, it's really nothing. We barely get to see each other, I don't want to fight with you."
Our tenth anniversary, and he'd forgotten it completely. And all he could think about was Bella.
I nodded, dodged his hand, and walked into the living room.
The room went dead silent again.
Bella called out softly, "Nora."
I ignored her and sat right down in James's seat.
James paused behind me. When he saw I wasn't making a scene, he just turned and went upstairs to grab a chair.
Bella shot a glance at James's back, then hung her head, acting all pitiful, like I was the villain or something.
Sophie pressed her lips together and gave me a look that said it was all my fault.
Noticing the awkward vibe, someone lifted their glass to lighten the mood.
"Bella just moved in and got promoted, let's all toast to her!" someone called out.
"Bella, have a drink too. It's not every day we get together, right? You two are sisters, there's nothing you can't work out," someone else chimed in.
Bella finally managed a smile through her tears.
Everyone stood up, but I stayed put. I shot a sharp question at James as he came down the stairs.
"You gave her the sales team lead position at BrightCore Headquarters?" I demanded.
Everyone exchanged awkward glances.
James's knuckles turned white as he gripped the back of the chair, veins popping. He opened his mouth, but not a single word came out.
I stood up and unclasped the necklace from my neck, the one James gave me for our tenth anniversary.
When I flung it onto the table, Bella broke down and started crying.
She said, "Nora, didn't you say you really liked the necklace I chose for you?
"The little cat charm was specially designed the day Mittens passed away. Please don't be mad. If it'll make you feel better, I'll just give up the team lead spot."
I staggered, almost collapsing right there.
Mittens was my mom's cat, but to me, he was like a real person, and he was family.
If it weren't for Harborview's climate making him sick all the time, I never would've been forced to part with him.
I stared at James as he rushed over to steady me, my voice trembling so badly I could barely get the words out.
"You told me Mittens died of old age," I choked out.
James's hand froze mid-air, then he pulled it back.
I didn't need to ask, because the answer was obvious.
I said, "Let's break up, James.
"Guess you won't need to find ways to avoid me anymore."