Chapter 8

James got out of the car and asked the butler where I was. The butler replied that I hadn't arrived yet.

James didn't give it much thought. He probably figured I was on my way, so he headed straight to his room.

By the time the party was about to start, I still hadn't shown up, James finally couldn't hold back and called me.

It was the first time he'd called me since our fight.

When no one picked up, James frowned and called again, but still, no answer.

James turned to Wesley. "Find out where Emily is."

Honestly, it's been a month since I died, shouldn't my phone be out of service by now? How could anyone still get through to me?

But I didn't have time to wonder for long before a familiar figure caught my eye.

I wasn't seeing things. It really was Felix, my senior fellow apprentice. He'd shown up, too.

I drifted over to Felix, my spirits soaring. I'd been wanting to check on him, hoping he wasn't grieving too much over my death.

But I couldn't stray too far from James, so today was finally my chance to catch a glimpse of Felix.

Seeing Felix looking alright, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders.

I happily circled around him. I was genuinely thrilled to see him again.

Felix didn't have a smile on his face, so I tried to cheer him up. I knew he still hadn't gotten over my death.

When I saw Felix holding the gift I'd picked out for Arthur, it hit me. He'd come all this way to deliver it for me.

Honestly, he didn't need to make the trip. I'd already told him to have it sent straight to the Bennetts by mail.

But he still made the trip himself, and I couldn't help but feel a little guilty about it.

Felix was totally devoted to medicine and really not into social gatherings. Never thought he'd do this for me. It honestly moved me.

When James walked over and actually greeted Felix, I couldn't believe my eyes.

James actually went out of his way to say hi to someone.

"Hello, Dr. Lane," James said.

Felix didn't bother to shake James' hand. It was obvious to anyone that he didn't like James one bit.

"Sorry, James, my hands are full," Felix said.

He said the words, but his tone was anything but apologetic.

James glanced at the box in Felix's arms and instantly recognized it.

It was the thing Emily and Felix had bought together a few months ago at the auction.

James couldn't help but feel like Felix was provoking him. His doctor went shopping with his wife for a gift for his grandpa at the auction.

Things felt tense between them, and I couldn't help but worry that James might actually lash out at Felix .

Thankfully, Wesley walked over and whispered something in James' ear.

James' face darkened as he turned to look at the people coming in through the door.

I followed his gaze and saw that it was the Brooks Family Members who had arrived.

I immediately spotted the necklace around Sophia's neck.

Wasn't that the jewelry James asked Wesley to send to Lakeview Residence? Why is Sophia wearing it?

Maybe I was mistaken all along. James never meant the jewelry for me. It was always for Sophia, I thought.

When Sophia saw James, she lit up with a big smile and walked over.

Sophia was rocking a full set of sapphire jewelry, beaming as she made her way toward us.

My heart gave a dull ache, and I instinctively reached for where it used to be. I don't even have a heart anymore, so why does it still hurt? I wondered.

James could've given Sophia anything, but why did he have to choose my favorite color, blue? Of all the colors, why the one I loved most? I thought, feeling that familiar ache.