Chapter 4

I slowly lifted my hand and rested it on the first button of my suit jacket.

My fingers were cold, shaking so badly that I fumbled with it repeatedly.

James stood there, sipping his wine casually, his gaze like a cold spotlight sweeping over my trembling fingers, my pale face, and finally, my forced calm eyes.

He was watching me strip away my pride with my own hands, watching me sacrifice myself for a glimmer of hope.

Finally, there was a soft click. The first button came undone, then the second, then the third.

My cream blazer slid down my…