Chapter 156 Today Is Her Birthday
James had no plans to get close to Rose tonight. He looked at her seriously, "You're still not feeling well. Let's get you better first, then we can talk about other things, okay?"
Rose's eyes were desperate. "No, as long as you're here, everything's fine," she pleaded. "Please, make love to me."
Avoiding her gaze. "Rose, don't do this. I'm going to the balcony for a smoke. Put your clothes back on."
He walked toward the balcony, needing some space.
"James!" Rose called after him, desperate. "Why? Everyone says a man can't control himself around the woman he loves. I've given myself to you, and you won't even look at me? Am I not important to you anymore? Or is there someone else?"
James stopped, her words hitting a nerve. He turned back, frustrated and confused. "Rose, you weren't so aggressive before. What would it mean if I touched you now? Without a proper relationship, how can I feel right about making love to you? You used to care about purity and status. Do you not care anymore?"
Rose's face shifted, panic setting in. She'd almost forgotten that when she first revealed her struggle with depression, she used her purity to secure James's promise. Now, pushing him for intimacy seemed hypocritical.
With no other option, she sighed and looked pitiful. "I'm just afraid you've had a change of heart and forgotten your promise to me," she whispered.
James felt a heavy weight on his chest. But he was a man of his word and had no intention of backing out.
He met her gaze, his voice steady. "Don't worry, I won't forget what I promised you," he reassured her.
Rose relaxed and smiled, her eyes full of trust. She changed the subject, "Do you remember what day it is tomorrow?"
James paused and suddenly remembered that tomorrow was their anniversary.
Seeing his change in expression, Rose's face softened. "I thought you had forgotten," she said gently. "Tomorrow is our fifth anniversary. Every year, you prepare a surprise for me. I wonder what it will be this year?"
His stomach twisted. He had forgotten all about it. No plans, no gifts. If he confessed this, he feared it might push Rose over the edge, especially with her current fragile state.
Forcing a smile, James avoided her gaze and said calmly, "You'll find out tomorrow."
At exactly midnight, Jessica's phone rang. Every year at this time, Lily would send her a birthday message.
But this birthday felt more bitter than usual.
The greater the hope, the greater the disappointment.
Jessica pulled herself together and replied to Lily with a smiley emoji.
Jessica: [Thank you, Lily.]
Immediately, Lily called her. "Jessica, did you get the birthday gift from James? That pink diamond necklace, show it to me quickly." Lily spoke excitedly, but Jessica didn't respond for a long time. Only the sound of her heavy breathing could be heard.
Lily asked, "What's wrong? Didn't he wish you a happy birthday or give you the necklace?"
Jessica sniffled and mumbled sadly, "He's with Rose."
"What?" Lily gritted her teeth in anger. "That jerk! I had such high hopes for him! Today is your birthday, and instead of being with you, he went to see that shameless mistress! How can he treat you like this?"
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
