Chapter 79

After dinner that night, we retreated to the living room, entertaining ourselves with movies showing on the TV. I nestled deeper into James embrace as I ate from the popcorn with me. He had declined my offer to share, but I didn't mind - the sweet popcorn was all mine. Anyways, being in his arms with the sweetened popcorn as I watched the movie made me feel good. I was happy watching with him.

The movie was just getting to it's highlight when the sky rumbled loudly. Instinctively, my eyes drifted to the window. There were no raindrops yet but it was obvious, there would be rain soon.

Just as I shifted my gaze back to the TV, James tapped him. I looked up at his face since I was snuggled in his arms and he was taller. His expression had changed from the last time I saw his face. His face showed signs of worry.

"Is something wrong?" I questioned, my voice laced with concern.

"Let's go to bed now." My brows furrowed and I moved away from his arms, turning fully to face him. "Why?"

"No reason, let's just go." He tried to stand but I held him.

"The movie is still ongoing."

"Can you – please," I blinked, staring at the pleading and hasty look on his face before nodding.

"If that's what you want."

James sighed out and my brows furrowed more but I didn't say anything. I switched off the television and grabbed his hand. Together, we went upstairs to the room.

As we laid on the bed, James pulled me close, too close that I wanted to talk about but I didn't. There is nothing bad anyways.

"Goodnight." I said to him and he nodded, with his eyes closed.

I pursed my lips, shrugging slightly before closing my eyes. It took a while before I could fall asleep because I couldn't take my mind off James expression and attitude. I eventually did, after minutes of endless pondering.
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"Ahh... help."

"No."

"Wake up, please."

This sounds filled my ear, disturbing my sleep. As I slowly opened my eyes, my gaze landed on James and I realized that the sounds were coming from him. He was also shivering, and his eyes were shut tight, while his head shook continuously.

Worry crept into me and I tried waking up, but it was futile. He kept mumbling words and shivered like he was scared. What is going on?

"Hey, James. Are you okay?" I questioned but there was no answer. Sighing fearfully, I slowly wrapped my hands around him, pulling him closer and began stroking his hair.

"Everything is fine. I'm here with you, so don't be scared, huh?"As I stroked his hair, I mumbled words into his ear and soon he stopped shivering, his eyes which were shut tight became relaxed.

I let out a sigh as I continued stroking his hair, still worried about him. Even though it seemed like he was calm now, I still felt worried. My eyes drifted to the window. It was closed but the rain was visible as it hit the pane softly.

That moment, something came to my mind. The other time at the hospital and at the hotel, he had attacks and it rained. That means he has panic attacks when it rains.

My gaze shifted to James, concern and worry enveloping me. He must have been so scared all this time. Even when he told us to go to sleep even when it was still so early and we had something going. He must have wanted to prevent it by going to sleep before the rain fell.

My heart broke and tears fell from my eyes.

"Don't worry, you have me now." I said softly and drew his head to my bosom, caging him there.

As I laid there, I couldn't help but wonder what caused his panic attacks.
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A yawn left my lips as my eyes fluttered open. I stopped yawning when I saw James staring at me.

"You're awake?"

James smiled, bringing his hand to caress my cheek "Did you sleep well?"

I replied with a nod and slowly sat up. He did same and before I knew it, he pulled me into a hug.

"Thank you." I heard him say, and a smile slowly pulled to my lips. I hugged him back and kissed his neck.

"I love you."

"I love you more."

I smiled. Today was Saturday so he didn't go to work. We just lounged around. I didn't bring up his panic attacks since he didn't bring it up too. It's obvious he doesn't want to talk about it and I don't mind waiting till he is ready.

When the doctor came to check on me on Sunday, he said I could go back to work so I went back to my house, though James insisted that I stay at his home and rest more, but I refused. Regardless of the doctor's words, I was feeling much better and I also had to attend the shareholders meeting to attend to on Wednesday. Cynthia was also really glad to see me. She said staying for a week without seeing me felt strange. Her words warmed my heart greatly.

On Monday, I wore a sharp outfit consisting of black pants, a white shirt, and a sleeveless sweatshirt over it to work. As I walked into the company, I was greeted with a warm welcome from the workers and a flurry of questions about my well-being from my team.

I thanked them for their gestures before heading to my office where Mr Greg was waiting for me. He pulled me into a hug which was quite surprising at first but I soon let it go and hugged him back.

"I changed the chair since Mr Xander sat on it for a brief moment." Mr Greg said as we pulled out of the hug.

"You really didn't have to." I said with a chuckle as I went to the chair, slumping on it.

"Wow, it's more comfortable." I mumbled, relaxing more on it.

"I knew you would like it." Mr Greg said and I smiled.

"So, let's begin." I said with a dramatic raise of my hand. We laughed to it before I started working. Mr Greg had really helped to cover some of my parts but I still had lots of work to do.

Just as Mr Greg left, the door opened and Karen walked in.

I raised my brows in surprise. Karen visiting me on a Monday morning is weird.

"What's up? You don't have any shoots?" I asked as she s

"I guess." She mumbled, accompanying it with a sigh.

My eyes narrowed and I leaned in. "Are you okay? How come you don't have any shoots to attend to? Did you turn them down." I asked in one breath but she just kept staring at me.

"Why aren't you saying anything?"

Shs opened her mouth to talk but she suddenly closed it back, waving it off with a smile. "It's nothing."

"Now, that's weird. Are you gonna hide things from me now? Aren't we best friends anymore?" I used the best friend tactic and it got me an answer but it wasn't something pleasant to hear.

"Actually, my work got stolen."

"What! By who!" I exclaimed.