Chapter 26

James looked at Collin as he continued to talk about his engagement and how happy he was about it. He was looking at him with tremendous seriousness, while Collin was looking at him menacingly and rubbing his nose in every one of his personal victories.

-And I mean, I plan on getting married later this year, don't I Jessica? -he asked the young woman sitting next to him. She looked at him with a smile.

-Of course, love.

James made a disgusted face, unconsciously.

-Is something wrong, Yorke? -asked Edward, another partner, amused. Everyone at the table turned to look at him.

James laughed.

-Nothing, I'm sorry. I mean, engagement is usually a great thing, isn't it? You know, that whole stage is usually filled with revelations about our lovers.

- I agree. - Edward replied. - My mother always told me that if you get through the wedding process, you can get through anything.

- Sure, I'm sure Collin can handle it, can't he? - he asked. Collin looked at him with fury in his eyes as he laughed falsely.

- Well, you know me. Now, you? Are you alone? I haven't seen you in company.

James nodded.

- Better alone than in bad company, right? - he replied, staring at Collin's fiancée.

-So, tell us James, how is your business going? - asked Gina, Edward's mother. They had known each other for years and had hit it off better than all the guests. She was a respectable woman.

-Excellent, it's growing every day. - she smiled.

- I still remember your beginnings. You should have seen him, he was much younger than he is now. We all thought Bentley would leave the company to some protégé of his, and he had a huge amount.

- Oh, Bentley! What a wonderful man. I still remember him very fondly. You're the spitting image of him, James. - Gina added.

James smiled. That comment had been a complete compliment.

- Well, dad insisted for a long time that I take his place. It took me a long time to agree, but that was due to my adolescent ignorance.

- Didn't you want to?

He nodded. There were many reasons.

- My mind was elsewhere. - He remembered: I got into a lot of trouble and... I wasn't thinking clearly.

Right, trouble. He had turned the offer away from his father as he was too distracted following Angelica and her whole group.

- Well, I'm glad you came to your senses. I think you're doing great. - Edward added. -

James smiled.

---

On the other hand, at home, Luna was lying down. She had nothing to do. Portia was gone, Rose was visiting a relative, and she was all alone.

She got up, and opened the door. She started walking down the hall, and entered James's room.

It was quite large, the walls were light gray, and it had some pictures that contrasted with the lack of color on the walls. His bed was made of dark wood, and the comforter was blue. It was quite large.

There was a door to the side of it. She walked over and opened it slowly. She felt like a total snoop, but whatever. She was just curious. It was just a smaller cabinet. She refused to touch anything and quickly turned off the light.

She didn't like being at odds with James, but when she saw him, that anger got bigger.

She felt used. He hadn't taken her feelings into account at any time, and she also felt stupid for believing James should have been considerate. Was he obligated to take her feelings into account? No. Maybe he thought she was playing games too. Unfortunately, she didn't know.

She leaned back quickly, as she put her hands to her face. She wanted to scream.

The house was alone, she was alone. She took a deep breath. She counted to three, and let out a gasp. All her anger came out and a relief came over her.

She took a deep breath. There she was again. Her mind filled with questions and she put her hand to her forehead.