Chapter 87

Amelia's expression stirred up a deep sense of guilt in James. It was the first time in five years he’d really heard how she felt. James stood up, giving her an apologetic look. "I'm sorry. This is all on me." "I'm gonna ask you one last time—do you truly not want to marry me?" Amelia’s voice trembled, eyes brimming with tears and full of anger. Seeing her like this, James suddenly recalled the little girl she used to be, tugging softly at his sleeve with two ponytails swaying behind her. Back then, Amelia had been the light in his bleak world—the reason he’d kept going. But now, that light had dimmed, and it was demanding an answer, desperate and painfully honest. "I used to want to. Now… I don’t know. I need time," James said quietly. Her lashes quivered ever so slightly, like a switch flipped inside her. The anger in her chest washed away as her arms crossed in front of her and she looked away, quietly dodging his hand that reached for her. "I’ll give you a bit longer. Just don’t fo