Chapter 94: She Wants to Try
James had no way to avoid it.
Amelia threw herself into his arms, her body shaking like a leaf.
The moment Amelia fell into his embrace, James's first thought was of Mia.
He had promised her he wouldn't have any intimate contact with Amelia again.
His body moved on its own, raising his hands to grip her arms, about to push her away, but Amelia held on tighter. "James... James..."
Her voice was broken, her hands clutching desperately at his waist.
Amelia cried pitifully, looking so fragile and weak, her voice trembling as she begged him, "I have claustrophobia, don't push me away, I'm so scared, please... James, please..."
"Please..."
They'd grown up together, and he'd rarely seen her beg anyone, let alone show weakness.
This woman who carried herself with such pride had, because she fell for him, set aside all that dignity.
Showing her vulnerable side to him.
Even James's hardened heart softened.
Faced with Amelia like this, he couldn't be harsh.
His hands on her arms clearly loosened their grip.
Amelia took the chance to burrow deeper into his embrace.
Shaking continuously.
Until the elevator was fixed and they were both brought out.
Amelia was still in that state, ignoring the stares of people around them, her eyes full of fear, looking like she hadn't recovered from the terror.
She was pulled out first, with James right behind her.
When she saw him appear, she threw herself into his arms again.
Before he could push her away, her body went limp and started sliding down.
James quickly reached out to catch Amelia, who nearly collapsed to the floor. Seeing her almost unconscious, he picked her up. "Call an ambulance..."
"James, I'm fine, this isn't the first time, I just need a moment."
Amelia caught her breath and reached out to grab his arm.
She still didn't have the strength to stand steady, leaning against him for support, speaking weakly.
"That's right, Mr. Smith, I have claustrophobia too. As long as you leave the enclosed space, you'll be fine after resting a bit."
Someone in the crowd spoke up.
The elevator had stopped right at the 32nd floor. James glanced at Amelia in his arms, unable to stand on her own.
He thought about how these past few days, despite his cold face, she had quietly stayed by his side.
James softened and carried Amelia into his office.
Aaron immediately told everyone to disperse.
In the office, James carried Amelia to the sofa. Just as he set her down and was about to get up, she suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down.
James quickly braced his arm against the sofa to avoid kissing her.
"James..."
Tears streamed down Amelia's face.
She looked completely terrified.
Her beautiful eyes were wet with tears, making her look even more pitiful.
James looked at Amelia, her eyes full of deep affection.
This Amelia who used to be so far away, so out of reach, was now showing her feelings for him.
He knew very well that if he just took one step forward, he could have what he'd always wanted.
This was a dream he'd kept in his heart for years.
But he knew clearly that he had Mia now, and he wouldn't let her go.
Even though they were fighting right now, he'd never thought about divorcing her.
With their backs to the door, the office blinds weren't drawn. From outside, it looked like the usually professional James was so heartbroken over Amelia that he'd forgotten to maintain appearances, comforting her with a kiss.
"Amelia, you rest first." James pulled away the arms wrapped around his neck, stood up, created some distance, turned around and went back to sit at his desk.
He opened a file and started working.
Amelia lay on the sofa, watching the person outside who had been arranged to take photos successfully turn and leave. She lowered her eyelids, her eyes full of determination.
What she wanted, she would definitely get.
...
The next day
After finishing her treatment, Mia looked at the doctor expectantly and asked, "Doctor, I feel pretty good right now. Can I try?"
She didn't want to wait anymore.
She wanted to give it a shot.
"Yes, is the surprise ready?"
"All ready."
Mia's eyes crinkled with her smile.
She had followed the doctor's advice and prepared a double surprise for James.
After today, she and James could go back to how things were before.
She would completely let go of James and Amelia's past.
"Good luck!"
Cecil looked at Mia warmly. Only after her excited figure disappeared from view did he return to his office and call Amelia.
After leaving, Mia went to the supermarket first.
She made several trips to buy everything she needed.
When she got home, the maid came downstairs to help carry things up.
"Mrs. Smith, are you sure you'll be okay?"
The maid looked at Mia, not quite comfortable leaving her alone at home to work.
"I can do it!"
Even though it might not taste great, it was the thought that counted.
This was her first time cooking for James herself. Just this gesture alone would move him to tears.
If he knew she'd gone to see a doctor for him, who knows, he might even be so touched he'd start falling for her?
"Mrs. Smith, you can do it!"
Seeing Mia so full of energy, the maid cheered her on.
These past few days, Mia had suffered quite a bit learning to make this meal.
Her hands had gotten so many blisters from burns, and several cuts too.
Her husband came home late and hadn't seen any of it.
If he had, he would have been heartbroken.
"Okay!"
Mia nodded, watched the maid leave, then got to work herself.
She spent over an hour decorating the dining room.
It looked a bit odd.
After finishing the decorations, Mia went into the kitchen.
Her hands-on skills really weren't great—she just didn't have the talent.
Like when she tried learning to knit little things for kids, she really wanted to surprise James.
So she studied very carefully.
One dish a day. They didn't look great, but she could cook them through without blowing up the kitchen, which she thought was pretty impressive.
Mia praised herself in her head while continuing to prepare.
She'd learned the recipes, but still needed her cheat sheet.
She opened up her notes from the past few days.
They had steps that only she could understand.
She started cooking seriously.
Mia glanced at the time. It was still early to start cooking.
There was almost an hour before James got off work.
Her eyes sparkled with an idea.
Since it was a surprise, might as well go all out.
She could pick James up from work, then personally prepare dinner for him, with some red wine.
Wearing the new nightgown she bought today.
Mia bit her lip and shook her head, shaking away the suggestive images in her mind.
She went upstairs to change clothes. Instead of driving, she called a car service.
Mia's timing was a bit off. There was some traffic, and she arrived at the Smith Group right at quitting time.
She got out of the car and walked straight in.
Amelia, who had been having Mia watched, received a phone call the moment Mia appeared.
Completely unaware, Mia walked in. Just as she entered, she heard James and Amelia and stopped in her tracks.