Bethany walked into the hotel lobby, her nerves on edge. She had told herself that meeting James was just to set boundaries and nothing more.
The memory of the other night flashed in her mind, but she pushed it away, determined to end whatever strange dynamic had started between them.
James was waiting in the corner of the bar, a glass of whiskey in his hand. His eyes lit up when he saw her approach, but Bethany's expression remained guarded.
"You're here," he said, standing up and gesturing toward the seat across from him.
"Let's make this quick," Bethany replied, sitting down but keeping her distance.
James smirked, taking a slow sip of his drink.
"You didn't have to come, you know. But you did."
Bethany ignored his remark. "About the other night," she began, her voice firm. "It was a mistake."
James leaned back in his chair, studying her. "A mistake?" he repeated, his tone calm but laced with challenge.
"Yes," Bethany said sharply. "Like I said last night, I was drunk, vulnerable, and clearly not in my right mind. It meant nothing."
"You're sure about that?" He tilted his head, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Absolutely," she snapped. "And it won't happen again. Ever."
James's smile faded, and his eyes hardened. "You're rushing to conclusions, Bethany. Maybe you should think about it more carefully."
"There's nothing to think about," she shot back. "I'm marrying your brother. That's the deal, and I'm sticking to it."
James let out a low chuckle, shaking his head.
"So, you're really going to go through with this sham of a marriage? For what? To please your father? To save your mother?"
Bethany's jaw tightened. "Don't you dare bring my mother into this. You know nothing about my life or my reasons."
He leaned forward, his tone sharp now. "I know enough to see that you're sacrificing yourself for people who don't deserve it aside from your mom."
"I don't need your opinion," she snapped. "And I don't need you. Stay out of my business!"
James stared at her for a long moment, his expression stern.
"Fine," he said at last, leaning back in his chair. "If that's what you want. But let me make one thing clear—I won't agree to this marriage."
Bethany froze, her eyes narrowing. "What do you mean?"
"I mean," James said, his voice cold, "I won't sit back and let this happen. Not without a fight."
"You don't get to decide that," Bethany retorted, her voice rising. "This isn't about you!"
"Isn't it?" he challenged, his gaze locking with hers. "Because I think it's about a lot more than you're willing to admit."
Bethany stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. "Don't you dare do anything to ruin this, James. I mean it."
He smirked, but there was no humor in his eyes. "We'll see."
Her fists clenched at her sides, and she leaned closer to him. "I'm warning you. Stay out of it."
"Or what?" he asked, his voice low and taunting.
Bethany didn't answer. She turned on her heel and stormed out of the bar, her heart pounding with anger and frustration.
As she reached the hotel parking lot, she paused to catch her breath. Her mind was spinning with James's words.
'What did he mean by a fight? What was he planning?'
Before she could dwell on it further, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and stared at the screen.
It was a text from her father.
"The Williams family has invited just the two of us to another dinner tonight. Be ready."
Bethany's stomach twisted as she read the message. She had no idea what awaited her at the dinner, but one thing was clear...this was far from over.
***
The dining room of the Williams estate was grand and intimidating as usual.
A long table, adorned with polished silverware and gleaming crystal glasses, stretched across the room.
Bethany sat beside Nicholas, her future husband, who seemed more focused on his phone than on her.
Across the table, James lounged in his chair, his gaze piercing as it flitted to her every now and then.
Bethany's heartbeat continued to drop. She had barely managed to maintain her composure since stepping into the house.
Every time James looked her way, she felt a wave of anxiety, praying he wouldn't say anything about their indiscretion.
Dinner began with polite conversation.
Mr. Williams, seated at the head of the table, spoke about the upcoming merger between their family businesses, clearly proud of the union this marriage would bring.
"This marriage is more than a partnership between two people," Mr. Williams declared, raising his glass.
"It's the merging of two great families. Nicholas and Bethany will make us stronger together."
Bethany forced a smile, nodding slightly as her stomach churned but Nicholas barely glanced up.
"Yeah, sounds great," he mumbled, still scrolling on his phone.
Mrs. Williams shot her son with a sharp look. "Nicholas, put that away. This is important."
Nicholas sighed and slid his phone into his pocket. "Fine."
James cleared his throat, leaning forward slightly. "Actually, there's something I'd like to say about this marriage."
The room fell silent. All eyes turned to him.
"What is it, James?" Mr. Williams asked, his tone curious but firm.
James set his fork down deliberately, his gaze fixed on Bethany. "I don't approve of this marriage."
Bethany's heart dropped again. She gripped the edge of the table, willing herself to stay calm.
"What are you talking about?" Mr. Williams demanded, his brows furrowing.
"I said I don't approve," James repeated, his voice steady.
Nicholas looked up, frowning. "Why not? What's your problem, James?"
"It's not a problem," James replied, leaning back in his chair. "It's a fact. I don't think Bethany and Nicholas should get married."
Bethany's pulse raced. 'Please don't say it. Please don't say it,' she prayed silently.
Mrs. Williams's eyes narrowed. "James, this is not the time for your theatrics. If you have a valid reason, speak now."
"I have my reasons," James said, his tone calm but unyielding.
"What reasons?" Mr. Williams demanded. "Speak clearly, James. You can't make such a claim without an explanation."
James hesitated, his gaze flickering to Bethany for a brief moment before returning to his father.
"Let's just say I know this isn't the right match."
"That's not good enough!" Nicholas snapped, his irritation evident. "If you have something to say, just say it!"
Bethany clenched her fists under the table, her palms damp with sweat. She felt as if she were on the edge of a cliff, waiting for the fall.
"I've said all I need to say," James replied, his tone defiant. "Bethany and Nicholas shouldn't end up together. That's my stance."
"James," Mrs. Williams said, her voice tight with frustration, "you're being ridiculous. This marriage is happening. It's been planned for weeks, and both families are in agreement."
"Well, I'm not," James said, his voice growing colder. "And I won't pretend to support it."
Bethany's father, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up.
"James, with all due respect, your personal opinions don't matter here. This is about family, business, and the future. Bethany and Nicholas will get married."
James smirked, shaking his head.
"You're all so focused on business deals and alliances that you're blind to what's actually happening."
"What's actually happening?" Mr. Williams challenged, his voice rising.
James didn't answer immediately. He glanced at Bethany again, and for a moment, she thought he might say it.
Her chest tightened, her breath catching in her throat.
Instead, James stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor.
"You want this marriage? Fine. But count me out. I won't be a part of it."
"Sit down, James!" Mr. Williams barked, his voice echoing in the room.
"No dad," James said, his voice steady. "I'm done here."
Without another word, he strode out of the room, leaving a tense silence in his wake...
Bethany sat frozen, her mind racing.
Relief flooded her that James hadn't revealed their secret, but his defiance had stirred unease in the room.
"What's gotten into him?" Nicholas muttered, shaking his head.
Mr. Williams exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. "Ignore him. He'll come around."
But Bethany wasn't so sure.
James's words and actions felt like the beginning of something far bigger, and she couldn't shake the feeling that her world was about to unravel even further.
'What is he planning?' she wondered, dread pooling in her stomach as the dinner resumed…