Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 1237

James couldn't think of a single thing to say.

He suddenly remembered what Abriella had told him back at the border, the way she’d warned him with such seriousness. Now, looking at Emmy—seeing the coldness, the disappointment on her face—he finally understood just how badly he’d messed up.

His throat felt tight, panic clutching at his chest the way it always did when things fell apart. He reached out for her hand, his voice rough and uncertain.

“I’m sorry. I know I handled this all wrong. I didn’t think it through.”

“But I really only see her as a sister. Just like Abriella. Nothing more.”

“In my mind, she’s just... Jamie’s responsibility. That’s all.”

Emmy didn’t even try to hide her disappointment. She had heard this excuse too many times before. The spark in her eyes faded away.

She looked at him, and for a moment he wasn’t that powerful, invincible man anymore. He just looked stuck. Trapped by a sense of duty he didn’t know how to let go.

“When you decide to stop carrying someone else’s burden like it’s your own, then maybe we can talk,” she said quietly.

She pulled her hand free and stood up, already turning away from him. This time, she really meant it. She was done talking. As long as he stayed tangled up in guilt for Jamie, Mercedes would always be stuck between them, like a thorn that wouldn’t come out.

James’s heart pounded. He felt something close to panic. He reached out and grabbed her wrist, holding on like he was afraid she’d disappear forever.

“Don’t go. Please,” he said, his voice desperate.

He pulled her back to face him. His eyes, usually so steady, looked raw and red, as if he hadn’t slept in days.

“If I told you I might never be able to let go of what I owe him, could you still forgive me?”

Emmy looked at him, and for a split second her chest hurt so sharply she almost couldn’t breathe. She didn’t answer, just smiled a little, the sound soft—almost helpless. That tiny smile made James’s panic spike.

He started talking faster, his thoughts tumbling out of his mouth.

“She was the woman Jamie loved. If he hadn’t gone through all that because of me, if he were still here…”

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