Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 827

Lorraine had no choice but to guide Emmy to a nearby lounge and help her sit down.

A servant soon arrived with a bowl of warm bird’s nest soup and some delicate pastries. Emmy barely touched the food, taking just a few small bites before setting her spoon down.

Then came the waiting. The sound of chanting drifted through the house from day into night, endless and dull. Hours passed. By the time the monks finally finished reading through the thick book of scripture, the sky outside was completely dark.

Inside the hall, only James was still kneeling upright, straight as an arrow. Everyone else had given in to exhaustion, slumping against each other, some nearly sprawled on the floor. Servants hurried over to help, massaging sore legs and lifting people to their feet.

James, though, simply paused to catch his breath, then stood up on his own. Without a word, he made his way through the crowd and stopped in front of Emmy.

She had waited so long she’d dozed off, her head resting on the edge of the small table.

“Emmy.”

His voice was gentle. He brushed a loose strand of hair from her cheek with his fingertips.

Emmy woke up slowly, blinking in confusion until she saw James. Relief filled her eyes, and she sat up straighter.

“It’s over?” she asked.

James nodded, his voice rough from hours of silence. “Yeah. Why didn’t you go back?”

Emmy kept hold of his sleeve, looking up at him. “Can I… stay here with you? To see your grandmother off?”

Lorraine quickly stepped forward, her voice low and careful. “Ma’am, the Nelson family doesn’t have that tradition. A granddaughter-in-law isn’t supposed to join the procession.”

Emmy pressed her lips together, disappointment flickering across her face. “Oh… I see. Then I’ll head back.”

She tried to stand, but James gently pressed her shoulder to keep her seated.

“Stay here tonight,” he said. “The funeral’s at four in the morning. I’ll take you to my place so you can rest. I’ll come for you when it’s time.”

Emmy’s eyes widened in surprise. “But Lorraine said…”

James’s voice was low. “Grandmother will be buried on the mountain. The path is steep and rough. Even if they allowed you, you wouldn’t be able to make that climb. When the time comes, you can kneel and say goodbye. That’s enough.”

“Is this… where you lived as a kid?” Emmy asked in a whisper.

James nodded. Just one word, but it made Emmy’s heart ache even more.

He carried her into the bedroom and laid her gently on the big, soft bed. Kneeling down, he took off her shoes, careful and gentle with her ankles.

“Get some rest,” he said.

Emmy looked at his tired, bloodshot eyes and couldn’t help but ask, “What about you? When will you rest?”

He smiled a little and ruffled her hair. “Don’t worry about me. Once everything’s done, I will.”

But Emmy knew he probably wouldn’t sleep at all tonight.

James straightened and turned to leave. Emmy reached out without thinking, grabbing the edge of his shirt.

He paused and looked back at her. In the darkness, his eyes were deep, full of shadows and worry, and all of Emmy’s uncertainty was reflected right there.