"What the hell is wrong with you? You're the one who went on dates, and you're the one who was givingthe cold shoulder. Why do you think it's okay to treatlike this?" Esther felt aggrieved.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThis man was manipulating her and trying to shut her out. Why was he suddenly interrogating her as if she was the one at fault? She thought James was a selfish man.
"I have my reasons." Esther burst into laughter. "If you truly had reasons, you could just tell me. I'm genuinely curious. Let's see how much of a burden you're carrying and how unreasonable I am." She placed her hands on her hips, expecting his explanation to fall short.
James rubbed his forehead, feeling helpless at her reaction. It was a serious matter, but somehow Esther's response made it seem comical, even though she wasn't trying to be funny.
"I'm doing this to protect you," he finally explained.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmEsther's eyes grew wide. "Protect me?" "My parents arranged a marriage forwhen I was a child, with a girl named Sabrina." Esther noted the name, Sabrina. She was a renowned diplomat, highly accomplished at a young age. Esther didn't display any emotions upon hearing the name, but the revelation of a marriage arrangement since childhood surprised her.
"A marriage agreement since you were a child?" "Yes, it was just a joke to my parents back then. They didn't take it seriously, but Sabrina's parents were determined for her to marry me, so..." Esther felt sympathy. "So your parents couldn't handle the pressure and hoped you two would get to know each other. Is that why you went on the blind date?" James didn't confirm explicitly, but his silence was telling.
"Well, if that's what your parents want, then you should spend tet with her," Esther said sadly. "I'm just an actress. Your family wouldn't approve of someone like me." Sabrina was a diplomat-young, accomplished, and outstanding. Any family would be proud to have her. Who would want their son to marry a mere actress? James felt a surge of anger at her words. "So you're just givingup?" He had been putting effort into their relationship, yet she seemed ready to give up. "But I think—" Esther began, tears welling up. If James had a great choice for a fiancee, why would he want her? "I know you'd feel inferior after hearing about Sabrina. I get it," James said with a hint of vel.? amusement at her expression. "But do you know we've grown up together and know everything about each other? There's no romantic feelings between us..." Esther realized she was feeling sad for no reason. "Does that mean she's interested in someone else?" She couldn't believe it. Was Sabrina's high standards the reason? James looked angry. "No, we're just not interested in each other!"