A Heart Closed to Love

James tried to take the application document from me, but I dodged out of his way, saying, "You're usually pretty busy. I can hand it to Commander Bowen."

He shot a suspicious look at me. "Why are you acting so crazy today? Forget it. Do whatever you want."

I simply smiled at James and didn't say a word. I did feel like I was going crazy, but I also realized that I could finally set myself free now that I had been given another chance at life.

The two of us were quiet during the car ride. However, the silence also made James uncomfortable.

In a surprising turn of events, he cleared his throat and spoke first. "I heard that the Art Troupe is putting on a show tonight. If the troop doesn't have any assignments tonight, I'll take you to see it."

I looked at him in surprise. In my past life, I was the one who suggested that we watch the Art Troupe's show. James had pressed his lips together while looking impatient at the time.

"I'm only marrying you because my parents are forcing me to. I'm not actually going to date you. You'd better get this through your head."

That was why I didn't say a word this time around.

Displeasure flickered in James' eyes at my lack of response. "If you don't want to go, then forget I said anything—"

"I want to go!" I answered in a rush, interrupting him. "Of course, I want to go."

When he saw how I couldn't stop myself from smiling, his mouth fell open as if he wanted to say something. However, he remained quiet and just started the car in the end. "Wait for me after dinner—"

Before he could finish his sentence, a member of the Art Troupe dashed in front of the car, shouting, "Captain Wesley! Something bad happened to Emily!"

James slammed his foot on the brakes. "I'm going to take a look. Go back by yourself."

I nodded. "Okay. Hurry up and go."

He was obviously panicked by the sudden news, but his entire body stiffened when he heard my response. He turned his head slowly to look at me before asking, "You… Aren't you jealous?"

A bitter feeling churned in my gut. I wouldn't have wasted ten years of my past life if there was any use in being jealous. Before I could answer, he warned coldly, "I don't care what you're playing at, but you better watch what you do."

James then turned around and hurried away. It seemed that he didn't notice the bitterness and disappointment in my eyes.

In my past life, I had never stopped him from playing favorites with Emily. I was well aware that I couldn't force him to fall in love with me.

I returned home alone. I had just stepped through the gate when Felicia Axford, James' mother, greeted me enthusiastically from next door.

"Has the troop approved your marriage application, Katherine?" she asked. She frowned when she looked behind me and continued, "Where's James? Why didn't that brat come home with you?"

I chuckled and explained that something urgent came up with the troop that he had to attend to. Despite my explanation, Felicia looked upset.

"That brat. Is work more important than loving his wife? I'm going to teach him a lesson when he gets back!"

Jeremiah Wesley, James' father, shook his head helplessly. "He's getting out of line. I hope you don't take his actions to heart, Katherine."

My eyes stung as I fully digested the situation I was in. I was never treated with such warmth even once in the past ten years. Felicia and Jeremiah would have treated me like I was their own daughter if James hadn't turned his back on them because of me.

I wanted to tell them the truth, but realized that I couldn't find the words. In the end, I held Felicia's hand and said softly, "I'd like to thank you and Mr. Wesley for taking care of me during the past few years. I'll definitely repay your kindness."

"You're so silly. There's no need to repay us." Felicia scolded, though not unkindly. "I'm more than happy that you're marrying my son."

I didn't say anything else and simply tightened my hold on Felicia's hand. I wasn't going to be James' wife in this life. He wouldn't have to bend to his parents' wishes and could freely pursue the person he actually loved. He could live his life freely.

As for Felicia and Jeremiah, they wouldn't be resented by their own child for the rest of their lives for playing matchmaker between James and me.

When evening fell, I made my way to the entrance of the Art Troupe Theater, ticket in hand. However, James never showed up even after the performance ended. I knew that he had broken our promise to meet once again.