Page 13 of Surrendering to the Obsession

William looked at him with concern and stepped closer. “Mr. Sinclair… you have already arranged all of this. And you have done more than that—”

James cut him off sharply, turning his head toward him, eyes red and strained. “Then tell me,” he demanded, “why doesn’t Mia still want to come back?”

William froze for a heartbeat, unsure how to respond. His hands twitched slightly at his sides, a flicker of helplessness crossing his face as he searched for words.

At that moment, there was noise at the door.

James immediately straightened, his shoulders lifting immediately with sudden hope, his lips parting—

“Mia?”

But the name died on his tongue.

It was Kylie.

She walked in holding a lunch box, a hopeful smile on her face. “James, I heard you haven’t been eating properly. So I brought you lunch. You should eat something.”

James’ expression fell, disappointment hitting him like a visible weight. He looked away, his chest tightening. He did not respond.

Kylie kept talking, stepping closer. “I was worried about you. I could cook for you every day if you want. I’m here. I won’t leave you alone.”

“Get out,” James said, his voice low and drained.

Kylie blinked, stunned. “James—”

He lifted his eyes, exhaustion turning cold. “I said get the fuck out!”

Kylie swallowed hard, gripping the lunchbox, but didn’t move.

Willliam leaned closer to James, speaking quietly. “Mr. Sinclair, you haven’t eaten anything for the past few days. Madam was most concerned about your health. If she sees you like this, she would definitely be very upset.”

James’ breathing paused. His eyes lowered as memories flickered quietly in his expression.

He remembered how Mia used to cook for him, even though she didn’t know how at first. He remembered how he had disliked the food, how he had frowned, how she would nervously wait for his reaction. He remembered pushing the plate away.

“Mia was also from a family where she was pampered,” he said quietly, eyes softening. “But she learned it too. Many things. For me.” His voice shook. “Was it really me… who was never satisfied with anything she did?”

Kylie stepped closer quickly, her tone louder now, filled with jealousy. “James, why are you still thinking about her? After you did so much for her, she still left. It’s her loss! Look—I am still here for you. No matter what. I will be with you.” She offered the lunchbox forward with a smile, trying to appear warm.

James slowly lifted his head and stared at the lunchbox.

He remembered the first time Mia brought lunch to him at the office…

He had scolded her.

Threw the lunchbox away.

Told the receptionist not to let her in again.

James inhaled shakily.

“It seems… I really overreacted,” he said slowly, voice filled with regret. “I was at fault.”

He looked down, his voice barely audible. “When she comes back… I’ll try to make things right between us.”

Chapter 3 Sister?!

Mia sipped on her mocktail as she waited in the restaurant, the glass cool against her fingers. Her posture was relaxed, one leg crossed over the other, soft music playing and sunlight streaming through the large windows. When she spotted Hazel and Harold entering, she smiled and waved at them as they made their way toward her table.