Page 79 of The Hotel Room

But he saw the way her breathing changed, how her chest lifted unevenly, the quiet crack in her armor.

James exhaled slowly, the ache twisting deeper in his chest.

“I know I hurt you,” he whispered. “I know I made you feel trapped. But I never—never—thought less of you because you weren’t the one bringing in a paycheck. I never valued your love, your care, our children less because you didn’t earn a salary. Youbuiltthis family, Kate. I don’t know who I’d be without you. And I’m so ashamed that I made you feel like what you’ve given me, what you’ve givenus, was less valuable than my paycheck.”

Silence.

The brush slipped from her fingers, landing against the drop cloth with a soft thud.

She was still facing the painting, but her hand came up to press against her stomach.

The baby.

Their baby.

Finally, she spoke, her voice so quiet it barely reached him.

“I never felt trapped. Not until you made me feel that way.”

James felt it like a blow—clean, direct.

But he didn’t flinch from it.

He deserved it.

“I know,” he whispered, stepping closer. Close enough now that he could see the tension trembling in her spine.

“And I’m sorry. Truly, Kate. I put the house in your name because I want you to know, no matter what happens—” His throat tightened, voice breaking. “If you leave me, I’ll still take care of you. Not because I have to. Because Iwantto. Because you’re the mother of my children. Because I love you. I love you enough to want you whole, even if it means you can’t be with me.”

The words hung between them.

And still, she didn’t turn.

But her breath hitched.

James closed his eyes briefly, hating himself for the way he had made her feel unsafe.

“Kate...you’re the love of my life. I don’t deserve you, I know that now. But I need you to know—more than anything—Iwilldo better. I am doing better. For you. For the kids. For myself.”

At last, she shifted.

Her head tilted slightly, just enough for him to catch the edge of her profile, the sheen in her eyes that told him how much she was fighting to stay composed.

“But what if you’re not?” she whispered, voice breaking. “What if you say all the right things now, and then—years from now—I’m right back here? What if you break me again, James?”

The vulnerability in her voice crushed him.

And God, heunderstoodit.

Because it wasn’t just words she needed.

It was proof.

He stepped even closer, gently, carefully, until he was just near enough to reach her—but didn’t.

“I won’t,” he said, voice hoarse. “I won’t ever stop trying, Kate. I can’t promise perfection. But I can promiseyou. That I will never stop putting you first. That your happiness means more to me than my own. And if—” His voice cracked, thick with emotion. “If you decide you need space...or if you decide you can’t do this anymore...I’ll respect that. Because I love you.Enough to let you go, if that’s what it takes for you to be whole again.”

She turned then.

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