Page 87 of The Hotel Room

Silence.

Kate’s lips parted slightly, her hand pressing unconsciously to the curve of her stomach.

And James?

James could do nothing but wait.

Wait and pray she could feel just how much he meant every word.

“I was so scared. I knew I was losing you. I thought if I could control things—if I made you feel like you needed me—then maybe you wouldn’t leave. But that wasn’t love, Kate. That was fear. And I hate that I made you feel like your worth was tied to what I could provide. It’s not. It never was.”

She looked up then, her dark eyes searching his.

James exhaled, his voice barely a whisper.

“I’ve given you the house. I’ll always take care of you. Not because I feel obligated—but because Iwantto. You’re the mother of my children, Kate. You gave me everything. And whether you stay with me or not, you deserve to feel safe and supported. I love you. Iwantyou. But your happiness...that matters more than anything else. Even more than keeping you.”

Silence stretched again.

Kate blinked rapidly, pressing her hand protectively over her stomach, where their child grew.

And James—

James had never felt so vulnerable in his life.

But he didn’t rush her.

Didn’t beg.

He just waited, his heart pounding as he whispered one last thing.

“Please, Kate. Tell me what you need. I’m not afraid to lose you anymore. I’m afraid of you being unhappy. I will do whatever it takes to help you feel whole again—whether that’s with me...or without me.”

For a moment, James thought she might cry, but instead, she reached out and brushed her fingers lightly over his forearm.

“James…” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. She swallowed, taking a deep breath, then met his eyes. “Thank you. For the studio. It means more to me than I can say.”

James nodded, blinking back the stinging in his eyes. “You deserve it, Kate. You deserve everything.”

She held his gaze for a moment longer before standing, her touch lingering on his arm before she let it fall. Without another word, she turned and walked out of the room, leaving him alone with his racing heart and the echo of her gratitude.

And for now, that was enough.

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The bar was quieter than usual, the low hum of conversation blending with the clink of glasses and the occasional burst oflaughter from the far corner. The same place they always met. But tonight, it felt heavier somehow.

James sat across from Nick, his untouched drink sweating on the table. His chest was tight, like there was something lodged beneath his ribs he couldn’t shake loose.

He hadn’t called Nick to catch up. He was here to be honest. Finally.

Nick leaned back in his chair, sipping his beer, his usual cocky smirk nowhere in sight. He was waiting. Not pressing. Just watching James with that quiet tension James had come to recognize.

James exhaled hard, running a hand down his face before finally speaking.

“I’ve been an idiot.”

Nick blinked. “Yeah. I could’ve told you that.”

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