James stood still for a moment, almost as if he didn't trust his own body. Then he took a step… and another. No crutches. No hesitation. Just strength. Freedom.
Juliet's breath caught in her throat.
"James… you're really walking."
A faint smile curved his lips, but there was something deeper in his eyes—something unreadable.
"I told you I would."
Later that evening, they sat across from each other in a dimly lit restaurant. The soft glow of candles flickered between them, but the air felt heavier than it should—like something unspoken lingered beneath every word.
James leaned back, studying her.
"So… what's next for you?" he asked quietly.
Juliet hesitated, tracing the rim of her glass.
"Now that Amanda is done with school… I want to go back too. I want to grow my crochet business… maybe start something bigger."
James nodded slowly, but his gaze didn't leave her face.
"And you think you'll be able to handle all that… alone?"
Juliet frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"
He leaned forward now, his tone softer—but sharper somehow.
"You won't have to do anything alone anymore."
A silence stretched between them.
Juliet swallowed. "What's next for you, James?"
A small, almost dangerous smile appeared.
"I'm going to sponsor my fiancée through school," he said. "Open a massive store for her. Something… unforgettable."
He paused.
"And I'll make sure our wedding is something people will never stop talking about."
Juliet's heart skipped. Something about the way he said it—it didn't sound like a dream. It sounded like a plan.
A fixed plan.
"About the wedding…" Juliet began carefully.
"Since my parents are gone… and it's just Amanda… I think we should keep it simple."
Before she could finish, James cut in.
"No."
The word came out too quickly. Too firm.
Juliet blinked. "James—"
"I know what it's like to lose people," he said, his voice low now. "But I'm not letting that define our story."
His fingers curled tightly around hers.
"Our wedding will be grand. Luxurious. Perfect."
His grip tightened slightly… just enough for Juliet to notice.
"And nothing," he added softly, "is going to ruin it."
A chill ran down her spine.
James suddenly pulled her closer across the table. The intensity in his eyes had shifted—burning now, almost overwhelming.
"Do you trust me?" he asked.
Juliet hesitated.
Just for a second.
But James noticed.
His smile didn't fade—but something in it changed.
"Of course I do," she said quickly.
"Good."
He leaned in and kissed her—deep, possessive, leaving no space between them.