JAMES’ POV

“The two of you being here together is actually quite shocking,” Anna said.

Her voice hadn’t changed much, still that same familiar tone I remembered from years ago but there was something different buried beneath it. Something sharp. Something cold enough to cut through glass. It was filled with a level of hate that almost felt practiced, like she had been waiting for this exact moment just to release it.

“Why would it be shocking?” I asked, keeping my expression blank even though the bitterness in her tone pressed against my nerves.

“Well, firstly, I thought by now she would have probably backstabbed you and cheated on you...