“Didn’t you feel anything when she scratched me?”

Jim’s steps faltered slightly, but he continued down the stairs, refusing to take the elevator.

“You never once thought about standing up for me? About making her pay?”

Jim clenched his jaw, silent. But his expression grew darker, and his grip around my arms tightened.

Was it rage… or regret?

I sneered coldly and pressed on, “You still can’t bring yourself to lay a hand on her, can you?!”

I gave him a meaningful side glance. Jim sighed, shaking his head helplessly. At the elevator entrance, he gently set me down. His face turned serious and his tone heavy with determination.

“Clarie’s...