As soon as his eyes meet mine, I almost start regretting not telling him. He looks as pissed as he did when he looked at my bare fingers a month ago. I cross the distance between us as Warren stands up to greet James who just curtly nods at him, his eyes fixed on me and his jaw clenching.

"Let me guess, you can explain?" He arches an eyebrow and a cold shiver runs through me at his tone.

"Not here, please." I breathe and he looks around at his employees, nodding.

"You're right. Come." He extends his hand forward and I put my hand in his hesitantly. When he notices the bare fingers, his eyes turn even darker if that's possible and he momentarily closes them. "You've got to be kidding me right now, Lillian."

For the first time I see him trying to breathe out his anger as he closes his fingers around my hand. He doesn't say another word as he pulls me towards the elevator and presses the button. Some people step outside while some stay in, greeting James who just nods at them in return.

Can they not feel him fuming, or is it just me? When we reach the fifteenth floor, James's steps become quicker. He doesn't even give me a chance to greet Olivia who smiles at me and I hope that she saw me return it back. My priorities are really messed up right now.

As soon as we reach outside his office, I notice Amy standing from her cubicle to reach James who snaps at her. "Don't wanna know at the moment. Whatever meetings I have, cancel them for the next hour."

She nods, her eyes momentarily meeting mine and I don't miss her smirk as James turns to enter his office and I follow behind him. As soon as the door shuts behind me, James puts his hand on the back of the chair as he faces me with the fuming anger.

"What the fuck were you thinking?" He yells loudly, almost making me jump out of my skin.

"James..." I try to begin but his angered look immediately shuts me up.

"No, Ms. Vince. No." He glares at me, and the way he said my name just makes me flinch in displeasure, "You didn't even mention it to me that you had an interview today, let alone show up under your maiden name and without those damn rings. I'm going to burn that shit for real."

His words seem like a punch in my heart but I know he doesn't mean them, at least I hope he doesn't. Those rings mean the world to me and I understand how much I would freak out if I ever saw James's hand without the wedding band.

"Will you please stop shouting?" I try to mumble out in a calm tone but regret it almost instantly at the way he looks at me.

"Do you want to explain why my assistant told me that Lillian Vince is here for the internship interview after I was done with a very important meeting? It made me look like a fool when I had no idea what she was talking about." He isn't yelling anymore, so that's a good thing.

I try so hard that the knots forming in my throat with this entire situation resolve but I just keep up breathing unevenly. "I didn't want the internship under the name favours."

That's as honest as I can be and he grits his teeth, his jaw clenching even more before he turns to the glass wall, slamming his hand against it with his back to me.

"James..." I begin again but he shakes his head.

"Go home. I don't want to talk right now, just please leave."

Oh, god! His words twist in my stomach but I'm not leaving like this. "No."

He turns around with a deep scowl on his face as he studies me. "What happened to giving me space when I ask for it?" He mocks my words from the last time we had an argument big enough to be mad at each other like this.

Why did I say that, again? Yes, because it's the right thing to do but I can't sit at home for the next six hours with clawing anxiety. I step further into the room and walk towards where he's standing, taking my steps very cautiously.

"Let me say what I have to say, and after that, I'll leave." I assure him, because I need to do this. "Just listen to me, please."

He turns to me, crossing his arms in front of him as he gestures for me to go on. I take a deep breath, untying my fumbling fingers as I meet his eyes. "I applied through HR when the applications for summer interns came out. I didn't tell you because I knew you wouldn't approve of me applying under my maiden name and had I applied under Clark, you know the bias would've come in. I still wasn't sure if the interviewer would know me, but if they knew me, they didn't mention it. I'm sorry that I didn't tell you, but I don't want favours, James.

"I can apply to some other corporate firms as well but before we got married, I've always wanted to go under this intern training program, because it is one of the best — and for my self respect I want to know that I got it because I'm capable of it and not because the man I'm married to owns the company."

The way he's staring at me I know not one word I said has convinced him to not be angry anymore. He looks away for a second, sighs before turning back to me again.

"There is so much wrong with what you just said. First of all, your application can be discarded just on the basis of providing false information about how you aren't married when you really are. Second, and I'm sick of having this conversation again and again, so either you get it through your head Lillian, or we have much bigger worries for the future, ask before you assume! Just fucking ask me what I think instead of assuming my reaction, because honestly I'm tired of being the bad guy for reacting this way because this anger isn't a result of you applying under your maiden name, this is about how you didn't trust me enough to understand you or tried to even discuss it with me."

The strong wave of regret is almost instant as I process his words. How can I screw things up this much? He's right, all he's ever asked me to do is ask him instead of assuming and while I've expected him to work on his communication, I have been doing a terrible job on my end. How can I possibly fix the look of hurt on his face?

I'm about to speak when he starts again, "And those rings, god damn! They represent this relationship and you toss them away every chance you get, and if I were to do the same, you know how that would go. If you don't respect us enough, stop wearing them but don't take it off for selfish reasons."

His words cut through me and I realise what a big mistake I've made just for the sake of a stupid internship. I step closer to him but he takes a step back, holding up his hand and my heart twists in pain.

"No, no! I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. You're right, I should've asked instead of assuming. I don't know what I was thinking, but I promise I'll work on it, and you don't have to accept the apology, just acknowledge it and let my actions in future be a proof. You don't have to forgive me immediately but I'm sorry." I try to get out as many words as I can, all at once because the distance between us is honestly killing me at this point. "James, I can't— I'm sorry, I don't know what can I do to prove to you what does this relationship mean to me, because I'm not sure words will do justice."

"Your actions haven't been very good so far either, Lillian." He snaps and I gulp, tears finally brimming my eyes even though I've tried so hard not to cry.

"That's not fair and you know it. I shouldn't have assumed, I agree but you can't generalise one mistake to what we share." I shoot back, holding back my tears because I would hate to cry in front of him. "James, you're talking about understanding so please just try to understand why I did what I did. I'm not saying it was right, but maybe if you look at it from my perspective, it might make some sense to you. It was a fifty-fifty chance I wasn't willing to take."

He runs a hand through his hair, tugging at the roots as he turns to me. "I just need some time, please. I won't interfere with your application, so you don't have to worry about that."

I nod, the hurt in my hurt still as prevalent when I see the similar emotion in his eyes. "I'll see you later?"

"I might be late, don't hold dinner on my account."

I look at him incredulously, "Why will you be late?"

"Do I have to tell you everything now?" He snaps and I take a ragged breath, pushing back my tears because now he's just being rude unnecessarily.

I don't say anything as I leave his office and make my way to Amy's cubicle. She looks surprised to see me approach her but only smiles mischievously on seeing my expression.

"You stay the fuck away from my marriage, Amy. I was too kind last time but trust me, if it comes to worst, I'm going to ask him to fire you, so don't test my patience." I seethe at her, making sure that the people at distant cubicles don't hear me since the only people out are the assistants of top position holders.

She frowns at my words, before standing up. "You really think he will fire me because you ask him to? You're just blooming, sweetie, don't mess with me." She scoffs and I arch an eyebrow at her confidence.

"You really think he wouldn't throw your ass out if it comes to harm his marriage?"

How delusional is this woman? I see why Chloe and her get along. She seems to falter at my words but then speaks up, "He wouldn't mix his personal life with his professional. He doesn't like to create a mess, he's too careful with that."

I smirk at her words, "That's exactly what my point is. So you watch your steps."

When I reach the front desk, I pass a smile to Olivia who returns it before moving for the elevator. I don't want to go back to mansion because I know I will go crazy sitting alone with my thoughts. As I enter my car, throwing my bag in the backseat, I press my palm against my eyes to stop the tears but it's of no use as I break down in the parking lot.

It wasn't just this argument with James that got to me, it was the way he didn't believe me when I told him about Chloe, it's about how I'm so damn tired to trying to do the right thing yet end up doing the absolute worst. All I wanted was an internship with my own potential, that's it — and somehow I've screwed that up really badly even though my interview went so well.

I pull myself together, ignoring the hurt coursing through me at the thought of James being so damn angry at me. I just have to be patient for him to come around because I know if I keep pushing, he'll just snap more.

Driving out of the parking lot, I quickly make a decision to visit the only place that comes to my head at the moment. I drive in silence with my thoughts to the familiar road I've only visited once before taking a left to the driveway where I once had one of my favourite days.

After parking the car, I get out and on the frontdesk there's Roger who looks surprised to see me. "Hey. Is it okay to visit without prior notice?"

"Yes, of course, Mrs. Clark." He smiles at me. "Are you visiting someone in particular?"

"Gigi or John, whoever isn't occupied?"

"Oh, they both are probably having a chess contest at the moment. Come on, I'll take you." He leads the way to the similar hallway that leads to John's room. He knocks on the door before opening it and sure enough, both of them are sitting with a table in between as they play chess. "You have a visitor."

John and Gigi look back at me and their faces split into huge smiles. "To what do we owe the pleasure of Lily girl visiting us." John grins as I enter the room and Roger nods at me before closing the door behind him as he leaves.

"No reason. Just felt like visiting you." I shrug as I move to give them both a hug which they return. "Who's winning?"

"I am." Both of them say at the same time which makes me laugh loudly while Gigi grumbles under her breath.

"Don't stop on my account, please. Continue the game." I smile as I take seat on the chair by the desk but John shakes his head.

"No, we can continue later. How've you been, dear? And where's your grumpy ass husband?" He asks, putting down his glasses.

"He's back at the office. How are you guys?" I ask, not wanting to talk about James.

Gigi and John look at each other before she gives me a look, "We're same old, passing our days having the best time." She grins.

"Did you come here from office?" John asks, looking at my attire and I try not let the events of past hour run through my head as I nod at him.

"Yeah, I had an internship interview." I give him a small smile.

"Really? How did it go?" Gigi asks excitedly, making my smile broaden a little. "Are you working with my useless grandson and Jimmy?"

I laugh at her comment for Hale. "Yeah, yeah, that's where I've applied at least. I'll be hearing the result in couple of days."

"Oh dear, what's wrong? Even your laughter sounds sad. Is the boy being an ass to you?" John looks at me with worry in his eyes and I feel tears brimming again as I gulp, shaking my head.

"We just had an argument, it'll be okay." I try to reassure more myself than them and Gigi offers me a sad smile.

"Men can be a little difficult, Lily. Don't you worry, he'll come around."

Oh, how do I tell her that this is completely my screw up? I just keep my mouth shut as I nod to her in acknowledgment. John sighs, exchanging looks with the woman, "Want to play cards?"

"Yes, please!" I clap my hands together as I take up my chair to where they are sitting.

"We'll play flash. Do you know how to play?" Gigi asks and I shake my head, making a very amused smile take both on their face. "Well, you're in for a fun ride."

I spend the entire afternoon with Gigi and John, learning their stories of how they actually had a fight over one donut that was left and eventually became friends. I think both of them are very unaware of their affection towards each other and how they practically act like an old married couple but they are nevertheless adorable.

We even have lunch together as they take me to the buffet where I meet others and spend some time with them, sitting in a group as some played dumb charades. This place almost made me forget about the pain in my heart with the positivity and warmth it radiates.

When dusk comes, I bid goodbye to them, knowing that I'll eventually have to go back to the mansion even if it means spending every minute waiting for James to come back.

"You take care of yourself, Lily, and visit us some more." John hugs me and I return his embrace before doing the same with Gigi.

"Tell my idiot blood to visit meet sometime?" She smiles at me and I nod, making a mental note to scold Hale for not visiting her enough.

"I'll make him come with me next time, promise! Thank you for today."

They wave me off as I get into the car. The entire ride my thoughts are occupied with the conversation James and I had today — he wasn't in the wrong, I know he could've been a little less rude with me but he has a temper problem that wouldn't magically resolve over night.

I just really hope when he comes back he's willing to at least look at me and speak without yelling — to move forward. I promised him I would improve on my part so that is the only way I can make upto him and keep up my apology.

When I reach the mansion, I park the car in the garage and notice that both Chloe's car and Carrack's car are gone, with Mark nowhere to be seen either. Wow, the whole mansion to myself. I sigh before unlocking the front door and moving inside.

Mrs. George comes out of the kitchen in the living room, "Hey, dinner's almost ready."

I mentally slam my head for forgetting to inform her to not make the dinner. "I'm not hungry, Mrs. George. If Carrack and Chloe aren't joining, Shanley and you should eat since James would be a little late too. I'm not sure if he'll eat out, but please put it in casserole in case I need to heat it up later?"

She nods, "Yes, Ms. Madison and Carrack mentioned they wouldn't be joining for dinner. Have you eaten something?"

"Yeah, I had a pretty heavy lunch and I'll get something to eat later in case I feel hungry." I assure her, lying smoothly because I barely ate the broccoli and beans but I don't have the appetite for food at all.

When I reach upstairs, I enter James's bedroom that only feels comfortable with his presence. Even as I put my bag on the table and sit down on the bed to remove my footwear, I can't stand his absence. I have never been here in last month without him, so it just doesn't feel right.

Sighing, I go inside the bathroom and take a quick warm shower to relax my nerves before going in my bedroom. I change into sweats because there's no way I'm going downstairs for dinner. I switch on some random episode of The Office on my laptop, keeping it by my side for background noise.

I watch a few episodes as my eyes keep flickering to the clock and there's no sign of James. I want to text him or call him when the clock hits ten but I know it would just end up with him snapping at me more. He told me not to wait up for a reason, so he must be out. I can't imagine where he possibly could be at ten in the night but I try not to let my mind wander to the worst places.

Putting the laptop screen down, I lay on the bed, staring up at the ceiling as the day runs through my head. At some point, sleep comes to me but it is so disturbed with the dreams of James being mad at me that I end up waking at least thrice.

My eyes move to the clock and I can't help but scowl when I see that it's twenty minutes past midnight. Could he have come back home and gone to sleep? I want to check on him but I'm afraid I'll wake him up. For some reason, James is a very light sleeper which is why there is absolutely no light in his room even when it's morning.

I gulp as I realise that I can't go back to sleep, his thoughts consuming me with guilt from our argument. I just want to speak to him at this point, to let him tell me that we can move past today without it putting a dent on our bond. When sobs wreck through me, I muffle the sound in my pillow because I never thought that James Clark could affect me this way.

God. It hits me in that moment as I try to stop my sobs — how hopelessly and quickly I am falling for him.

"Happy Birthday, Lillian." I whisper to myself, wiping my tears, and just then I hear the doorknob turning.