At this distinctive moment, James wanted more than anything for the ground to eat him whole. Anything to bypass this day. Instantly his Mother rushed up to his side wearily to alter his collar that stuck out. She sighed failing her hands in the air, "Look at you, you look a disgrace. You haven't shaved and I swear you've been in that shirt from the last time I saw you. I do hope for your sake that she doesn't run off in fright at the state you are in."

James didn't respond and only dug his hands further into his trouser pockets. His Mother was right on his appearance; rough stubble plastered on his face, the faint bags settled just below his eyes and then not to mention that he had not been eating. Gwen wiped her eyes gently in attempt to not smudge her make-up as she whimpered in defeat. "I'm so sorry. James you only brought this on yourself. But look at you. What has happened to you James?" James shook his head pulling his Mother into a warm embrace kissing the top of her head as he muttered. "Don't cry. It's my fault, not yours. I know I've brought this on myself."

"But why are you so not you? It can't be just about marrying this woman. What else is bothering you, James?" She grumbled, her voice muffled against his shirt. James inhaled pressing another kiss onto the top of her head as he said. "I'm fine." This was the best he could do to reassure his Mother that he was alright but the truth stood to be hidden. He wasn't alright, he was truly in a state that it appeared looking after himself wasn't his top priority anymore.

James had to soon act, composure himself to seem fit and then plaster a false smile before leaning in to press a kiss against the stranger's hand. Instantly she flushed with the presence of dimples either side of her cheeks as she smiled in return. Auburn haired, petite and barely up to the height of his shoulders; perhaps if months ago and James had met her in a bar, he would have taken a instant attraction to her and easily serenaded her into the covers. Now it was a different story and he couldn't help to compare her to Harper. Not a easy task. Her name was Eleanor and she was daddy's little girl where Daddy owned various firms in South London. If anything she looked too naive, innocent and perhaps even to immature for his liking. He could imagine her being rather irresponsible that if she was to become his wife then married life would be pretty much pathetic. It sounded harsh and he felt pity for the woman knowing that he could tell she was finding it difficult to remain under control or rather unable to resist him specially how her cheeks still remained to inflame. James sighed softly to himself as he gave her limited eye contact and instead let his thoughts drift leaving only the distant background noise of his Mother discussing with Eleanor's Father. The only good thing about all of this, was he had not to propose to her and only announce their engagement sooner or later. On his behalf, his Mother would help him in finding the ring and then that would be that. It didn't get him out of having to get to know to her and much to his dismay, it meant for the next months or so, there would have to be interaction with Eleanor.

James let out a sigh of relief as he stood side by his Mother to wave of their presence. His Mother clapped her hands together once as she joyfully announced. "Well, that went well. I do hope you make a little more effort when you spend time with Eleanor. I think she has taken a liking to you very much." James said nothing only returned to the lounge where he remained to just there most of the day staring out to nowhere.

Thanks to his sister's prodding when James returned back to his penthouse he had made effort to shave and even Manny was on his case about eating after Violet's stern words. He couldn't lie how he felt much better that he was well fed and up to the point that he kept his five o'clock shadow instead of beard. Visiting the gym had also helped that he built back up his strength that had felt like it had abandoned him weeks ago. So by the second week in from when he left Harper, it was the day of finally making interaction with Eleanor. No, he had no nerves and only dreaded each second he would have to spend with her knowing their chemistry was lacking on his side for sure.

James took no effort in their place of meeting, it disgusted him to think of it as a date and stuck stubbornly to it only being like a meeting he would usually attend as CEO. Upon her arrival, James made no approach to her and only followed the waiter further into the dining area with her hot on his trail like a little lost puppy. James tried his best not to sigh and attempted a smile that he was sure any fool could see it was fake. Not Eleanor though, she melted on the spot, her cheeks inflaming as she took of her coat. James could give her a 5/10 for her attempt at trying to appeal to him, of course his nature as a guy, his eyes went straight to her cleavage that she best tried to show off. It did nothing. Nothing.

James coughed to clear his throat as he made first interaction. "So, aren't you pissed at all about this arrangement?" Yes he had dared to say it, something his Mother would instantly disapprove of. Eleanor's face only went red further as she replied. "Not really. Is there a problem? I-I-I" She stuttered,her eyes looking elsewhere rather not on him.

James took a sip of wine then shook his head as he placed it down. "Of course not." He lied. Nothing was said after that and James refused to speak again so instead pretended he was much interested in the menu.

"You are very much attractive than I expected." She admitted breaking the silence as she played with her hair twirling it around her finger. James' brows lifted at her comment. "Oh, but I don't think I am going to remain this pretty any longer."

"Don't be silly!" She giggled. James discreetly rolled his eyes at her lack of understanding that he tried to imply. Didn't she get that he was implying his charming looks would diminish away just like this marriage? Pretty much the whole night had been pointless, his snarky comments had ran past her with her lack of interpretation and the only thing he had learnt about her was she was voted sexiest woman last year. Like that was going to help. His overall judgement of her was she was plain and had nothing that appealed or even he felt slightest attraction to. What else was worse about her? She had this problem of being very clingy, despite this being their first interaction she had latched onto his arm instantly without his permission as they walked out the restaurant. James was only glad to shake her off as Samuels dropped her off at the hotel she was staying at for the time being. Even Samuels snickered at her character, eavesdropping onto the conversation on how she presented herself. James let out a sigh of relief instructing Samuels to drive off immediately so he could bleach his ear drums from having to listen to her irritating voice.

James was grateful to be home as he flopped onto his couch then to kick his shoes off. James lay staring at the ceiling something that had become a usual routine for him to do. It was not out of boredom but his time to reflect how stupid he was to ruin things. James pulled out his phone daring to open his photos where instantly words needn't to leave his mouth just being able to see her face. James clicked on one instantly regretting deeply knowing he would never have chance to see that smile again.

Then there was the third week into the month when it appeared like anyone just wanted to cripple James to the point he couldn't cope anymore. That morning it was when James would be meeting with Jackal to go over their plan of action however James had no effort of getting their on time. He had been standing under the shower allowing the water trickle down every inch of his back. There were times in weakness he dared to pick up his phone and ring her number but then only be defeated knowing there would be no point. Maybe she would be happy without him. It was for the best, maybe he'd rather have her know him as a monster than the coward he really was. James didn't want Harper to get hurt no more. By the time James had got to work, Jackal was already high in discussion on his phone to even bother to give recognition to James' presence as he entered flopping down on the chair opposite him.

"James,what happened?" Jackal chuckled obviously referring to the time. James needn't to answer, he was his own boss so there was no need to explain on his own tardiness.

"So, good week?" Jackal spoke out. James shrugged his shoulders as he tapped his pen against the table with no rhythm only agitating himself by the second. "Depends, call meeting your future wife depressing and then drinking away most nights." Jackal's brows lifted, he only cleared his throat before chuckling dryly. "Future wife? What you in the dog-house with someone?"

"No, I am actually getting married, soon or rather later" James confirmed. Jackal leant in forward. "Married? Joking right?" James laughed coldly to himself as he continued to tap his pen on the table. "I wish I was. Unfortunately I am. And I am gathering that won't be a problem, will it?" This time he met his eyes. Jackal pulled a face. "Of course not. Just, I am shocked. And when is this news coming out?"

"When my Mother sees fit." James replied. Jackal didn't manage another word as the two doors burst open and instantly James rose in anger. Ethan entered the conference room smirking at James as he confidently approached Jackal to only apologise profusely. "Jackal, sorry I'm late. Got caught up in some traffic." His eyes flickered to James granting him another smirk before taking the vacant seat.

"Not at all, Ethan. We were just discussing James'-

-"What's he doing here?" James spat interrupting Jackal from finishing his sentence , his eyes pinpointed on Ethan not once removing themselves away. Jackal's forehead crinkled as he spoke out. "Why James, he is my other partner. Ethan was already prone to this deal. If you had failed to stay out the press, Ethan was already on the sidelines to jump right in. Obviously you didn't and of course, why not get the best of both worlds. You're both intelligent men and surely civilised that I expect you can work alongside each other."

James only snapped in anger. "I'm not working with that b**ard!" Ethan only responded with short laughter. "Jackal, I believe James is rather intimidated by me. Though I must ensure you James that I am only here to improve myself not leech your firm out of business." Ethan winked only to agitate James even more.

"See, now is there a problem James?" Jackal asked.

"Yes, is there a problem James?" Ethan innocently said, battering his eyelashes in a childish manner. James slowly sat back down to his seat shaking his head as he granted what Ethan didn't want and he smiled only back to Ethan. "Of course not. Ethan I do apologise." Then placed his hand against his heart in mockery. "Deeply I am." He added flicking another smile to Ethan.

"Good, now let's get on with this meeting, shall we?" Jackal broke in as the two faced each other with intimidation.

James hadn't spoken barely a word and only attempted to look out for chances to take mockery on any mistakes Ethan was to commit. Jackal towards the end stood up as he announced. "I am most appealed my out action of course, we should consider getting it implemented immediately. And before you go, I am holding a party near the end of this month. I haven't decided if I shall follow this month's theme of halloween or proceed it into a normal party but I would like to see you both there. I shall come back to you on the details. And James, what we spoke about earlier. I would be honoured if you were to share the news there. "

"Oh, what's that?" Ethan innocently piped in.

"Nothing." James barked back.

Jackal clapped his hands together. "So I shall see you soon. James. Ethan." He then took his briefcase heading out the doors leaving James alone with Ethan who dared to speak first. "I think I know who my plus one will be." Then he began heading for the doors himself. James took no thought in moving as he barricaded the door. "If you f**king touch her." He threatened.

Ethan held his hands in surrender. "Me? I wouldn't dare do a thing like that. Besides why can't I? Surely she doesn't belong to you. Anyway I am sure she would be worth the ride. It will be her who will be having difficulty restraining herself from me."

James instantly lunged for him grabbing him around the neck. "Try me." He growled.

"And get another bruise upon my face. I think I'll pass. We're civilised men, James." He choked.

"Don't you f**king touch her or I will guarantee I will kill you." He warned Ethan then pushed him back as he let go. James took no more time to waste on him as he walked out.

That month had went slow. When he sae Eleanor again, it was when he had to fight back from just walking off. No, he couldn't though, perhaps if he wasn't in his Mother and Father's living room to hold her hand acting as if he was madly in love just so her own parents could smile with grace.

"You two look adorable!" Eleanor's Mother would joyfully announce. James would then have to bite back the rumble of laughter that he wanted to release knowing how ridiculous her statement was. Then Eleanor would only attempt to caress her fingers over his skin upon his hand or discreetly trying to tug on the waist of his trousers in attempt to arouse his temptation. James could only award her on her efforts but he was more concerned with getting this meeting with her parents over with.
His own Mother would input in, "Oh Susan, your daughter indeed gets her beauty from you." James wanted to gag but the only thing he could do which wouldn't be noticeable to show his disgust was to wrinkle his nose as if he had a itch.

Then the worse was when Eleanor would only join in. -"I swear I feel like I've known him for years." Then his Mother and her parents would erupt in laughter before cooing in admiration of her inflamed cheeks.

James was grateful when Eleanor left only she had to leave her mark by placing a wet kiss against his own. Of course it was a sight to be seen by his Mother who smiled bashfully or even Eleanor's own parents who cooed. James when he had the chance wiped his lips dry with his backhand wanting nothing but to take away her taste from his lips. He could taste her tacky lipgloss and her lips he could compare to as if kissing condensation off a transparent surface.

James said no words as he left their family home and headed back to his penthouse where the rest of the remaining night, he spent his night no longer sober.

That's what really happened in that first month, nothing what it may have looked like with all the falseness. James had never been so miserable.

Thanks for reading. Thank you for your patience and I hoped you enjoyed this chapter. So this chapter was really to summarise what happened in that month, the next one will be about Harper and what happens in that month for herself before we return to when she sees James walking into his firm with Eleanor. If you enjoyed this chapter please VOTE, COMMENT and SHARE.

Q How many chapters are there left?

A Honestly I'd say there are still a few left before we finally end. So there should be hope for Harper and James.

Thank you and I hope to update ASAP.

VAMPIREFANGSRULES xxx