CHAPTER 63: EIGHT YEARS AGO: PART I
Eight Years Ago
Sunlight streamed through the window, dappling the room in warmth.
Paris, a vision of blonde beauty, reclined in a chair, meticulously painting her toes a vibrant shade of coral. A sip of orange juice completed the picture of perfect relaxation. Suddenly, a pair of strong hands playfully covered her eyes from behind.
"James!" she squealed, a hint of mock annoyance lacing her voice. "How many times have I told you to quit with the prank, especially when am doing stuffs like this, i could have rubbed the polish wrongly"
Her words were cut short by his laughter as he sat beside her. He leaned in, his warm breath tickling her ear. "Couldn't resist," he murmured, placing a soft kiss on her forehead. "Love you too, Paris."
She turned her head to him, catching his lips in a playful kiss. She replied, a playful glint in her eyes. "Now let me finish this masterpiece. You wouldn't want me smudging the polish, or make a colourful mess, would you?"
A playful glint lit up his eyes. "Maybe a little smudge adds to the charm? Here, let me help," he offered, taking the nail polish bottle and brush from her grasp.
"You? Apply nail polish?" Paris raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Without painting the entire room in the process?"
"Then teach me", James said seriously.
Paris grinned and showed him how to apply the nail polish on her legs.
James, despite his best efforts and attempt at painting her toes was endearingly clumsy, leaving behind a trail of uneven polish that had Paris doubled over in laughter. He, in turn, wore a sheepish grin, clearly enjoying the domesticity of the moment.
He sighed lightly and was content in just watching her smile.
The next few minutes were filled with lighthearted banter and playful fumbling. They reveled in the simple intimacy, their laughter echoing in the room.
Their cozy moment was shattered by the sudden intrusion of Jared. He stood awkwardly in the doorway, a frown creasing his brow.
"Hey bro," he greeted, his voice strained.
James's smile faltered. "Jared? What's wrong?" he snapped, irritation lacing his voice. Obviously not happy that their playful mood had been shattered.
Jared winced. "Woah, no need to bite my head off, bro. This is important. You need to come with me."
James's jaw clenched. "Whatever it is, you can say it here, in front of Paris"
Jared shifted uncomfortably, his gaze flickering to Paris, his face was a mask of disapproval and displeasure. "I don't think that's a good idea," Jared stated stubbornly.
James narrowed his eyes. "And why not?"
Paris, sensing the tension, interjected, placing a gentle hand on James's arm. "James, just go talk to him. It's clearly important."
James hesitated, torn between his desire for normalcy and the sudden urgency in Jared's demeanor.
With a sigh, he leaned down and pressed a lingering kiss to Paris's lips one last time.
The lingering touch held a hint of worry, a stark contrast to their playful moments just before. He then followed Jared out, leaving Paris alone with a growing unease gnawing at her.