Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

"I know," Esther replied

James had once told Esther that she was the first woman he had brought to the law firm. Now, it seemed there would be a second.

Esther felt a wave of sorrow and bitterness wash over her, tears welling up in her eyes. She suddenly felt like a joke, an unnecessary presence.

Summer handed Esther a cap and gently placed it on her head. "You can cry if you want to. I know you're hurting. If you can't take it, you can make a scene. It's come to this point, and I think he's moving on..."

Esther felt helpless at Summer's words. She couldn't quite articulate her emotions, but she didn't want to cause a scene.

Quietly, she watched as James introduced the law firm to the other woman. The woman seemed curious and impressed by James, much like Esther had been.

The woman blinked naughtily. "Do you often bring women here?"

James paused, looking thoughtful before responding, "Not usually."

Esther heard that. Luckily, James didn't deny her existence, but it didn't ease her pain much.

"What do you think, James?" The woman's tone turned coquettish, almost pleading.

James maintained his poker face. "Let's not rush things. We can take our time," he replied evasively.

Esther felt a pang in her heart. It seemed they were discussing something serious, perhaps an engagement.

She wondered if James had let her go and wanted to accept another woman.

"Today's blind date... I'll have to talk to my dad about it properly." The woman chuckled. All content is © N0velDrama.Org.

James simply nodded, his expression softer now.

Their conversation confirmed Esther's suspicions. Not only had James let her go, but he was also considering someone else.

Esther glanced down and noticed that the ring James used to wear was missing. He had taken it off.

Summer noticed Esther's distress and tried to reassure her. "Don't dwell on it. James isn't all that great. He's just handsome, charming, attentive, with a good salary and background..."

"Just stop." Esther could feel her tears, but she stubbornly refused to let them fall. "I know. I won't come again."

At this point, returning would only make her seem desperate. Even if she wanted to, she wouldn't grovel to someone she knew she couldn't win over.

With a sniffle, Esther wiped away her tears and removed the cap from her head. "Thanks, Summer. I think I'll head out now."