Chapter 1271

Agnes gestured to the room at the end of the hallway upstairs. "He's in there, but be prepared. He might not open the door." Esther's eyes welled up with tears. "Okay, thank you, Aunt Agnes." She hurried to the door and knocked. "I said I don't want lunch." The voice was familiar but rough, and it almost made Esther cry. She paused, then gathered her courage. "James, it's me, Esther." "Oh, it's you." James sounded uninterested and scoffed. "I didn't think your skin was so thick." He was obviously mocking her. Esther turned pale. "I'm not bothering you on purpose. I just wanted to see how you are." James coughed and then said casually, "What's that got to do with you?" "I know it's not really my business—" "You know? I doubt that. If you did, you wouldn't be here harassing me. I've told you enough times, Esther. I don't love you anymore. Please stop bothering me." Esther was persistent. "I know you're seeing someone who looks a lot like me, just to deceive me." "Deceive y