When You're Gone (Colette) novel Chapter 7

James accepted Colette's gift with a dubious look on his face. "You can save the congratulations message for the engagement party."

Too bad she would not make it to his engagement party. Head hung low, she neither explained nor retorted. She left after handing James the gift and sat in a corner.

James did not pay her much attention. He continued parading Sophie through the crowds with a soft smile, patiently introducing to her all the guests who came forth to congratulate them.

Soon after, the couple disappeared into the crowds after greeting all the guests. Colette stayed around alone for a while before leaving the hall.

As expected, Colette still could not adjust to social events. She had hated crowded events from a young age. James would often leave events halfway with her, and that habit still stuck, except that he left with Sophie instead of Colette.

The event hall opened up to a huge space outside. Colette recalled there was a greenhouse nearby, and she made her way there. Before she could step inside, she saw two figures in the greenhouse—James and Sophie.

"James, I want a greenhouse of my own after we're married. Is that okay?" Sophie cooed.

James replied dotingly, "If you want it, you don't have to wait until we're married. I can make that happen now."

"Is that for real?" Her eyes sparkled with surprise. Blushing, she planted a kiss on his cheek. He turned his face away last minute, and her kiss landed right on his lips.

Her blush deepened after his unexpected action. As she frantically tried to pull away, he pulled her closer and kissed her deeper.

Colette watched the scene unfold before her eyes, but she felt peace instead of heartbroken, perhaps because she was essentially a dead person, or maybe because she had decided to give them her blessing.