It Doesn’t Matter Anymore novel Chapter 26

Chose to

“Quiet!”

As we ventured deeper into the forest, the most skilled among us naturally took the lead. Even though she was visibly tense, she had to follow my guidance.

“Lorelai, stay close to me. James, you watch our backs.”

Lorelai clung tightly to me, her hands trembling. Had she really seen something unsettling?

James kept glancing over his shoulder. “Roselyn, are we safe here?”

“As long as we don’t disturb it and move away slowly, we should be alright.”

The mountain mist swirled around us. Suddenly, James’s expression became sharp. “Roselyn, why would you let Lorelai lead? She has no experience, and you allowed her to go up front!”

I was caught off guard. “James, what do you mean? She was the one who drifted ahead.”

His voice rose. “Roselyn, stop shifting the blame. You’re always focused on your research, never considering anyone else’s feelings.”

A chill settled in my heart. “Cold? I’ve been doing my best to keep us on track!

“James, do you even realize where we are? This isn’t some safe tourist trail in the Rockies!

“This is the Appalachian Mountains, where one wrong step can be deadly!

“Have you forgotten the geological survey accident from a few years ago?

“Who’s the real cold–hearted one here? You’re obsessed with your videos and your childhood friend!”

Lorelai stood nearby, tears welling in her eyes as she watched us argue. “James, don’t blame Roselyn. It’s my fault.” “Roselyn, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have run off just now.”

She held the side of her face where I had slapped her, her voice trembling with sobs, full of anguish. James turned away from me, gently wiping her tears.

“No, Lorelai, it’s not your fault. It’s hers for ever laying a hand on you.”

Despite everything said, it was clear his heart ached for Lorelai’s face.

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