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Chapter Seventeen: Jealous James
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2025-02-16 06:23:00(James’ POV)
I didn’t think I’d be back here so soon.Standing outside my own apartment—except it didn’t quite feel like mine at the moment—was strange. The key was in my hand, but I hesitated before turning it in the lock. I could hear soft typing from within. It felt odd, hearing life in my space when I wasn’t the one creating it.Finally, I turned the key and stepped inside.Clarice was sprawled on the couch, laptop perched on her knees, her legs curled beneath her. She didn’t look up right away, too engrossed in whatever was on the screen, but when she did, her eyebrows arched slightly.“Oh.” She blinked, surprise lighting up her face. “Hey.”“Hey,” I replied, closing the door behind me.I strolled past the couch, noticing the subtle differences in my space. A neatly folded throw blanket was draped over the armrest, and a vanilla-scented candle flickered on the table. Even the kitchen counter had her influence—neatly stacked notebooks an
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