Present - 51

In the end, Regina's plan only worked partially. Paul left for work at noon and she stayed in his bed surrounded by his scent while waiting for him to come home. She tried not to think about him because his longing consumed her. The mansion was bigger and emptier without his darkness filling every corner.

After a few hours, Sam knocked on the door.

Regina got out of bed and answered the door. "Hey, Sam. Did you need something?"

"Master James is here to see you."

"James?" Both of her eyebrows rose. "He is waiting downstairs." Even though James had hurt both of them, but there was no fear in Sam's eyes. He was calm as ever.

"What does he want?"

"A conversation," Sam replied. "He did not tell me any further."

It was not like she feared James, or wanted to run and hide, but she was also not stupid. "Okay, tell him I will be right there in a minute." 

Sam left.