Before reaching the Maria ending, it's clear James hasn't regretted his actions.
He's still dishonest and hides his motive behind excuses, to comfort himself, not Mary. Unlike in the Leave ending, where he's honest because he has truly regretted everything.
Even when his memory of Mary confronts him about the truth, he barely acknowledges it, and then silently agrees when she says she was a burden.
#silenthill #silenthill2 #silenthill2remake