No Divorce? The Billionaire's Love Chase! novel Chapter 50

York glanced at his phone, then silenced the screen and placed it face down.

Claudia scoffed. "Don't worry, I'll never look at your phone again as long as I live."

York gazed at Claudia's unnervingly numb expression and gently pulled her into his arms.

"Claudia," he said softly, "can we not be like this?"

Claudia closed her eyes, hiding the pain within them. "You're right, York. We shouldn't be like this."

If only she hadn't loved him so much back then, hadn't been so stubborn about marrying him, she wouldn't be in so much pain now.

York loosened his embrace slightly and cupped her face in his hands.

Claudia opened her eyes, and their gazes met once more.

"Claudia, if I were really cheating, I would have made you leave," York said. "I'm not explaining myself because there's nothing to explain."

She saw right through him. "The only reason you haven't done that yet is because you're afraid I'll cause a scandal and ruin your reputation."

York rested his forehead against hers. "If I were capable of cheating, I'd be capable of cleaning up the mess. I never let myself get backed into a corner. You should know that."

Claudia lowered her gaze. He was right. He always thought three steps ahead.

York loosened his hold slightly, looking down at her. "As long as you trust me, I promise our marriage won't fall apart."

After a moment of silence, Claudia said, "York, you're not worthy of my trust."

The air grew heavy.

Claudia struggled, pushing against him. "If there's nothing more to say, then let me down."

York grabbed her chin and sealed her lips with his.

She clawed at his collar and shoulders, fighting him, but his strong body pinned her against him as he kissed her with frantic desperation.

In their three years of marriage, York's physical needs had always been strong. After a business trip or her period, he wouldn't stop until he had her crying and begging for him to stop.

Since Ann and her daughter had returned, he hadn't come home for over a month. And since his return, they had been constantly fighting or giving each other the silent treatment.

She knew his needs better than anyone.

He hadn't fucked her in over two months because he was getting what he needed from Ann.

The takeout arrived, and Claudia sat alone at the dining table, eating her breakfast.

York came into the dining room, fully dressed. His gaze fell on the takeout container in front of her. "Mom called. She wants us to come over to the Ferguson Mansion tonight."

Claudia wasn't much of a cook, but over the years, she had learned to make a few simple meals.

In the past, whenever she made something, she would immediately present it to him, proudly showing it off. Then she'd coax and plead with him until he tried at least one bite.

She would never have done this before—ordering takeout for one when they were both home.