The Day I Stopped Waiting Was the Day He Started Begging novel Chapter 134

"I just want to ask you if these photos are real."

"I want to know if you still want to keep living your life with York. Dad asked York this same question recently, but he did it for the sake of the family's reputation and York's own standing."

"But I want to ask you, Madeline Monroe—do you still want to be with York?"

"If you tell me no today, I'll take charge and make sure he gives you a divorce. You're a good girl; there is absolutely no reason for you to ruin your entire life over a bastard like him."

Madeline never expected to hear words like these.

Aside from Sloane Sutton and her friends, everyone who knew the truth had only ever tried to persuade her to reconcile, never to leave.

She blinked slowly, the world around her blurring slightly. It took a long moment for the lump in her throat to finally subside.

"These photos were taken from misleading angles. Hunter and I are nothing more than friends."

"Madeline, I'm not so old and blind that I can't see that. Even if I couldn't tell if the photos were real, don't I know what kind of character you have?"

Arthur sighed, looking at her intently.

"You always try to change the subject when you encounter a question you don't want to answer. It seems you still haven't figured out whether or not you want to leave York."

"Since you haven't made up your mind, just take things day by day for now. But remember, my girl—you can't live your whole life in this kind of haze."

"That idiot York inherited his grandmother's knack for drawing attention. If he gets divorced, he'll be the most eligible bachelor in the city. But once the news breaks, how will the public scrutinize you?"

"You are the real victim in this marriage. The only thing I can do is ensure you don't walk away empty-handed, but there are some things I simply can't compensate you for."

"Dragging this out is only hurting you. For the past two years, I've constantly thought about how fortunate it is that you haven't had a child yet. If you remarry later, as long as the man loves you enough, you won't be burdened by the messy ties of a blended family."

Arthur held her hand, his eyes filled with profound heartache.

Madeline's chest swelled with warmth, and tears pricked at her eyes.

People weren't made of stone.

Arthur was genuinely looking out for her best interests; how could she not feel that?