The Day I Stopped Waiting Was the Day He Started Begging novel Chapter 136

Madeline turned on her heel to leave, but York suddenly hooked an arm around her waist, pulling her flush against him from behind in a vice-like grip.

"Do you really have to push my buttons like this?"

"We're at The Yates Manor. Can't you give me even an ounce of grace?"

She couldn't see his expression.

A sudden, sharp ache pierced her chest.

Being trapped in this stalemate, tearing each other apart with venomous words every single day—was this really sustainable?

Maybe Grandpa was right. It was time to make a decision. It would be better for York, and better for her.

In truth, York hadn't done anything drastically wrong.

He just couldn't give her the kind of love she so desperately craved.

People simply had different needs.

Dragging this out was torture for both of them.

Madeline closed her eyes, the bitter taste of resignation heavy on her tongue.

"York, you heard everything, didn't you?"

"There are two months left. Once the time is up, let's... get a divorce."

The moment the word left her lips, a visceral pain seized her heart, making it nearly impossible to breathe. Yet, simultaneously, a strange sense of liberation washed over her.

Saying it out loud was the only way to take the first step.

The only way to force herself never to look back.

The withdrawal period of a marriage was always agonizing, but it had to be endured.

Before York could even respond, he felt scorching drops of moisture land against his forearm.

He grabbed her shoulders and turned her around.

Madeline's pale, flawless face was completely stained with tears.

Every harsh word York had lined up in his throat vanished instantly.

"You're the one dumping your husband to run off with your true love, yet here you are crying like you're the one being wronged."

He lifted a thumb and gently brushed the tears from her cheek.

"Madeline, I'm the one who was just dumped. Shouldn't I be the one crying?"