The Day I Stopped Waiting Was the Day He Started Begging novel Chapter 19

Madeline stood frozen in place.

Given how long they had been separated, it was only natural for the elders to have opinions. Furthermore, York held a high-profile position; a rocky marriage could seriously impact his career trajectory.

Her father-in-law, Arthur, was an honorable man. Asking York about a divorce likely wasn't just about protecting York's career; it was also because he couldn't stand seeing the two of them trapped in this endless stalemate.

But what about York?

Did he want the divorce?

York's gaze remained intensely fixed on her. After a long moment, he flicked the ash from his cigarette and spoke, his voice dangerously low, "I don't want a divorce."

Before she could process that, he calmly elaborated, "I just transferred to a new position. There are countless eyes on me right now, just waiting for me to slip up. A failed marriage and a scandal are major liabilities. My dad is probably going to ask you tonight if you want a divorce. What are your thoughts?"

Madeline lowered her gaze.

What were her thoughts?

She should have felt a profound sense of relief, yet right now, her heart was in absolute chaos.

For the past two years, she had convinced herself that the Monroe family's historical baggage wasn't an issue. She was no longer the helpless, naive girl she used to be.

Raising her daughter wasn't an issue either. Millions of kids grew up perfectly happy without a father. As far as she was concerned, York might as well have been dead.

Madeline remained silent for a painfully long time.

Suddenly, York reached out and pulled her firmly into his chest, his voice rough. "So, do you want a divorce?"

Two years of distance and separation made the embrace feel startlingly unfamiliar to Madeline.

She couldn't understand what had gotten into him. Was he fighting with Felicity, or had he finally lost his mind?

"I need time to think," Madeline said, pushing against his chest. Her tone was flat. "York, you walked away for two years. You don't get to just waltz back and demand that everything go your way."

She couldn't fathom it. He and Felicity were practically one step away from making things official, yet he was vehemently refusing a divorce right at the finish line.

Maybe it was for his career, or maybe it was something else entirely.

Madeline didn't want to think about it, and she refused to dwell on it.

She wasn't a prop he could just toss aside and pick back up whenever he pleased.

When she finally came back to reality, her eyes were burning, and her knees had entirely given out.

Moving with lightning speed, York caught her and pulled her securely into his arms.

Contrasting his usual arrogant demeanor, the familiar, grounding scent of cedarwood filled her lungs. The solid warmth of his body slowly chased the freezing panic from her own.

"...It's okay. I already hit the emergency button. They'll have it open in five minutes. Don't be afraid."

He gently rubbed her back, over and over.

His large hand seemed to hold some kind of magic, slowly smoothing away her terror and anxiety.

He whispered, "I'm right here."

Minutes later, the emergency responders pried the doors open. As the bright sunlight flooded into the cab, Madeline suddenly realized exactly how intimate their position was.

She was pressed flush against York's chest. One of his arms was wrapped tightly around her waist, and his other hand had somehow slipped up her spine to cradle the back of her head, gently stroking her hair.

His head was bowed, his lips resting softly against the crown of her head.