The Day I Stopped Waiting Was the Day He Started Begging novel Chapter 36

She was so used to coaxing Evie.

Using that motherly tone on York slipped out completely by accident, leaving her instantly mortified.

She stood frozen, frantically trying to think of a way to cover it up.

But York had already misunderstood, a broad grin spreading across his face.

"Alright, whatever you say."

Madeline swallowed her intended explanation.

Explaining would only make it look like she was trying too hard to hide something. Forget it, she didn't care what York thought anyway.

The hospital prescribed antibiotics three times a day, and York's next IV wasn't until the afternoon. With plenty of time left, and feeling a little awkward in the room, Madeline left to grab some essential supplies.

On her way, Fiona Xavier FaceTimed her.

"Sloane said you were hurt? Is it serious?"

"I'm not the one who got hurt, it was York. I probably won't have time to visit Evie for the next couple of days, so please help me look after her, Fiona."

As Madeline spoke, Evie overheard the video call. Even though she was tiny, the little girl was incredibly smart.

Knowing her mommy was on the phone, she peeked over and gave the screen a massive, toothy grin.

"Mommy..."

Seeing her daughter's sweet face completely melted Madeline's heart.

"Be a good girl, Evie. Mommy will come see you as soon as she can."

She chatted with her daughter through the screen for a bit before hanging up.

Madeline headed back to the Yates Manor to pack up some necessities. Seeing that it was almost time for York's IV drip, she drove back to the hospital.

She was carrying her bags to his door when she abruptly froze.

A familiar voice drifted through the door. Peering through the small window, she had a perfect view of the room.

York was sitting on the bed. Felicity stood over him, her eyes red, holding bandages and alcohol wipes as she pulled up the edge of his shirt.

"Don't flatter yourself. We aren't hiding some scandalous affair."

"Stop." He grabbed her wrist firmly, halting her movements. "I'm calling a nurse."

Felicity's face went pale, and she bit her lip.

"Back in San Francisco, you took a knife to the back protecting me. The cut was so deep. I was terrified, and I took care of you just like this. York, don't you remember?"

Standing by the door, Madeline suddenly felt an overwhelming wave of exhaustion.

During those two years in San Francisco, scenes like this must have played out countless times.

The guilt lingering in Madeline's heart vanished instantly.

A man like York had a line of women begging to nurse him back to health. There was probably a waiting list just to repay him for a favor.

Here was someone practically throwing herself at him to play nurse for free. He didn't need her worrying about him.

Madeline simply dropped the bags by the door, spun on her heel, and walked away.