The Day I Stopped Waiting Was the Day He Started Begging novel Chapter 43

"York, how is your wound healing?"

"Can I come in?" Felicity asked cautiously.

"It's not a good time. Madeline isn't home, and it's inappropriate to let strangers inside. You're sensible enough to understand that, right?"

York had absolutely no intention of inviting Felicity in. He cast a sideways glance at her and spoke indifferently.

He had his jacket draped casually over his shoulders, exuding a lazy, unbothered vibe, completely lacking his usual strict professional demeanor.

His words carried a thinly veiled warning: Azure Bay was Madeline's home, and Felicity didn't belong there.

Though Felicity felt a sharp pang of resentment, she kept it perfectly hidden and replied sweetly.

"It's fine, I'll just say a few words and leave. I heard from Seraphina that Madeline hasn't been home for days, and I was worried about your health. You were discharged so early, what if..."

"My mother called the family doctor. Everything is handled."

York cut her off smoothly, pulling his jacket tighter.

"If you really came to check on me, you'd wrap this up so I could go back inside. It's getting chilly out here."

Seeing her biting her lip in an awkward display of innocence, York decided to be blunt:

"Just get to the point. I hate sudden displays of concern."

Felicity's face grew rigid.

She forced a smile and murmured softly,

"I... could you accompany me to a book signing? It's by an author I really admire. You know I've always wanted to join the Writers' Association, and I want to network with the literary elites ahead of time."

"Once my wound heals, don't I have a job to do?"

York retorted, "Ask my mother to go with you. She's free. I still have case files to review and details to discuss with the police. Missing work these past few days has already set me back significantly. My profession is demanding."

Unwilling to give up, Felicity looked up at him with pleading, hopeful eyes.

"Then how about after work? The signing is at seven."

"I know, York, it's wrong of me to keep bothering you..."

"You've certainly done your fair share of bothering, Ms. Xavier."

The old man valued loyalty and was getting on in years; stressing him out over this simply wasn't worth it.

"Thank you, York! These fruits..."

"Take them back and eat them yourself," York said without a second thought, glancing at the basket filled with his favorites. "You have a weak constitution and get sick often. You need the vitamins."

"Susan, my wound hurts from standing. Help me inside."

York clutched his side, looking genuinely uncomfortable.

"Coming."

Susan walked over, smiling brightly at Felicity.

"Ms. Xavier, please head back. Mr. Yates needs to rest, and we don't have the extra staff to see you out."

With that, Susan shut the door.

Staring at the tightly closed door, Felicity bit her lip, her face flushing and paling in rapid succession.