The Day I Stopped Waiting Was the Day He Started Begging novel Chapter 5

Madeline silently swallowed her frustration and surrendered half the bed. York had to report to the city prosecutor's office tomorrow for his debriefing, and it would look terrible if rumors spread that she was abusing him.

Perhaps it was the addition of another person in the room, or maybe just the reality of seeing him after two years, but Madeline found herself battling a rare bout of insomnia.

She turned off the lamp. York climbed into bed, still radiating the damp heat of his shower. As the mattress dipped, Madeline stayed silent for a moment before speaking.

"Those bank cards of yours..."

"The PIN hasn't changed."

Madeline paused, suddenly realizing that two years ago, his PIN had been her birthday. A sudden wave of irritation washed over her.

She said coldly, "I don't need it."

She simply couldn't stand the sight of Felicity.

In the darkness, York seemed to shift onto his side.

He seemed to study her for a moment before saying, "By law, it's community property."

Whether she wanted it or not, she was entitled to it.

Even if they had been separated for two years.

Madeline opened her mouth but ultimately decided against saying anything.

Two years had passed in total silence. York was back now and staying for good, but Madeline couldn't figure out his endgame. Had he finally decided he wanted a divorce, or...

She drifted off into a restless sleep, unexpectedly dreaming of New Year's Eve two years ago.

She had just returned from the hospital, her heart brimming with joy as she hurried back to The Yates Manor. Before she even stepped into the living room, she spotted Felicity through the intricate branches of the courtyard trees.

Felicity's eyes were red as she gazed up at York.

"Her eyes look just like mine, don't they?"

"York, did you marry her just to spite me? Just because I was dating someone else? I know the truth. You've always kept our photos in your study. You love me..."

Madeline replied coldly, "You're overthinking it. He's always had thick skin."

"But we can't just ignore it! Now that York is back, several of the city's top officials are keeping a close eye on him." Felicity seamlessly shifted the topic. "Speaking of his transfer, it's actually a favor from the higher-ups. Everyone says his work delayed his personal life over the last two years, and he doesn't even have a child yet..."

The officials Felicity mentioned were all lifelong friends of the Yates family.

Every one of them wielded immense power.

York had been at odds with Madeline for two years, and many of the close elders were naturally dissatisfied. If nothing else, it had been two full years, and York still didn't have an heir.

Even Seraphina glanced at Madeline upon hearing this.

"There's a fertility clinic over on Third Street. You can recommend it to your dear York."

Madeline delivered the brutal comeback flawlessly, then smiled at Seraphina. "Mother, I'm heading to work."

She knew Seraphina hated hearing things like that.