The Day I Stopped Waiting Was the Day He Started Begging novel Chapter 67

The night was thick and heavy as the black sedan rolled to a smooth stop on the side of the road.

Sitting in the driver's seat, York felt a sharp surge of frustration from his earlier clash with Madeline. The craving for a cigarette hit hard, but when he patted his suit pocket, it was empty. He cursed under his breath, realizing he had tossed his pack and lighter to Xander earlier that evening.

With one hand resting on the steering wheel, his knuckles tapped a slow rhythm against the cold leather. He lifted his gaze, staring intensely at the warm yellow light spilling from the second-floor window of his house.

After lingering on the light for a long, silent moment, York finally tore his eyes away, stepping on the gas and merging seamlessly into the midnight traffic.

At the mall.

Julian Zimmerman was an arrogant, useless degenerate, but even he knew better than to violently cross the Yates family in The Capital. He had thrown out some vile insults, but lacked the nerve to actually lay a finger on Felicity.

The second Julian spotted York walking through the doors, he shot off a few parting taunts and scurried away.

Felicity bolted toward him with bloodshot eyes, her mascara completely ruined and her face dangerously pale. Looking entirely shattered and defenseless, she moved on pure instinct, attempting to throw herself into his arms for comfort.

York smoothly stepped to the side, completely dodging her embrace.

"My mother has been waiting for a long time. Let's get you home before she gives herself a heart attack."

Felicity stared at York's unreadable profile through a blur of tears.

She gave a shaky nod and climbed into the car. Not wanting to deal with Seraphina's frantic hovering, York merely dropped her off at the driveway.

"Head in yourself. I'm leaving."

"York, I'm terrified. What if the Zimmermans..."

"They won't. This is The Capital."

"Just bring more security next time. I'm heading back."

York had zero intention of lingering. As he drove back, his mind went into overdrive.

Using Felicity as a decoy to draw fire away from Madeline was undeniably a heartless move.

Felicity was the apple of his parents' eyes. If they ever realized he was using her as a human shield for his wife, they would undoubtedly direct their fury straight at Madeline.

He was already failing miserably at winning Madeline back. If he caused her more unnecessary drama, she would probably lock him out of their bedroom for weeks.

Thinking of Madeline, York pulled out his phone and dialed Caleb Sterling.

"Boss, it's almost midnight. Just because you have zero nightlife doesn't mean the rest of us want to suffer!"

Just hearing about the situation filled York with an overwhelming sense of dread.

He was using Felicity as a decoy; the least he could do was ensure she didn't actually end up dead.

When he finally got home, Madeline was already fast asleep, clinging fiercely to her designated half of the bed like there was an invisible force field down the middle.

Terrified of waking her, York showered in absolute silence. He slipped under the covers and stared at her peaceful profile for what felt like hours before exhaustion finally dragged him under.

The next morning, Madeline headed out early to inspect a new studio space. Hunter Holt, who had some free time and personally knew the landlord, offered to smooth the negotiations over.

Since Hunter had practically insisted on helping, Madeline couldn't find a polite way to turn him down.

The location was nestled in a sprawling creative park, so they agreed to meet directly at the entrance.

Madeline was dressed to kill in a sharp yet effortless outfit. She wore a chic cream blazer over a crisp, printed silk shirt, paired with sleek black trousers that lengthened her stunning curves. A delicate white scarf tied loosely around her neck perfectly softened the brutal corporate edge, adding a touch of undeniable elegance. Her raven hair was casually pinned up in a claw clip, a few stray locks framing her luminous skin and bringing absolute focus to her sharp, indifferent gaze.

She offered a quick wave as Hunter approached.

Hunter's eyes immediately darkened with something akin to awe.

The terrified, fragile girl who used to flinch at every shadow had evolved into a fiercely confident, breathtakingly radiant woman. Every move she made was laced with absolute dominance, leaving anyone utterly transfixed.