The Day I Stopped Waiting Was the Day He Started Begging novel Chapter 74

York probably didn't even know this, but she had seen him long before they were ever formally introduced.

It had been in a dimly lit bar. He had one hand yanking his tie loose, the other gripping a beer bottle, pointing it straight at some creep.

"Can't keep it in your pants? You think she seduced you? You're a married man who walked into this bar, and you want everyone to believe this girl threw herself at you? Do you think we're stupid?"

"Just because she's working as a waitress to make a living, you think she's beneath you?"

Even after three years, Madeline still vividly remembered the look on his face and the raw fury in his voice cutting through the chaotic bar.

He had ordered someone to take the girl home safely, then called the bar owner over and dropped over a million dollars on the spot to establish a new rule.

From then on, if a girl was uncomfortable, the bouncers were required to step in immediately.

That million dollars was what convinced Madeline to reach out to York, choosing him as her lifeline.

Snapping back to the present, Sloane noticed her silence.

"Maddy? Maddy, what are you thinking about?"

"Don't tell me you're reminiscing about your honeymoon phase with York. Snap out of it."

"His character has nothing to do with our marital status. I'm hanging up."

Madeline ended the call and noticed York's DA badge lying on the floor a few feet away.

She picked it up.

*Be the voice of the weak, be the spine of the helpless.*

She remembered York saying that to his mentor after closing his very first case at the DA's Office.

That afternoon, the magazine had scheduled a cover shoot for Hunter Holt. As the editor-in-chief, Madeline had to be on set to approve the final photos.

The shoot went flawlessly. Madeline selected a batch of images just as a chorus of cheerful voices erupted across the studio.

She looked over in confusion and saw Hunter's assistant setting down several carriers of iced coffees on a table.

"Great work today, everyone! Mr. Holt wanted to treat you all to coffee as a thank you for always supporting your Editor Monroe."

"You're gorgeous, and he's totally a catch. If there's something going on, don't be shy! We can totally leverage the scoop before anyone else gets it."

"Exactly..."

Madeline's expression remained perfectly calm.

"You all have incredible imaginations. Unfortunately, Mr. Holt and I are just friends. We've known each other for a long time, which is why he looks out for me."

"Since you all have so much energy, once you finish your drinks, bring your pitch decks to the conference room. It's time for a meeting."

Madeline offered a flawless, untouchable smile.

A collective groan echoed through the studio.

Hunter walked in just in time to witness the exchange. Behind his glasses, his gaze darkened for a fraction of a second before softening into a warm smile.

"Maddy."