The Day I Stopped Waiting Was the Day He Started Begging novel Chapter 82

Madeline had her own pride and boundaries.

Once certain lines were crossed, things would spiral completely out of control.

York looked at her with a complicated expression before leaning back in his chair and letting out a low chuckle.

"Maddy, is that really the kind of man you think I am? What joy is there in forcing someone into bed?"

"I was just messing with you. I don't want you to sell your body, and I don't have any harsh demands."

"Just listen to what I have to say next, and I promise I'll arrange for you to see Piper."

Madeline stared at the familiar yet baffling man across from her.

A tangled mess of emotions churned in her chest.

"It's that simple?"

"We prosecutors are very honorable, Ms. Monroe. You really need to drop the stereotypes."

Did she even need stereotypes?

Madeline thought to herself bitterly.

York had already compromised significantly, and she was the one begging for a favor.

Her expression softened into something more composed.

"Go ahead."

"You heard about the Zimmerman case the other day. I can't disclose the details, but that family is incredibly ruthless."

"You work late at the magazine and rarely come home. If someone cornered you and took you away, I wouldn't even know until it was too late."

"But Felicity is different. Everyone knows she's my adopted sister. We grew up together, and we're close."

"I used her as a target. I can't just leave her in actual danger; that would be ungrateful and vile."

"Whether it's accompanying her shopping or assigning people to protect her, it's something I have to do."

Madeline couldn't even keep track of how many surprises tonight had thrown at her.

York was actually initiating an explanation about his relationship with Felicity Xavier.

He even openly admitted that he was just using Felicity as a shield.

Back when they were newly married, supposedly in the honeymoon phase, he hadn't offered a single word of explanation no matter how desperately she had asked.

It was true that time changed everything.

York didn't look disappointed; instead, he smiled. He stared meaningfully at the slight flush coloring the tips of her ears.

"Alright."

Right at that moment, York's phone rang on the table.

It was Seraphina James.

York casually put it on speaker.

"Mother, it's already nine o'clock, and your son hasn't even had dinner yet."

"York! How can you still be in the mood to eat? Felicity was in a car crash! She's at Metropolitan Central Hospital—get over here right now!"

Beside him, Madeline froze in shock.

Felicity had actually been in a car accident.

Even though she didn't like Felicity, she didn't hate her enough to wish for her to vanish in such a horrific way.

"I'll go with you."

York looked mildly surprised but quickly nodded.