The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 363

Her legs felt like they no longer belonged to her, simply following Yancey’s lead down the stairs. Harlan, furious, called out her name again. Before Wisteria could react, Yancey turned back to face him.

“By the way, please return Wisteria’s phone to her.” He held out his hand expectantly.

Harlan hesitated, clenching his jaw, before reluctantly handing over the phone. But he immediately turned back to Wisteria. “Are you really leaving with him? Do you have any idea what consequences you’ll face once you walk out that door?”

Wisteria’s mind was in turmoil, but Yancey didn’t pause. He practically dragged her out of the Huxley residence, giving her no more room to hesitate, no more chances to be asked.

When they finally stepped outside, the night wind hit them. It was cold, but for a moment, it felt exhilaratingly free. That feeling lasted only a few seconds before the familiar gloom settled back over her.

Wisteria snapped back to reality and shook off Yancey’s hand. “Yancey, this is far enough. You can go now.”

As the words left her mouth, she felt despicable. A part of her desperately craved his company, yet when he offered it, she couldn’t bring herself to accept it.

Yancey gave her a look, adjusted the glasses on his nose, and grabbed her arm again, practically pulling her into his car.

“Yancey… what are you doing? I can’t go to your family’s estate. If your father finds out…”

“Wisteria, when you need to do something, you should do it immediately. Otherwise, you might never do it at all. If you truly want to leave the Huxleys, you shouldn’t wait until everything is perfectly prepared.”

His words were logical, and she knew he was right. But she still turned her head away. “You’re not me. You don’t understand…”

“I don’t,” Yancey admitted. “But I know the person I used to know wouldn’t back down this easily. If I were you, I would… no matter the cost…”

“Yancey!” she snapped, her face flushing. “You’re the young master of the Covington family, born with a silver spoon in your mouth. You’re strong-willed, emotionally stable, you’re good at everything. I’m sure you could leave your family and still do just fine. But you’ve never been in my position. You can’t possibly understand my fear, my feelings… Sometimes, your circumstances decide your choices for you!”