Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 70

In the end, she quietly sent Lyman a message, telling him not to order any more food for the group and that she’d make her own way home when things wrapped up.

When Lyman saw her text, he couldn’t help but let out a helpless little laugh.

Was he really someone who needed to be kept a secret?

Most women would love to show off a successful husband, to let everyone know they had someone powerful in their corner. But only Effie preferred to keep things so understated.

Then again, maybe that was exactly why he saw her differently from everyone else.

Tucking her phone away, Effie finally felt herself relax a little.

After dinner, she said goodbye to everyone and caught a cab home.

When she got back, Lyman still wasn’t there—he was out at a business dinner. Effie took a shower, and just as she stepped out, she heard the front door open.

She hurriedly threw on a robe and came out to the hallway.

“Mrs. Etheridge, Mr. Etheridge had a bit too much to drink,” Luther said, looking a little awkward as he helped Lyman inside.

Effie’s heart tightened at Luther’s words, and she quickly walked over.

Lyman was leaning heavily on Luther’s shoulder, cheeks tinged pink, eyes unfocused—he’d clearly had more than just a drink or two.

“How did you end up drinking so much?” Effie frowned, her voice laced with worry.

Normally, Lyman knew his limits.

Luther replied, a little helpless, “The people at dinner kept pushing drinks on him tonight. Mr. Etheridge couldn’t refuse, so he ended up having a few more.”

Effie nodded and said softly, “Luther, could you help him over to the sofa? I’ll take care of him from here.”

Luther looked relieved and quickly nodded. “Of course, ma’am. I’ll leave Mr. Etheridge in your hands, then.”

Effie murmured her thanks, and Luther quietly slipped out.

Lyman slumped onto the sofa, his voice rough. “Effie…”

Lyman leaned back, eyes closed, letting her fuss over him. Gradually, his breathing evened out and the flush on his face faded a little.

“Effie…” he murmured suddenly, his voice low and husky.

She paused, concern in her tone. “What is it? Are you feeling unwell?”

“How much longer do I have to wait?” His deep voice caught her off guard, leaving her cheeks burning.

She stammered, “You’re drunk… um… not much longer now…”

“You promised,” he insisted, sounding almost like a little boy, still clinging to her hand.

Effie couldn’t help but smile as she soothed him, “I won’t go back on my word.”

Out of her sight, Lyman’s lips curved into a tiny, satisfied smile.

If he’d known that playing drunk would earn him such sweet attention, he would’ve tried it much sooner.