No Divorce? The Billionaire's Love Chase! novel Chapter 163

Held in York's arms, Claudia felt completely numb.

She managed a weak, strained smile, but no sound came out.

From this day forward, she was no longer York's childhood sweetheart, not his wife, not his lover… just Mrs. Ferguson.

She had to be obedient, sensible, understanding, and endlessly tolerant.

She couldn't cry or make a scene.

She not only had to maintain York's public image but also tolerate the existence of Ann James and her son.

From now on, she was just a smokescreen.

"I'll go run a bath for you."

York's voice pulled Claudia from her thoughts.

He led her to the bathroom. After her bath, she allowed him to dry her hair and carry her to bed.

Thankfully, he only held her as they slept and made no unreasonable demands.

In the darkness of the room, Claudia lay with her eyes wide open.

There is no awakening without pain.

She finally understood. The price of growing up was losing your old self completely.

She barely slept a wink. As dawn broke, Claudia got out of bed.

Her mother had been moved to a regular ward last night, and she needed to get to the hospital.

Suddenly, an arm tightened around her waist. Claudia turned.

York naturally wrapped his arm around her, his voice deep and lazy with sleep. "Why aren't you sleeping in?"

Claudia gave him a look before slipping out of bed.

In front of the double vanity, their eyes met in the mirror.

York handed her a toothbrush with the toothpaste already applied.

She hesitated for a moment before taking it, her expression blank.

The result: he never wore a single one.

Eventually, after seeing him in black and white suits for three years, she had simply gotten used to it.

Thinking back on her old self, Claudia felt a pang of regret for how foolish she'd been.

She handed a suit to York.

Without any hesitation, he began to change right in front of her.

Claudia turned to leave the closet, but he caught her by the waist, stopping her.

She tried to move away, but he held her fast.

Looking into her eyes, he said in a low voice, "I'm about to leave."

Claudia looked up, their gazes locking.

She placed her hands on his chest and pushed. "This is your house. You don't need my permission to come and go."