The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 227

At the time, she had felt utterly defeated. Solenne’s words had once again proven true: anyone who got close to her met a bad end.

Later, Fenton had come to her family’s home to demand an explanation.

Perhaps it was for the best that Yancey was away from her. So she had promised Fenton she would no longer bother Yancey.

But Wisteria couldn’t bring herself to say all this to him. She was too proud. She didn't want his pity.

“You grabbed the wrong person? You expect me to believe an excuse like that?” Yancey let out a humorless laugh. “If that’s the case, why didn’t you visit me once while I was in the hospital? And what about what you said to your friend… that it would be better if I were dead?”

“I didn’t visit you… because your father wouldn’t let me. And what I said to my friend… those were just angry words.”

Wisteria’s voice softened, a rare note of submission in her tone. But she was telling the truth. After she recovered, she had tried to visit him at the hospital, but Fenton’s men were always there, blocking her way.

During that time, Solenne had spread rumors about them everywhere, and Wisteria was constantly being publicly humiliated. She had always been sharp-tongued and prone to saying the opposite of what she meant. In a moment of anger, trying to protect her last shred of pride, she had said those harsh words.

She never imagined Yancey would overhear her.

Afterward, she was filled with regret, hating herself for her cruel tongue. She knew how much those words must have hurt him. That was why she, a person who loathed explaining herself, had tried multiple times to make things right.

But Yancey had made it clear he wanted nothing more to do with her. He had finally given up, and Wisteria didn't want to disturb the peace he had found. Perhaps it was better for both of them this way.

“Are you telling me the truth?” Yancey asked after a moment of hesitation. The doubt in his eyes slowly faded, replaced by an emotion so intense it was almost overwhelming.

Wisteria glanced at him, a slight blush rising on her cheeks. “Believe it or not.”

“I believe you.”

The words came almost before she finished speaking. His clear voice overlaid her slightly impatient tone, wrapping around her with a comforting warmth.

Wisteria pressed her lips together, avoiding his gaze, and said nothing more.

“In that case,” Yancey said after a long pause, “our misunderstanding is cleared up. Let’s put the past behind us.”

This time, his voice was no longer cold. Though still calm, it held a gentle warmth that felt like the first thaw of spring.

Wisteria hesitated for a moment before nodding.

Yancey extended his hand. “So… are we still friends?”

Wisteria looked at his outstretched hand and slowly took it. His grip was warm and strong, and for a moment, she felt a prickling at the back of her nose. But then she remembered Fenton’s words, and the warnings from her own family.

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