Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 144

What should she do?

It was already dusk, and the sky had turned dark. Not a soul was around.

Even if she screamed, no one would hear her.

Lyman wouldn’t be back so soon, either.

Clearly, she was on her own.

Effie kept her face cold and spoke in a steady voice. “Mr. Smith, I’m warning you to think carefully. I’m not lying to you—we really are married. You know what kind of man Lyman is. Unless you’re prepared to face his wrath, I suggest you walk away.”

She was stalling for time, silently praying—Lyman, please come back soon!

But Mr. Smith seemed completely unfazed. He smiled, then reached out, trying to pull Effie into his arms.

Effie had been ready for this. She struggled with all her strength, then lifted her foot and drove it mercilessly into his groin.

“Aaah!” Mr. Smith let out a piercing, almost inhuman scream, doubling over and clutching himself. All the color drained from his face.

Effie took the chance to stumble back a few steps, her eyes blazing. “Take one more step, Mr. Smith, and I swear I’ll make sure you’re never a man again!”

Sweat broke out on Mr. Smith’s brow as he glared at her, pain twisting his features. “You little witch! How dare you kick me?!”

He staggered upright, rage blazing in his eyes, and lunged to grab her hair.

Effie twisted away, but her heel caught on the pavement. She lost her balance and fell backward.

She squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for impact—

—but instead, a pair of strong arms caught her, steady and sure.

Almost instantly, she was enveloped by a familiar scent.

Effie’s eyes flew open—and there he was. Lyman, his gaze dark as midnight, stared down at her.

“Lyman!” she gasped, her voice trembling with relief and something softer she didn’t even recognize herself.

Oh, thank God. He was really here.