Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 285

Lyman's heart twisted painfully as he took in Effie's disheveled and miserable state. Without hesitation, he barked, "Someone get me some water-now! And call a doctor!"

He rushed to Effie's side, taking her trembling hand in his.

Effie had fought back her tears for so long, but now, they finally broke free. Her voice was hoarse as she managed, "H-honey..."

Lyman gathered her carefully into his arms, holding her as if she might shatter at the slightest touch.

"I'm here now. I won't let anyone hurt you again," he promised, his voice fierce with guilt and anger. "I'm sorry I didn't know sooner. I thought you were just at work-until Shirley came looking for me, I had no idea..."

He looked at her, devastated by regret.

If he'd known what had happened to Effie, he would have dropped everything and come for her, instead of waiting until now. Normally, he checked in on her whenever he could, but today, he'd been tied up in an important international meeting. He'd texted her when he got a spare moment, but when she didn't reply, work swept him away and he lost track of time.

Effie shook her head weakly. "It's... not your fault..."

the police and bring me here. They must be sure of

you trouble, don't worry about me. I won't

and exhausted, she was

now," he said, determination hardening

and a bottle of water in

saw the water, her

as

parched traveler stumbling upon an oasis. Color returned to her cheeks, and

turned to Fenton. "Can I

nodded. "Yes,

complicated in Fenton's eyes as he looked at

town, where he'd been auditing the books for a major corporation. He'd only returned that day—just in time for this mess. He'd heard about Lyman's sudden marriage from the group chat and even teased him about it, saying, "Welcome to the graveyard

win over someone as cold and guarded as Lyman, and in such a whirlwind romance, no less. The moment he laid eyes on Effie,

the thought and told Lyman again, "You're good to

you," Lyman said, and gently