Chapter 4244

Chapter 4244

Abby was direct. “It’s not a good time. I have clients to attend to. That’s all—you should head back.” With that, she quickly ended the call.

She understood that Evan could be persistent, but this was next-level clinginess. How many days had it been? Abby checked the date. It hadn’t even been a full month since work resumed after the New Year. Why did it feel like time was dragging on?

Adalee had advised her to hold out for at least six months—no giving Evan any false hope, no easing his pursuit. He needed to feel the sting of chasing her. After half a year, Abby could start to introduce a little sweetness, just enough to keep him interested while still making him work for it. Once she had him completely wrapped around her finger, she could finally let him in. They would spend time together as a couple, and eventually, they would get married.

This entire process would take at least two years.

After all, the one-year deadline Grandma York had set for Evan had long passed.

Deep down, Abby didn’t blame Evan. She had too many secrets, too many layers yet to be revealed. Even now, she hadn’t disclosed that she was Fox.

Evan had rejected Abby, not Fox. But Fox was Abby. They were the same person; Evan just didn’t realize it yet.

If anyone had a right to be upset, it was Evan. He was the one who had been misled.

While Adalee’s advice came from a good place, Abby wasn’t going to follow it strictly. Once she got through these next few months, she planned to have an honest conversation with Evan. Then they could decide what to do next.

Abby loved him, and he loved her too—even if his initial feelings were directed toward Fox. But Fox was simply Abby in disguise, which meant Evan loved her.

Abby turned away from the window and walked back to the reception area, taking a seat.

Spencer had been observing her every move. While she was on the phone with Evan, she had kept her

Though the voices were low, Spencer could infer the topic of their conversation.

“That was Evan, wasn’t it?” he asked gently.

Abby nodded.

“He mentioned he bought movie tickets and wanted to take me after work,” Abby said casually. “I haven’t been to the movies in years. Honestly, I can’t even remember the last time I sat down to watch one.”

These days, her viewing habits revolved around news or business programs. She lacked both the time and the patience for TV shows or films.

“When I arrived, he was already waiting outside the office. I think I saw a gift in his car—probably for you,” Spencer said with a smile. “Evan is serious about you, Abby. You can’t hold the past against him forever. He loves you. If he had fallen for someone else back then, would you really say he hurt you?”

“I’m not holding it against him, Brother Spencer. I just didn’t expect you to defend him,” Abby admitted. “I’ve been overwhelmed lately, with no time to think about relationship issues. But when I remember how he turned me down when I pursued him to Wiltspoon… it still stings a bit. Now, I’m just making him work for it. Is that too much?”

Spencer chuckled. “Not at all. You’ve been more than fair to Evan. I just want you to be happy—not like me and Victoria. Evan is sincere, and you love him. You both care for each other. As your brother, I want to see you two together, living a good life.”

Spencer and Victoria faced their own challenges. If they didn’t navigate things carefully, happiness would remain elusive. Their relationship was complicated, which is precisely why Spencer wished for Abby to have a better experience. If they couldn’t find joy in their own lives, at least they could hope for Abby to find hers.