abcnovels
Chapter 403
Chapter 403
Chapter 403
Chapter 403
For several days, despite no further physical intimacy, the passionate sentiments that made Evadne blush and heart pound could be felt in every corner
of the mansion.
Alva cooked their meals three times a day. Evadne, unwilling to let her shoulder the burden alone, insisted on helping. However, she was stopped by both Alva and Thaddeus.
“You’re allergic to smoke, Evadne. Stay out of the kitchen. I’ll help Alva. You can just wait for the meal, Thaddeus said. He stood behind her, his hands intertwined around her waist, his chin resting on her shoulder, he could not resist stealing a kiss on her flushed earlobe.
In front of Alva, Evadne blushed like a ripe peach, squirming in his embrace, “Don’t act all macho, Thaddeus. You’re a pampered rich boy. What can you do?”
“I can learn,” Thaddeus replied, a mischievous smile spread across his face. He whispered in her ear, “I’m a quick learner, Evadne. The other night. Well, you know exactly how well I performed.”
You, stop it! If you keep making such remarks, I’ll step on your foot!” Evadne’s face turned beet red, with nowhere to hide, she found herself fully enveloped by Thaddeus.
Alva watched with a warm smile, her heart filled with satisfaction as if watching her own son and daughter–in–law share a sweet moment.
In just a few days, Evadne and Thaddeus‘ relationship had rapidly warmed up.
They would say good morning and good night to each other. They would do house chores together, and even go grocery shopping at the nearby supermarket.
To avoid unnecessary attention, they would wear hats and masks as they went out. After all, if the CEO of the Abernathy Group and the heiress of the Ashbourne family were caught having private meetings like ordinary citizens, the shockwaves sending through the tabloid world would be no less than two A– list movie stars announcing their marriage.
Moreover, there would be significant ripples in the business world, with the potential to greatly impact the stock prices and projects of both families.
These days, Thaddeus had been wearing comfortable business casual clothes instead of his usually restrictive three–piece suit. However, even in more casual attire, he still stood out in a crowd, shining brightly.
Today, the couple was at the supermarket buying groceries. It was a large warehouse–style supermarket, and as it was not the weekend, there were fewer people around.
Evadne had cooked for Thaddeus for three years and knew his tastes well. She carefully selected foods that catered to his preferences.
Despite her sharp tongue, her actions gave away her feelings for him.
Thaddeus felt that this was the happiest, most enjoyable, and most content period of his life in thirty years.
He should have enjoyed this kind of happiness three years ago when he had the right to be happy.
He silently followed behind Evadne, watching her compare products on the shelves when she was checking ingredients and expiration dates. Her meticulous and serious demeanor showed no signs of being a spoiled rich girl. She was a well–rounded and considerate wife.
His wife.
She might not be his wife now, but she would be in the future.
Suddenly, a mother walked past them, pushing a shopping cart with a four or five–year–old boy sitting in it. Mother and son were laughing and chatting happily.
“Evadne, Evadne.” Thaddeus called her, his eyes sparkling.
“What is it?” Evadne asked lazily, glancing at him.
Thaddeus pointed at the shopping cart, “Get in. I’ll push you.”
Evaddeus was shocked.
“You’ve been walking for a while. It’ll be easier for you. Just point out what you want, and I’ll pick it up for you.”
“No way, that’s so childish!” Evadne quickly took a step back, full of resistance.
“Come on. Don’t worry about me. I won’t get tired.”
Thaddeus was growing more confident and assertive, becoming more in line with the CEO persona.
“I’m not worried about you! I just think it’s embarrassing. Look around, do you see anyone over ten years old sitting in a cart?”
Evadne gave him a disdainful look, turned on her heel, and walked away, ignoring him..
As soon as she turned around, her cheeks flushed bright red and her lips pursed together.
Thaddeus followed behind her obediently, silently sighing.
Although they had done the things a couple should do, he could tell that she hadn’t fully accepted him yet. The normal intimate interactions between couples wouldn’t happen unless he took the initiative.-
Even though she had given him her hugs, kisses, and body, her heart had only opened a small crack for him.
Thaddeus clenched his fist, his expression revealed determination and encouragement.
He thought, “It’s okay. Everything is slowly improving, isn’t it?”
“Wow, look at that couple! They’re so attractive! The woman is so beautiful, and the man is so handsome! Are they models or celebrities?”
Suddenly, a couple of passersby began discussing them excitedly.
“They’re dressed so well. How can you tell they’re handsome?”
*Just look at their style, their aura, and their perfectly proportioned bodies. Their faces must be just as good!”
“Who knows? The woman might have a devil’s face and an angel’s body, and the man might be a ‘shrimp boyfriend“”
These words were overheard by the couple in question.
Evadne gritted her teeth in anger, wishing she could rip off her mask and hat and shove her beautiful face in their faces to teach them a lesson!
“Evadne, what does ‘shrimp boyfriend‘ mean?” Thaddeus asked, his dark eyes flickering with curiosity.
“When you eat shrimp, which part do you not eat?” Evadne retorted, her tone filled with annoyance.
“The head.”
“So, the implication is that you’re the type of man that’s like a shrimp – only good for your body, implying that you’re ugly.”
“Oh. Evadne, you’re so smart. Thaddeus nodded in understanding, feeling as though he was learning something new every day with Evadne.
Her mind was always filled with creative ideas and fresh perspectives. Sometimes, he really wanted to see what was inside her brain to understand her unique thought process.
Just then, the two passersby began talking again.
“Aw. Such a waste. Such a handsome guy and he already has a girlfriend. What a waste of resources!”
Evadne’s fists clenched in anger!
How was she wasting him by being with Thaddeus? Surely it was the other way around, with her being the superior one!
“Why are you so sure they’re an item? They’ve been keeping their social distance from the get–go, haven’t they? Not a single intimate touch,! I bet they’re siblings. Don’t they look alike at first glance?”
“That’s what you call a couple’s resemblance. You wouldn’t understand!”
Listening to this, Thaddeus furrowed his brows, his eyes squinting, seething with silent rage.
*Come on,
let’s leave. Alva is waiting for us to come home and get dinner started.”
Evadne gave him a nudge and was about to start walking when suddenly, she felt a firm grip on her slender wrist..
In the next moment, she was pulled into Thaddeus‘ firm embrace, his chest rising and falling like the waves of the sea.
Before she could react, his warm hand slid downwards, gripping her waist tightly, his palm moving restlessly.
As she looked up in surprise, Thaddeus‘ thin, hot lips closed in on hers, ignoring the gasps from the onlookers, and pressed passionately against her trembling lips.
The bystanders couldn’t help but gasp and admire the lovely sight!
Even with their masks on, who could resist sighing at the sight of such romance! What a perfect match!
Despite the thin fabric of their masks, Evadne could still clearly feel the wonderful shape of his lips, their burning warmth, and his intense affection.
Her small fists on his shoulders loosened, her tensed waist gradually softening, melting into his touch.
The onlookers gradually dispersed, feeling slightly embarrassed at watching the couple’s public display of affection.
As their lips slowly parted, Thaddeus‘ gaze remained intense, thick with emotion.
“You, you’re too bold.”
Evadne, already wearing a mask and having kissed for so long, was breathing heavily now, her eyes filled with objection, “Who allowed you to kiss me?”
“I wanted to, so I did. I didn’t think much about it.” Thaddeus replied, a satisfied smile on his lips as he helped her fix her slightly messed up hair.
“What if someone finds out?”
“No one will. If they were to find out, they would’ve noticed as soon as we walked in.”
He wasn’t a saint. He naturally had possessive desires, especially for the woman he loved to his soul. How could he possibly remain indifferent and not assert his ownership when others spoke such words?
Evadne was sharp as a whip, how could she not understand his little tricks?
So, she decided to play along, puckering her lips and teasing him, “What if people mistake us for a couple because of your sudden action-
Thaddeus stared at her for a moment, his gaze intense. Then he leaned in and whispered into her ear, his lips unintentionally brushing against her earlobe,
“I didn’t kiss you to let others know you’re mine. I did it to tell them, I, am yours.”
Evadne’s heart pounded, her cheeks hidden behind the mask turning a shade of red.”
So, she just playfully punched his chest and left it at that.
At this point, Evadne’s phone rang.
A few seconds later, Thaddeus‘ phone chimed in perfect synchronization.
Both of them took the calls separately.
“Hello? Aaron?”
“Evadne, Erica’s autopsy is completed, everything is ready The funeral will be tomorrow.” Aaron’s voice was low and somber.
Evadne took a deep breath and nodded, “Okay.”
“Also, Cassius and Arnold have convinced her grandmother to stay at our rehabilitation center in Skyrim, it was her own choice. After all, Elmsworth is where Erica died. It’s understandable that she wouldn’t want to stay there. Skyrim is by the sea, the climate is better than Elmsworth, and it’s on our own turf, so it’s easier to take care of her.”
“Right, I also think it’s best for her to stay in Skyrim. Thanks for your hard work.”
Evadne’s eyes were filled with sorrow, “I will be at Erica’s funeral first thing tomorrow. But I hope it’s a low–key affair, we don’t want to alarm the media and distress the elderly.”
“Don’t worry, the police have completely sealed off this case. Cassius also used his influence to suppress the news. You can rest assured, we’re here. You won’t have to worry.”
On Thaddeus‘ end.
As soon as he picked up the phone, he was assaulted by Jareth’s loud voice, almost bursting his eardrums!
“Bro! We’ve got a lead on that son of a bitch Ward! He’s already smuggled himself into Country T, landed last night!”
“Keep a close eye on him, don’t lose him!”
Thaddeus quickly lowered his voice, “What about the police? Have they arrived in Country T?”
“They haven’t yet, my men got there first!”
“Good, tomorrow, you’re coming with me to Country T!” Thaddeus‘ eyes were bloodshot, anger boiling in his heart.
“Huh? So sudden!” Jareth was taken aback.
“If you can’t bear to leave Marilla, then find someone else to liaise with me, I’ll go there myself.”
“No, no. If you’re going, of course I’m coming with you. The biggest regret of my life is not joining you on the battlefield back then! Wait, there’s another one, it’s letting my damn sister come back from Aetheria!”
Whenever he thought of Edith, Jareth was overwhelmed with frustration, slapping his thigh in anger.
“Anyway, I want to catch Ward before the police do.”
Men, especially men in love, had such a strong desire to win!
Both of them ended their calls at almost the same time, and turned back to each other.
“Tomorrow morning, let’s attend Erica’s funeral together.” Evadne’s eyes were slightly red.
“Okay, let’s go together.”
Thaddeus pondered for a moment, then like a husband about to go on a long business trip, he wrapped his arms around Evadne’s waist, pulling her gently into his embrace.
“Evadne, tomorrow I have an important project to discuss at the company. As the president, I have to be there, I’ll be away for a few days.”
“How many days?” Evadne asked, her breath hitching.
“Five days, maybe, ten?”
Thaddeus felt uncomfortable, even though he knew it was just a white lie, he still felt guilty for deceiving the woman he loved most.
Evadne’s eyes sparkled, “Where are you going?”
“Aetheria.” He blurted out, feeling a bit guilty under her probing gaze.
“Alright then, have a safe trip.” Evadne’s expression was still calm.
Suddenly, Thaddeus pulled her into a tight embrace, his heart full of reluctance, “Evadne, wait for me to come back.”
Evadne didn’t respond to his words, but slowly lifted her delicate arms, returning his embrace.
It was more powerful than any words could ever be.
In the misty night, the cold moon hung low.
Even though it was early Spring, recent rainy days had kept the temperature unusually low.
“Tomorrow morning, the maid from the Abernathy family will be laid to rest,”
In the lavish room of The Velvet Haven, Avery sat with his long legs crossed on the sofa, his back turned to Harvey, swirling the red wi
“Oh?”
“Ms. Evadne will surely go. After all, the maid died taking a bullet for her. And if Ms. Evadne is going, wouldn’t Thaddeus follow?”
Harvey took a step closer, asking tentatively, “Will you be attending?”
“It’s just mere maid. Even if she did save Exadne’s life, it’s hardly a reason to make such a fuss, right?”
glass.
Avery sipped his wine elegantly, a cold, mocking look in his eyes behind the glasses, “If she hadn’t taken the bullet for Evadne, she would’ve forever been a lowly maid. But now it’s different. Because of her wise choice, she is now Evadne’s savior. Evadne’s kind heart will forever remember her, her family will be well taken care of because of her sacrifice. Any way you look at it, her death was worth more than her life.”
Harvey listened in silence, a cold sweat running down his back.
That was Avery, twisting even the most absurd, unconventional words into something that sounds so reasonable, so righteous
Avery’s cruelty was subtle.
He always had a gentle smile on his face, making one feel comfortable and at ease when they first meet him. But all of this was based on they not. crossing him, not touching anything that belongs to him, not even coveting.
Otherwise, he would immediately turn cold, biting them unexpectedly like a snake, not only wanting them to die but to suffer greatly in the process.
Avery drained his glass, his gaze deep, sorrow filling his heart.
It wasn’t that he didn’t want to go, le missed Evadne, missed her so much it caused him sleepless nights, his mind in constant turmoil.
But if he went unannounced tomorrow, it would only amplify her resentment towards him.
He had already lost to Thaddeus once. He couldn’t lose again. He couldn’t afford to.
Just then, the room door was slowly pushed open.
Elsie walked in, her head low, holding a brown paper envelope in her hand.
“Mr. Chambers, the man you sent out has sent something back.”
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