His Ex-Wife Is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus) novel Chapter 556

"Mrs. Abernathy's got a thing for you?!" Gordon's eyes bulged, like his inner gossip-monger was ablaze with curiosity.

Thaddeus's brows furrowed, as he poured himself another glass of the rich and aromatic wine. But as he took a sip, the expected sweetness was replaced by a bitterness that seemed to slash at his throat.

"It's a shame we can't get a do-over in life, I can't be the man who fell for Evadne first. That'll be my lifelong regret."

But there was one regret that outshone the rest –

He was the reason Evadne lost the child she wanted more than anything, and lost the chance to be a mother.

Thad took a labored breath, as if the air he sucked into his lungs turned into icy blades, "I'll do everything in my power to make her happy, but I just don't know if I can do it well enough."

Happiness is such an abstract thing; it only counts if the person himself or herself feels content, after all.

"Mr. Abernathy, you truly are the most deeply devoted man I've ever met. You and Mrs. Abernathy are the kindest souls," Gordon said, while picturing Beverly's eyes that were always on the verge of tears, and stirred a pang of sympathy each time he saw her. "More than her happiness, I hope you two can heal each other's souls. And I hope you can taste happiness too."

After all, Thaddeus, before falling in love with Mrs. Abernathy, was a man with nothing but wealth.

Weary in body and soul, he was barren in spirit.

It was Mrs. Abernathy who made his desert-like heart bloom with the most brilliant roses.

Thad thought of Evadne made him couldn't help but smile, "Don't worry about me, I'm already very happy. Being by Evadne's side and making her happy are my greatest joy."

He cleared his throat, "Enough about me, let's talk about you. Have you really fallen for Ms. Higgins?"

"Uh, I think, I might be smitten."

Gordon's chest tightened, as he laughed bitterly, "Today's Ms. Higgins' birthday, so I brought her gifts and flowers."

Thad raised an eyebrow.

His assistant Gordon had harbored a crush since college, but his goddess married and had kids with his senior, but here he was, yet to tie the knot himself.

This was his first real attempt at wooing a girl, and what an ill-matched pursuit it was.

"She took the flowers, but not the gift nor my affections," Gordon's hands trembled as he gripped his glass, his heart aching, "Mr. Abernathy, am I just lousy? When I first visited Ms. Higgins, I looked down on where she lived; I was prejudiced, thinking that any girl working there must be vain. How could I think like that? What do I have, and what am I to be proud of."

He choked up with emotion, struggling to speak, "She's right not to accept me. I was too lousy."

Thad was taken aback!

He understood Gordon's feelings, but never had he realized they had grown so fervent that he would actually confess to Beverly!

In terms of the courage to love someone, he himself once paled in comparison to Gordon.

And now, here he was, presumptuously trying to influence his assistant's heart.

Who was he to judge?

"You're not lousy, Gordon. To me, you've always been an excellent assistant. I wouldn't be where I am without you."

Gordon's heart skipped, his eyes shining with gratitude, "Mr. Abernathy, no, it's just my job!"

"I'm saying you're a good man. Don't sell yourself short."

Thad's gaze was deep and paternal, "If you truly care for Ms. Higgins, go for it. But not now. You have to wait until she's of age. For now, support her quietly, but don't disrupt her studies. I believe a part of her refusal is due to this reason. Students should focus on their education."

"I understand. I just got carried away tonight. It won't happen again," Gordon stood up, bowing apologetically.

"People have emotions; you've done nothing wrong. Just make sure when you find the right person, it's at the right time."

Thad stood up, heading towards the cellar door, but suddenly he paused and turned, "The gift you gave Ms. Higgins wasn't some tacky luxury item, was it? Lacking creativity, sincerity, and meaning. No wonder she didn't accept it."

Gordon felt a twinge of embarrassment; what a direct hit!

On the way home, Marilla was a bit sulky, quieter than usual.

In bed, Jareth could hardly contain himself; the desire in his eyes was fiery as his muscular hand slipped under her white nightgown...

Breaths entwined, fingers interlocked, and sweat mingled.

He was insatiable that night.

He lavished affection on her lips, waist, chest, until she was tender all over.

Finally, sitting up and pulling her close, they both soared into ecstasy, and he felt like she was a blazing little sun, scorching him with her heat.

Marilla snuggled into Jareth's arms, not even caring that they were still connected, with her eyelids fighting to stay open.

"Darling, you're so good. What reward do you want from hubby, hmm?" Jareth whispered, his voice thick with desire.

Marilla, half-asleep, murmured, "I want that pastry."

His eyes narrowed instantly, and his heartbeat skipped, "What?"

"That pastry, so cute, I want a bite." She was still regretful for not getting her treat earlier, and her stomach was growling with longing.

"Marilla."

Jareth's eyes were blazing as he pinned her down once more, his voice a mix of accusation and desire. "What's it gonna be, huh? You craving a cake, or is it the guy who gave you that cake you're thinking about?"

The way he said "huh" was more oppressive than before, his possessiveness sending shivers down her spine.