His Ex-Wife Is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus) novel Chapter 689

"Yes, Mr. Fairhaven," with a knowing nod, Lily set off to change the bed linens.

While the villa employed a housekeeper, the bedroom was a sanctuary that Jareth trusted only Lily to tend to and arrange.

The heavy, luxurious velvet drapes were still drawn, infusing the dim room with the lingering warmth of last night's passion, a scent of love that hung thick in the air.

Catching sight of the disheveled bed, Lily couldn't help but beam with joy. Clearly, the young couple had not held back in their nighttime endeavors.

Once Jareth left, she'd have to give Marilla's waist, which had weathered the storm of their affection, a good massage.

Lily swiftly replaced the sheets and duvet with crisp, clean ones and gathered Jareth's scattered clothes into the laundry basket.

Ever since Jareth had expressed his intent to marry Marilla to his family, and formally approached the Abernathy family, Lily hadn't seen a single condom. It was clear as day that Jareth was eager for Marilla to bear his child.

With their relationship as sweet as honey, it seemed only a matter of time before Jareth's wish came true.

Lily, her face bright with happiness, had just stepped out of the bedroom when Jareth's deep voice called out, "Lily, for the next few days, stay with Marilla at home; let her rest and heal. The classes at Elmsworth Academy of Fine Arts can wait."

"Mr. Fairhaven, but..."

As Lily hesitated, the bathroom door suddenly burst open, "No! I need to go to school! I don't want to stay home; I have to go to school!"

Jareth and Lily both froze in surprise.

Marilla, her body radiating heat, stood there soaking wet, clad only in a bath towel, her bare feet on the cool floor.

Jareth's heart skipped a beat as he quickly shed his freshly changed suit to wrap her damp body, his garment worth of tens of thousands now reduced to a makeshift bathrobe.

Marilla's slender figure was even more delicate against the man's loose clothing.

"My silly girl, running out like this, what if you catch a cold?"

Eyes tinged with red, Jareth held her tight, her toes barely touching the ground as he nearly lifted her off her feet, "Have you forgotten what you promised me? To be good every day."

Lily watched, worried for Marilla but even more so for Jareth's well-being.

Since being named heir, Jareth was no longer the carefree prince who could dote on his radiant wife. He had to attend social events to expand the Fairhaven Group's network and frequently travel abroad for inspections, plus Marilla started going to school, leaving little time for the couple to enjoy each other's company - sometimes only a night or two per week.

And then there was the incident from the night before.

It seemed like Jareth's nerves were stretched extremely taut, on the verge of snapping or releasing a formidable energy.

"Why? Why can't I go to school?" Marilla's gaze met his, her eyes brimming with urgency.

Jareth explained gently, "It's not that you can't go, just for now."

"There's an arts performance for the school's anniversary in a few days. I've never been part of such an event, and I don't want to miss it!"

Marilla struggled within his arms, "I finally feel normal, they don't look at me like I'm a monster! Jareth, going to school makes me so happy. I want to learn drawing. Please, don't take this away from me. Don't take away my joy, please?"

The word “take away” hit Jareth hard, like twin daggers plunged into his sides. He had always been her greatest lover, the architect of her future happiness. But he never imagined that his care for her would be perceived as deprivation.

"Mrs. Fairhaven, you misunderstood it."

Lily quickly fetched a towel, drying Marilla's damp hair, "Mr. Fairhaven didn't mean that. He's just concerned about the recent violent incident at the school. It's probably chaotic there. If you avoid these next few days and go back after things have settled, it won't be too late."

Marilla shook her head, stubborn as a bull, "No need, I'm not afraid. If I don't go, everyone will know I was the hostage that day. Then, if I return to school later, everyone will look at me differently, and it will be even worse."

Lily had no retort, silently admiring Marilla's meticulous thinking. Usually, the young lady was straightforward. But now, to continue her studies, her mind was exceptionally clear.

In the end, Jareth could only relent with a heavy heart.

Face ashen, he stepped out of the villa, still wearing his damp suit. Lily tried to offer a change of clothes, but he refused. He couldn't bear to part with the suit that still carried her scent and warmth.

"Take good care of Marilla."

"Yes, Mr. Fairhaven."

"And another thing." Jareth paused, his eyes icy, "Keep a close eye on her, and keep those unseemly rogues far away from my wife."

"Yes," Lily stiffened at the command, Aaron's handsome face flashing in her mind.

Ever since Elva had received the dress from Camille, she had been restless. Night after night, she suffered insomnia, haunted by Camille's cutting words.

- "There's only once and countless times in domestic abuse!"

- "Do you want to be beaten to death?!"

- "Not fighting back is truly a dead end!"

Recently, Matthew had cunningly outmaneuvered Cassius, regaining Mr. Jeff Chambers's trust and his position in the Group.

Elva hoped his mood would improve and that he would spare her his cruelty. But the reprieve was short-lived. Not long ago, he staggered home late at night, battered and bruised, and immediately dragged her from the bed to the floor, unleashing a barrage of kicks and punches without a word.

That night, her cries echoed through the entire building.

The Chambers Group's gala was drawing nearer. Today, with nothing better to do and on a whim, Matthew recalled sending Elva to Camille for the dress.

Truth be told, it was just another malicious way to trouble her.

Everyone in high society knew how difficult it was to please the tailor. Nine times out of ten, they'd leave with nothing but disappointment, especially someone as inarticulate and clumsy as Elva.