His Ex-Wife Is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus) novel Chapter 774

"Aaron, what's up with you?" Marilla asked with concern, noticing his troubled expression.

"It's nothing, let's get going."

Aaron forced a smile, feigning ease as he casually draped an arm around Marilla's shoulders, moving forward with the crowd. But his sharp eyes swept the surroundings like radar, undetected and vigilant.

Just then, his cellphone buzzed in his pocket.

Pulling it out, he glanced at the screen, lowering his eyelids to read the text. It was a short message, few words that made his piercing blue eyes narrow momentarily before the tension in his heart eased.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the crowd.

Jareth stood in a corner, trying to blend in. Despite his efforts, his tall and striking frame still caught the eyes of passersby.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, the laughter and chatter, Jareth’s loneliness seemed as profound as an old man in the twilight of his life.

His gaze followed them relentlessly, never straying from their backs.

The sunshine was beautiful today, casting a warm and radiant light. In it, the girl protected by a man’s care had a clear and bright smile, blooming on his heart like a splendid iris.

Lost in thought, Jareth watched as Marilla's figure grew hazy, the tender warmth in his eyes ready to shatter.

Hearing footsteps approaching, he knew Lily was coming. Suppressing his intense emotions, he forced a wry smile,

"Marilla always told me she wanted an ordinary life. I never understood what an ordinary life was, but now I think I do. It's just too late."

A pang struck Lily's heart as she hurried to console him. "It's not too late, Mr. Jareth. It's never too late to win back your love."

"I never took her out for fun like Aaron is doing now."

Jareth's eyes were red-rimmed, his voice a hoarse whisper, "I thought I was giving her what she wanted, but I never really asked her."

Marilla, what do you want?

He had asked before, but as she repeatedly answered, "I want to be with Jareth," he gradually forgot to seek her true desires.

"Mr. Jareth, let's get a little closer," Lily suddenly suggested, a plan forming in her eyes.

Jareth pressed his lips together, then shook his head, "She's having a rare day out. Seeing me would only spoil her mood."

With a hopeful look in her eyes, Lily smiled cunningly, "Just let go of your pride, Mr. Jareth. Leave the rest to me!"

It had been years since Aaron last visited an amusement park, the last time being for a fugitive chase.

Luckily, he'd done his homework. He knew all the best rides and treats like the back of his hand.

What surprised him was Marilla's choice of thrilling rides like roller coasters and drop towers. After several rounds, Aaron felt a bit dizzy, while Marilla seemed unfazed, still craving more.

This age gap was showing more than he cared to admit.

"Marilla, aren't you scared of these high-flying rides?" Aaron handed her a strawberry-flavored ice cream, his eyes warm with amusement.

"Not at all. I love being up high, the feeling of flying. It makes me feel unbounded and free."

Marilla licked the ice cream, her face lighting up with satisfaction, "It's so sweet, thanks, Aaron."

A bittersweet ache filled Aaron, his heart going out to her.

Marilla, who seemed to have everything, had never dared to dream of such simple pleasures in her twenty-two years of life.

She was born to soar, yet her wings were clipped, and she was caged in a gilded prison.

Was it because of her illness, or to spare her family shame.

Aaron's breath grew heavy, his hand instinctively reaching out to stroke her soft hair.

Marilla flinched, instinctively shrinking away.

Such intimate gestures had been common between her and Jareth. But now, even the touch of Aaron, whom she deeply trusted, brought a wave of panic and discomfort that flickered across her eyes.

Aaron quickly withdrew, managing a bitter smile.

She was still not ready to accept the growing warmth of another's affection.

Maybe it would take a very long time. Or maybe, it would never happen.

As time was running short, they headed toward the dolphin arena to catch the show.

Just as they reached the entrance, whispers spread through the crowd,

"Look, isn't that girl the one from the Abernathy family, the one with the mental issue?"

"Ah. She does look like Marilla! Much prettier in person than in those photos!"

"What's the use of being pretty if she has some mental issues?"

"Is that true? She seems normal to me. And who's that handsome guy with her? Her boyfriend? Lucky her!"

The murmurs reached Marilla's ears, her heart pounding as she clutched her stuffed bear, her eyes wide and helpless.

The next second, she was enveloped in a warm, strong embrace, Aaron's arms shielding her tightly.

"Don't be afraid, Marilla. I'm here," he said, his voice low and comforting.

Nearby on the stage, a band hired by the park began to cover a heartfelt rendition of "One Last Time."

The mascot dog suddenly turned, facing Marilla with the poise of a gallant prince, and extended his hand, inviting her to dance.

Marilla looked at him, her slender hand gently resting in his.

They danced to the tenderly infused melody, oblivious to the onlookers, swirling under the sunlight.

Step back, step in, twirl, and twirl again.

Those familiar dance moves stirred a tidal wave of longing for Jareth within Marilla.

It was as if she was back at their cozy villa, with him teaching her to dance under the moonlight. His steps were skilled and graceful, while she was always clumsy, stepping on his feet, which he would respond to by pulling her close for a deep kiss before letting her continue.

—"You've got it. Now, we're each other's dance partners for life."

—"Don't dance for anyone else. Only for me."

Marilla held her breath, tears welling up in her eyes, blurring her vision but never falling.

"Who takes you home." the lyrics echoed softly.

Aaron, capturing the moment on his phone, had a heavy heart, his lips pressed together, containing a complicated emotion.

Suddenly, the lively pink bunny hopped beside him, tapping his shoulder and whispering urgently,

"Aaron, it's Lily. Make sure to send the pictures to Mr. Fairhaven later, thank you."

"I had my suspicions," Aaron replied with a resigned chuckle. "You and your boss really know how to put on a show."

"Did you? When? Was it that obvious?" the pink bunny gasped, her plush hands covering her mouth.

Aaron's lips curved into a faint smile, his gaze filled with unspoken envy and longing.

As the song came to an end, the mascot dog leaned in, gently pressing its head against Marilla's forehead.

Suddenly, she could no longer hold back her tears, and they cascaded down her cheeks.

The mascot dog, clearly panicked, held her tighter, patting her back soothingly without a word.

He longed to speak, to reassure her with his voice, but feared scaring her away.

Yet, how he wished to embrace her as he used to, openly displaying his ardent love, and tell her,

"Don't be afraid, I'm here."