His Ex-Wife Is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus) novel Chapter 808

Barry's funeral was a reverent affair, thanks to the combined efforts of the Abernathy and Ashbourne families.

As the day waned and the Fairhaven family dispersed, Jareth remained knelt in the chapel, his gaze fixed on his grandfather's portrait, unwilling to leave.

Evadne had gone home to be with Emeric, while Thaddeus stayed by Jareth's side until the end.

"Jareth, you're exhausted. It's time to head back and get some rest," Thaddeus sighed, moving to help him up, but finding him as unyielding as iron.

"I can't rest yet. There's still Lily's affairs to look after," Jareth replied, his voice almost robotic.

The bone-deep weariness in his tone twisted Thaddeus' heart.

Lily.

That name, unspoken by them all these days, because they knew it was the gaping, bleeding wound in Jareth's heart that would never heal.

"I'll help you. Don't worry, I'm here for you," Thaddeus said, his voice gravelly with emotion.

Lily was gone, and no words of comfort seemed to hold any weight.

"I remember Lily once said she wanted a simple, peaceful life. Even for her own funeral, she wanted it plain and quiet, to slip away like a raindrop vanishing in a shower. Nothing could be more fitting," Jareth said, his breath hitching as a nascent smile shattered before it could fully form. "But with me, all the fighting, never a day of peace or comfort. Thad, I destroyed Lily's life, it was me. I'm responsible for her death. She has no kin left in this world. How can I possibly make amends, how can I ever repay her?"

Thaddeus knelt beside him, his large hand patiently patting Jareth's back,

"Jareth, don't do this to yourself. Lily wouldn't want to see you so broken. You need to stay strong, to protect the Fairhaven legacy, and Marilla. That way, her sacrifices won't be in vain."

It was only as night fell that Thaddeus and Jareth finally left the chapel.

"Thad, come with me to Whispering Pines Manor," Jareth murmured in the dimly lit car, his face pale but his voice steady. "I want to sort through Lily's things. Afterward, I'm going to close up the manor for good."

Thaddeus nodded in understanding. Whispering Pines Manor had been home to Jareth, Marilla, and Lily for a long time. It once radiated warmth, but now, it was a source of immense pain.

The ride was silent. Dean drove quietly, Thad with an impassive face sat in the back, and Jareth, only minutes after the car started, rested his head against the window and fell into a heavy sleep.

"Jareth, we're here."

An hour later, Thaddeus woke him. Jareth rubbed his face, looking haggard as he stepped out of the car.

Both Thaddeus and Dean followed closely, concerned for his well-being.

"Mr. Thaddeus, Mr. Jareth is in bad shape. He looks like he's holding on, but he's running on empty," Dean whispered, his voice tinged with sorrow.

"I know."

Thaddeus' heart ached, but he was at a loss on how best to share his friend's burden.

Jareth's trembling fingers entered the familiar code and pushed the door open.

As he stepped into the living room, his gaze swept across the room, everything as it had been, as if nothing had changed.