Chapter 379
Chapter 379
Evadne’s heart tightened, and in her shock, the picture frame slipped from her grasp, shattering on the floor.
The shards of glass cut into her smooth ankle, the tiny wound seeping a few droplets of blood.
“Why are you here?”
A deep, magnetic voice echoed from behind her, piercing through her slender form.
Evadne didn’t turn around, her voice cold and distant, “Sorry to disturb you. I’ll be leaving soon.”
Thaddeus watched from behind as she moved, draped in his oversized shirt. In the soft lamplight, her petite figure appeared both alluring and vulnerable. It was a sight that tugged at his instinct to pull her into his arms and protect her.
His throat tightened, an unbearable dryness settling in.
Earlier, he had suddenly woken from a deep sleep, a cold sweat drenching his skin.
His immediate reaction was to reach for Evadne, only to find her side of the bed empty.
However, her clothes still lay strewed on the floor, even her high heels were there, indicating she was still somewhere in the villa. It was only then that his heart settled, and he quickly got out of bed to find her.
The passionate night they had spent together was still fresh in his mind. Each kiss, each intense moment had left a deep imprint on his heart.
1
But he had forgotten how he lost control. Had he gone too far?
Had he hurt her to the extent that she could barely resist?
A wave of guilt washed over him, and Thaddeus‘ dark eyes reddened slightly as he took a step towards her.
Just then, Evadne abruptly turned around and tried to walk past him.
Pupils contracted, Thaddeus acted swiftly, gripping her arm to prevent her from leaving.
“Don’t go.”
“You have no right to stop me.”
“We had sex.”
*
1
e
.
59
With his arm around her, Thaddeus pulled her closer.
”
His gaze was sharp and unyielding as he stared into her icy eyes. He uttered word by word, “Evadne, I said we had sex. Don’t you have anything to say about that?”
“No. I don’t.”
Avoiding his intense gaze, Evadne’s reply was equally firm, “Let go.”
“Evadne, I’m not the type to take things lightly. Although we’re divorced now, about last night, I will take responsibility.” Thaddeus‘ eyes were sincere, his grip on her wrist tightening.
“It was just a one–night stand. We are adults, and we should be responsible for our choices.”
With a cold laugh, Evadne forcefully pulled her wrist free from his grasp. Her tone was mocking. “In the future, Mr. Abernathy, you should be more careful, to avoid being manipulated by others.”
“Evadne!” Thaddeus‘ heart felt like it had been stabbed. He gripped her shoulders in an incredibly tight way.”
“Don’t touch me! Get away!”
Evadne’s hands clenched into fists, as she pounded against his bare chest. Her furious shouts were laced with a hint of tears, causing a painful stab in his heart.
Was she crying?
Was it because he had hurt her?
Thaddeus‘ breath hitched, and despite her emotional outburst, he wrapped his arms around her tightly.
Evadne didn’t even realize she was crying.
Why was she crying? There was nothing to feel distressed about.
Was it because Thaddeus had hurt her, or was it because Thaddeus still hadn’t dealt with his past with Acacia?
Clearly, the latter was far more distressing.
No matter how much she struggled, Thaddeus held her firmly, refusing to let go.
“I will take responsibility for you, I will.”
“I don’t need your responsibility. I just want you to let me go.”
Evadne’s tears fell onto his shoulder, their heat almost branding him, “Thaddeus, I hate you. I despise you. Don’t touch me!”
“Who else can I touch if not you?” Thaddeus‘ voice was hoarse, trembling slightly.
“Thaddeus, if you want to take responsibility. why did you divorce me? Why didn’t you say these words back then?”
“What?” The man looked stunned.
“When you should have taken responsibility, you pushed me away. Now that I don’t need your responsibility, why can’t you just leave me alone!”
Taking advantage of his momentary shock, Evadne bit down hard on his arm, wishing she could tear his flesh off.
Thaddeus winced in pain, his grip loosening slightly. Seizing the opportunity, Evadne slipped from his grasp and fled from the room.
Thaddeus was left standing there, her words echoing in his mind.
Suddenly, he remembered the pristine sheets in their bedroom, causing his heart to clench.
Evadne was not a woman who would give herself away lightly. They had been married for three years, and as far as he knew, they had never consummated their marriage
Was it possible that last night was their first time? But there was no blood stain on the sheet.
“Why didn’t you say these words back then?”
Thaddeus‘ eyes widened in horror as realization dawned on him.
Could it be possible that he had slept with her while they were still married?
But why couldn’t he remember anything?
How was it possible that he didn’t remember a thing?!
Thaddeus felt as if he had been frozen solid, unable to move. He stood there in a trance; it took a long while for him to regain his senses. He covered his chest, where his heart pounded wildly.
Only then did he notice the glinting shards on the floor.
Thaddeus walked over and crouched down.
The sight of the shattered picture frame, and the photo of him and Acacia from high school, suddenly dawned on him.
Evadne quickly returned to her room, changed into her clothes, and hastily left the villa.
She drove away, her face streaked with tears and her mind a whirlwind of emotions.
As she entered the city, she got into a car accident. It wasn’t too serious, but the head of her limited–edition luxury sports car was severely damaged.
The other driver breathed a sigh of relief when he realized Evadne was at fault for rear–end collision.
After all, her car was a limited–edition luxury sports car, even selling his kidney wouldn’t be enough to cover the repairs.
Evadne stayed inside her car, too shaken to get out. In her confused state, the first person she thought of was her older brother.
She managed to call Cassius, her hand trembling. He answered immediately, always there for his beloved sister.
“Evadne, what’s wrong?”
“Cassius, where are you? Please come. I need you.”
Twenty minutes later, Cassius‘ Rolls Royce arrived at the scene of the accident with breakneck speed, even running two red lights in the process. “Evadne!”
Cassius disembarked from the car, his heart sinking as he saw the wrecked sports car. His usually calm demeanor was shattered.
Chasel, who also got out of the car, couldn’t help but become tense at the sight of the accident.
He was ready to provide immediate medical assistance to Evadne on the spot. After all, he was a doctor and his expertise would be crucial in this situation. “Evadne, how are you? Did you get hurt?” Cassius opened the car door and reached in, checking Evadne’s arms and legs for injuries or fractures.
“I’m okay. I’m okay, Cassius.” Evadne’s eyes were filled with tears, her face as pale as a ghost.
But Cassius was shocked. He knew something serious must have happened.
He knew Evadne well. She was not a woman who cried easily. She had gone through ordeals and a mere car accident would not scare her to tears. Something else must have happened.
Something very serious..
“Even though it seems like minor skin trauma, we should still take her to the hospital for further examination, and also check for concussion with a CT scan.” Chasel suggested, his usual playful demeanor replaced with seriousness.
Brows furrowed, Cassius scooped up Evadne without a word and brought her in the Rolls Royce.
Jason arrived soon after and seeing Evadne weak and leaning against Cassius, he broke out in a cold sweat..
“Miss Ashbourne, are you okay?”
“Jason, take care of things here. I’m taking Evadne to the hospital.” Cassius instructed before quickly getting into the car.
“Understood, President Ashbourne. Leave it to me!” Jason watched Evadne with concern, his heart aching for her.
In the car, Cassius held Evadne close, his arm wrapped around her protectively.
Watching the tender scene, Chasel felt a twinge of jealousy, but more so, he felt a sense of envy and a strange stirring in his heart.
In the Bright family, familial ties had always been weak. Everyone was more concerned with their own interests; even blood ties did not mean much.
This was why he had chosen to leave his hometown and establish his career abroad.
The only relative who had been kind to him, his aunt Suri, had been cast out of the Bright family after marrying Emeric. She had been branded shameless and a disgrace to the family, and even 16 this day, she had not been accepted by the Bright family.
But over the years, Suri had returned to the Bright family once, and only once..
He heard that it was for Evadne. She was trying to ask them for some therapeutic methods or medicament. She had knelt outside Mr. Bright’s study for three days and -nights without eating or drinking and until then he agreed to talk with her.
This had not made Chasel think less of Suri. In fact, it had made him respect her even more.
Clearly, Emeric had treated her well and the Ashbourne family treated her as one of their own.
That was why she was willing to go to such lengths for Evadne.
“Chasel.” Cassius suddenly called his name.
“Huh?” Chasel was taken aback, clearly unaccustomed to the way how he addressed him.
“Do you want to stay here with Jason or come with me?” Cassius asked solemnly.
Chapel was a bit surprised but quickly responded with a grin, “That’s not even a question. Of course, I’ll go with you.”
Of course, I choose you.
Cassius‘ heart gave a hard thump.
His beloved had also used to look at him with those smiling eyes, telling him with an unwavering voice, “Cassius, no matter what happens, I’ll stand by your side. You’re the only thing I want to protect in this world.”
The car headed towards the Ashbourne Hospital.
Cassius held Evadne close, soothing her like a child, constantly whispering words of comfort.
“Cassius, it hurts so much.”
Evadne buried her pale face into Cassius‘ chest. Despite her best efforts to suppress them, her soft sobs gave away her sorrow.
Cassius felt his chest grow warm and wet from her tears. His heart felt as if it was being drowned in her sadness, “Evadne, tell me where it hurts.”
Evadne closed her eyes tightly, lifting a trembling hand. She pointed to her heart, poking it gently.
“Here, it hurts so much.”
Cassius‘ eyes darkened, he took a deep breath and held her cold hand tightly.
Who else could hurt his tough sister to the point of despair?
Only Thaddeus.