Chapter 2
Chapter 2
At dinnertime, Acacia, as the niece of Thaddeus’ mother, Elspeth Frost Abernathy, was eating with the Abernathy clan, all in high
spirits. Except for Thaddeus, who was brooding, his brow furrowed, not even touching his food.
Ilana had left with Cas sius, not taking a single personal item with her, including the two million dollars and the mansion.
“Where’s llana? How come she isn’t down for dinner?” Frederic Abernathy. Thaddeus’ father, asked in surprise.
“We’ve called it quits. The divorce papers are all signed and sealed.” Thaddeus replied, looking down. “I’ll pick a day to get the
legal stuff done.”
“Divorce? Why?” Frederic asked, taken aback.
“Ah, Frederic, I told you ages ago that Thaddeus and Ilana were like oil and water, their marriage was just a set-up by his
grandpa.”
Elspeth let out a sigh. “The poor girl has been putting up with this for three years. Now she’s willing to let bygones be bygones
and break up with Thaddeus, to seek their own happiness. It’s probably for the best. You know that Thaddeus has always loved
Acacia.”
“Thaddeus, marriage isn’t a game, especially when it comes to Ilana...”
“Dad, the divorce is done. Ilana has left.” Thaddeus frowned, clearly unhappy.
“Huh, that country girl sure has guts.”
Glynnis Abernathy, the young miss of the Abernathy family, sneered, “Is she cooking up something? Don’t let her go around
saying we treated her badly!”
Thaddeus’ frown deepened at those words.
“Thaddeus, you’ve been too hasty this time. Your grandpa is still on his sickbed, how are you going to explain this to him?”
Frederic was worried this might upset the old man and was feeling quite anxious.
“I’ll tell it like it is. Next month, I’ll announce my marriage and officially make Acacia my wife.”
Acacia looked at the man’s handsome profile, her eyes filled with sweetness.
“You’re out of your mind! You can’t just ditch your wife like that, this will ruin your reputation!”
“I’ve never cared about my reputation. Ilana was never the woman I wanted.” Thaddeus was firm, with not a shred of regret.
“Mr. Frederic, please don’t blame Thaddeus. If you need to blame someone, blame me.”
Leaning on Thaddeus’ shoulder, Acacia said tearfully, “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have come back into Thaddeus’ life... I’ll leave
tomorrow morning. Thaddeus, you should make up with Ilana. I don’t want to be the one who destroys you...”
“Acacia, this has nothing to do with you.”
Thaddeus looked serious and took her delicate hand, “I’m done with Ilana, and you’ve put up with enough over these three
years. I won’t let you suffer anymore.”
The evening breeze was cool and pleasant.
Cas sius took Evadne for a walk by the river, sitting on a boat and admiring the stunning city night view.
“Bro, are you trying to torture me?”
Evadne looked at the couples around her and complained, “This is a dating spot for couples! I wouldn’t dare to come here
normally!”
“Really? You should blame your other brother for this. He said he would set off fireworks here at eight.”
Cas sius glanced at his watch elegantly, “Five, four, three, two, one.”
Suddenly, a huge purple cloud-shaped firework burst out in the sky.
All the lovers gathered on the deck, and the crowd on the shore also began to increase.
“His taste is... puzzling.” Evadne shook her head in confusion, but she felt warm inside.
“Considering all the weird gifts he’s given you over the years, this firework display is a big step up.”
Cas sius put his arm around his sister’s shoulder and pulled her into his arms, “And there’s more to come today. Everyone has
prepared gifts for you. Your room is filled with them. Evadne, there are many people who love you. Make sure you give your love
and time to those who deserve it, okay?”
Evadne felt a lump in her throat.
At this moment, a black Maybach stopped outside the crowd.
Thaddeus, holding Acacia’s hand, got out of the car. As the cool night wind blew, the woman playfully snuggled into his arms.
“Wow, what beautiful fireworks! Thad, look!”
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11:25
Chapter 2
Acacia always had an innocent, girl-next-door charm In front of Thaddeus, which was one reason he was so smitten with her.
In contrast, Ilana’s gloomy and cold demeanor always left him dissatisfied.
The only plus point Ilana had in these three years was that she always behaved like a good girl In front of him.
But what’s the point? She was not the one he wanted.
The two of them walked to the railing, and suddenly, four fireworks exploded in the sky at the same time, spelling out “Happy
Birthday!”
“Wow, someone’s celebrating their birthday. I wonder who’s so lucky to get such a gift.” Acacia sald enviously.
Thaddeus suddenly frowned. His heart felt a squeeze.
Today was Ilana’s birthday. Could the fireworks be Cas sius’ birthday gift to her?
Suddenly, he heard a familiar voice.
A ship pa**ed in front of them, and the man and woman on it were Ilana and Cas sius!
“Huh? It’s Ms. llana! Who’s the man with her? He looks familiar... they seem to be pretty close.” Acacia asked, feigning
innocence.
Thaddeus’ frown deepened. He gripped the railing so hard his palm turned red.
Just as he thought, she’s already dating other men before they officially got divorced? Then why was she crying so hard in front
of him earlier today?
The cruise ship was docked at the shore.
When almost all the tourists had left, Cas sius and Evadne got off, his arm around her waist.
“Ilana!”
Evadne tensed up instantly at the sound of this call.
She slowly turned around, only to see Thaddeus walking briskly towards her. His handsome face still stirred her heart.
But what good would that do? Her love had been destroyed by this man she’d been obsessed with for years. She had no energy
left to love him anymore.
“Who is he?” Thaddeus’ face was icy.
“Seems that Mr. Thaddeus has a poor memory.”
Cas sius held his sister tighter, smiling faintly, “We’ve crossed paths more than once in the business world.”
“Ilana, answer my question.” Thaddeus ignored Cas sius, inching closer.
“We’re already divorced, Mr. Thaddeus. As for who this gentleman is, what does it have to do with you?” Evadne smirked, her
tone cold and
firm.
Thaddeus’ expression changed. He couldn’t believe the usually gentle and lovely Ilana would talk to him like this.
“You’re already seeing other men before we’re officially divorced?”
What the hell? He was the one who cheated first, and now he dared to say these words without a hint of shame?!
Cas sius narrowed his eyes, and just as Thaddeus was about to punch him, Evadne stepped in.
She was actually stepping in to protect another man? Thaddeus’ mood worsened.
“We may not be officially divorced, but Mr. Thaddeus’ new woman couldn’t wait to intrude into our relationship. I’ve stood by
silently as someone else took my husband. Mr. Thaddeus, what right do you have to stop me from being with someone else?”
Evadne’s hair fluttered in the wind, her lips full of mockery. This was a beauty and shock Thaddeus had never seen before. With
a wild tone. she asked, “What, only my ex-husband is allowed to play the field? I, the ex-wife, can’t find my true love?”
Her words were so sharp that Thaddeus was left speechless.
Acacia, who was rushing over, stomped her foot in anger when she saw Thaddeus still had feelings for Ilana. As a result, her
high heel snapped and she fell to the ground.
“Ah! Thad! My foot hurts!”
Thaddeus finally snapped back to reality and rushed to help Acacia who had fallen.
By the time he looked back, Evadne and Cas sius were long gone.