Thaddeus's words were simple, numb, and calm.
But to Acacia, they were like a punch to the gut.
She froze, her cheeks flushing as if she'd been slapped across the face multiple times.
Frederic and Elspeth were also taken aback, while only Glynnis couldn't help but break into a sly grin.
Tonight's events had shown her Acacia's true colors. This woman who treated her like a tool, thinking she was smart, was not fit to be a part of the Abernathy family!
Why hesitate? She should be completely out of the game, never to rise again!
"Thaddeus, do you not want me anymore?" Acacia was both shocked and scared, tightly holding onto Thaddeus's arm, tears streaming down her face. "Just because Ilana is from the Ashbourne family? You're going to abandon me? Do you regret it?"
"Whether she's Ilana or Evadne, it has nothing to do with our marriage." Thaddeus firmly pulled his arm from her grip, his gaze cold. "I told you not to bother her again, but what about you? You've slandered and defamed her time and time again, pushing her into the spotlight. I don't understand why you hate her so much."
"That's not true! Thaddeus! I just wanted you to see Ilana's true colors, I didn't want you to be fooled by her anymore."
Acacia lunged towards him in panic, but Thaddeus took a step back, causing her to throw herself into thin air, almost falling over.
"She has been lying to you from the start! For such a manipulative woman, you're willing to throw away our relationship of over a decade. Doesn’t your heart hurt at all?"
"Yes, she lied to me, but she never hurt me or anyone else." Remembering that bright and cheerful face that used to light up for him, Thaddeus's eyes reddened. He said his final words with a cold voice: "Let's just leave it at that. You and I both need to cool down. We're just not suited for each other."
Acacia watched as Thaddeus left, her throat feeling as if it were being choked by an invisible hand, struggling for breath.
How did everything turn out this way?
Was her dream wedding about to fall apart? No! She had to marry Thaddeus!
She had been planning this for over a decade, she couldn't let that wretched Evadne ruin her plans!
"Well, Thaddeus is loyal in love, but he's not a fool, he knows right from wrong! Ms. Acacia, I thought you could at least pretend until after you were married to Thaddeus before showing your true colors, but it seems you couldn't even wait that long." Hamiltion's anger grew as he spoke, his nose turning red. "You've got no one to blame but yourself for your situation, constantly twisting the truth, causing discord, bullying Ilana!"
"Mrs. Abernathy is now called Evadne, not Ilana." Mr. Murray quietly corrected.
"What's the difference? Isn't it the same person?" Hamiltion dismissed.
Acacia's hands were clenched tightly, her nails digging into her palms, her eyes seeing stars from rage, utterly humiliated.
Glynnis couldn't help but laugh out loud beside her, thoroughly enjoying the scene.
"Let's go, Mr. Murray! Get some drinks and food ready for me when we get back!"
"You've had quite a bit to drink already. For the sake of your health, you probably shouldn't drink anymore."
"I'm happier now than I am on my birthday, just do as I say and cut the crap."
Hamiltion rambled on, leaving with Mr. Murray first.
The atmosphere in the living room was extremely gloomy.
"Darling, you must talk to Thaddeus! The news of his engagement to Acacia has been announced. How can he back out now? It will bring shame to the Abernathy family!" Just like Acacia, Elspeth anxiously shook Frederic's arm. "You're Thaddeus's father, he'll listen to you! Acacia has been waiting for him for so many years, he can't just call off the wedding like this!"
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