His Ex Wife Is A Billionaire

Mr. and Mrs. Abernathy exchanged a stunned glance. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that Aaron had his heart set on Marilla.

Then, the astonished voice of Mrs. Suri Ashbourne echoed through the room, “Aaron, what on earth are you saying? You want to marry Ms. Abernathy? When did you start harboring such thoughts about that girl?

And what about the love triangle with Mr. Fairhaven? Where do you fit into this picture? You better not be aiming to be the other man; not even if I had the thick skin like a hundred–layer cake could I endure the shame! An Ashbourne heir cannot be reduced to a homewrecker, even if he is seeking another man’s company!”

Behind them, Thaddeus and Evadne felt awkwardly speechless.

After a tense silence, Aaron spoke with a bitter edge to his voice, “Originally, I stepped back because I saw the affection between Marilla and Jareth. Jareth truly cared for her. I wanted Marilla to have a smooth path to love; I didn’t want to cause trouble for her.” © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Didn’t want to cause trouble. Evadne’s long lashes lowered in a silent sigh.

In truth, Aaron and Marilla were kindred spirits – both constantly put others before themselves, empathetic, and thoughtful.

She had often wondered: Would Marilla be happier with Aaron? But love wasn’t a series of what–ifs.

“But now, Marilla is about to marry someone she doesn’t love.”

Each word Aaron spoke was charged with a burning desire that had been suppressed for far too long, “If that’s the case. Mom, I want to follow my heart for once. I want to pursue Marilla.”

“The news is already out; Ms. Abernathy’s engagement to the Bartley son is set. What good will your interference do?”

Suri sighed in resignation, “Besides, you just said they were in love. Even if they’ve separated for some reason. Aaron, Marilla’s heart may not have room for you. After all, Jareth is her lifelong unattainable dream.

Are you confident enough to spend your life with someone who loves another? Can you guarantee you won’t regret it, or feel bitter and unsettled? This path is harder than you think.”

“Mom, when you married Dad, you knew he had someone else in his heart. Have you ever regretted choosing him?” Aaron’s question hit a nerve.

Thaddeus felt a sudden grip on his arm and turned to see Evadne’s usually radiant face pale slightly.

Suri’s voice was low, “Our situations are diffèrent.”

“But one thing is the same – I only choose what I want; nothing else matters.” Aaron chuckled bitterly, “My principles and boundaries are about making the one I care for happy. If I can’t do that, then those boundaries mean nothing.”

“You are really…”

“Suri, Aaron, Evadne stepped forward with Thaddeus.

Suri’s expression stiffened, and Aaron rose in surprise, “Evadne.”

Evadne offered a wry smile, “I heard everything. But I didn’t eavesdrop on purpose.”

Thaddeus pressed his lips gently. Too “unintentional“, Indeed. Evadne had a knack for overhearing conversations; it was practically in her DNA, making her a walking human eavesdropper.

Aaron’s breath hitched, his eyes looking utterly sincere, “Evadne, since you heard it, there’s no point hiding it now. I want to take a chance to make Marilla your sister–in–law. Would you mind?”

Worry creased Suri’s brow, “Aaron, you’re my only son, and you’ve never been in love. Do you even know what love is? You spend your days at the police station, dealing with cases, seeing more dead women than living! You’ve only met Ms. Abernathy a few times; are you sure she’s the one for you? What if you meet someone more suitable, more outstanding?”

“I remember Dad had his fair share of quirks, yet didn’t you fall for him at first sight?”

Far away in other country, Emeric suddenly sneezed.

Suri was left speechless. A chip off the old block indeed!

“Or do you also worry about Marilla’s illness?”

“Aaron.” Evadne couldn’t help but interject, “Suri wouldn’t think like that; you shouldn’t ask her this.”

Feeling he’d done something inappropriate, Aaron lowered his gaze, “Sorry, Mom.”

“I can see you truly care for that girl.” Nose tingled with emotion, Suri let out a relieved smile, “Otherwise, you’d never talk back to me. You want to pursue the one you love; I won’t stop you. But there’s one condition – Ms. Abernathy must completely sever ties with Mr. Fairhaven. If there are any lingering attachments, I don’t want you involved.”

She spoke with gravity, “As long as the girl is good–hearted, I don’t care about her status or past. But I don’t want a daughter–in–law who’s been snatched from someone else.”

Upon hearing it, Thaddeus admired Suri’s stance. No wonder she raised such exceptional children.

“The final choice, though, belongs to Marilla.” Aaron’s eyes shone with resolution, “If she chooses me, I’ll never let her down. If she wants to be with Jareth, no matter how hard, I’m willing to help them overcome any obstacle.”

Evadne’s eyes sparkled with an idea, “Aaron, are you really willing to help?”

“When have I ever gone back on my word?” His resolve was palpable.

“Suri’s here, so I’ll speak my mind.” Evadne paused, and then declared, “Aaron, may I use you?”

The statement left Thaddeus and Suri baffled, exchanging glances.

Aaron’s gaze deepened, “Evadne, what do you need me to do?”

Evadne flashed a sly grin, “I need you to pull off a love heist.”

The word “heist” seemed to lodge itself in Aaron’s throat, leaving him with a dry, wry smile, “Evadne, my mom just laid down the law about no snatching, and here you are, daring to dream.”

Evadne wagged her slender finger, “No, no. When I say a love heist, I mean for you to, as Aaron Ashbourne, disrupt the Abernathy–Bartley wedding plans. We can’t have Alston, that toad, getting his hands on my Marilla.”

Thaddeus‘ gaze deepened, his warm, broad palm gently squeezing Evadne’s tender waist, softened by his affection.

Although he had given her pleasure the night before to help her sleep well, he himself had been restless. He had thought long and hard about Jareth and Marilla, even making preparations, but he hadn’t expected Evadne to come up with such an ingenious plan.

His seven brothers–in–law seemed destined to be “wrung dry” by her.

“So, you want me to step in as a suitor and compete with Alston for Marilla?”

Aaron, his fingers propped against his jaw, pondered, “Even though it’s still a heist, I don’t mind competing with that Alston. Us Ashbournes aren’t afraid of stirring the pot, and we can handle the consequences.”

Thaddeus‘ brows came together slightly, “Evadne, but this marriage has Frederic’s blessing. He’s quite taken with the Bartley family. Even if we get Mr. Aaron Ashbourne himself to compete, if Frederic doesn’t approve of

Marilla being with an Ashbourne, it could still be tough.”

“Indeed. Evadne, after the whole debacle with you at the horse racing event, Frederic’s grudge against our family is no small matter. That old curmudgeon, can he even appreciate my darling son?” Suri spoke her mind freely in front of Thaddeus.

Evadne pressed her lip to stifle a laugh. Suri had been corrupted by Aviana, spouting off whatever came to mind.

T

Seeing his own father insulted, dutiful son Thaddeus maintained a calm demeanor, secretly relishing the

moment.

“It doesn’t matter; it takes two to tango.” Evadne said confidently, her smile brimming with self– assurance, “As Yong as the Bartley family are dead set against marrying Marilla, what can Frederic do? Force his daughter on

them? How many faces does he have to lose?”

Thaddeus‘ gaze on her was tender and fiery, “Evadne, you are truly clever.”

“Evadne, do you need my help?” Suri said with a soft smile, “Since my son is set on this love heist, it’s only right that I, as a parent, apply some pressure. That will ensure the Bartley family give up for good.”

“Mom.” Aaron’s voice choked up. Guilt and a bitter taste flooded his mouth as he thought about his earlier doubts regarding his mother.

Evadne, feeling helpless and remorseful, said, “Suri, I’m so sorry. It’s a younger generation’s issue, and yet we still need you elders to sort it out for us.”

“Nonsense, we’re family. Besides.” Sorrow washed over Suri, her eyes misting up, “Ever since Hubery passed, I’ve struggled to truly move on, neglecting my care and attention towards Aaron and Debby. I wasn’t even aware of Aaron’s relationship, and I’m his mother. Now, I do a small favor, and you thank me like this; it only makes me feel more ashamed.”

The memory of the late Hubery brought a vision of his portrait before Evadne’s eyes. Her lips parted a couple of times, yet in the end, she remained silent.