His Ex-Wife: The Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus)

Chapter 884

The Ashbourne family was known for their tic flair in matters of the heart. When Bennett declared that

they could be as cold as ice just as easily as they could burn with passion, it felt like a sharp knife had pierced

through the softest part of his heart, twisting cruelly.

"Bennett..."

Wrapped in his military suit, Stella trembled violently, her gaze filled with disbelief and hurt as if trying to see

through the cold facade of the man she thought she knew, "Have you stopped caring for me?"

Her performance was Oscar-worthy, tears rolling down her cheeks like a string of pearls, showcasing pure,

unadulterated sadness.

Bennett's heart clenched, unable to bear the sight of her distress.

He had wished her affections were a mere act, devoid of genuine emotions.

Unfortunately, the girl before him was all heart, with not a trace of pretense.

"Have you forgotten everything we shared back at the palace? The risks you took to climb the walls to see me,

holdingin your arms."

"Princess, indeed | have kissed you, held you. But what does that prove?"

Bennett scoffed, his mocking tone as cold as an Antarctic iceberg, "It only shows that you were once attracted to

me, a physical attraction."

The realization of his words hit Stella hard. Despite her naiveté, sheltered upbringing under the king and queen's

loving watch, she understood the implication - a primal desire, the cheapest form of affection.

"The long nights felt less lonely because of you. For that, | did have feelings for you."

"But you did care for me!"

Tears streamed down Stella's face as she tried to embrace him, seeking his love. But Bennett held her at bay,

her efforts to reach him in vain as she cried out in desperation, "Bennett, | love you. Can't we just try? We've

never truly given us a chance. How can you be so sure of your feelings? Even if it's just my body you desire, |

don't care! | want to be with you."

Her plea for love, ignoring her royal dignity, was heartbreaking.

"Princess, you once said | was your first."

Bennett's lips curled into a bitter smile, "Your fixation onisn't about my worth but the scarcity of men you've

encountered. We're not suited for each other. Let it go."

"No. | can't!"

Stella's eyes, swollen from crying, glared defiantly, her voice breaking, "I command you stay with me! Or my

family will not let you be! If you don't marry me, you'll never marry anyone else!"

"I've resolved to dedicate my life to my country. Affairs of the heart have never been my concern. I've never

intended to marry, sparing you the trouble. Moreover, I'm not from Helgen. Your royal prerogatives don't apply to

——

Bennett stood up, his tall figure casting a shadow over her, his expression cold, "Leave my room now."

"I won't!" Stella's defiance was as pitiful as it was fierce.

"Fine, stay then. I'll leave."

Without hesitation, Bennett turned to leave but was stopped by Stella's desperate grasp, which also seemed to

grip his heart.

"Don't go. I'll leave, that's better, right?"

Leaving his coat behind, Stella vanished from his room in an instant.

"Stella, we can't be together, I'm sorry."

Bennett whispered, his eyes downcast, holding onto the warmth that was fading away, "Find someone who will

put you first, who will love you with their whole being. Falling for someone likeisn't worth it."

Stella ran through the castle corridors, her tears unabated until she couldn't run anymore. Collapsing against a

wall, she sat down, a picture of utter desolation.

After what seemed like an eternity, a figure appeared before her, crouching down to her level.

"Ah, so it's a person crying. | thought the castle had a ghost," Evadne said, her voice soft and eyes twinkling with

kindness.

Stella, her eyes nearly swollen shut from crying, sniffled, "I am a ghost, the most beautiful ghost!"

"Indeed, you are the world's most beautiful princess," Evadne soothed, her voice calming yet playful, lightening

the mood, "Crying out here in the middle of the night, aren't you afraid of attracting real ghosts? Old mansions

like this are said to be full of spirits."

Stella, terrified, threw herself into Evadne's arms, seeking comfort in her warmth.

Bennett, usually so reserved, had unexpectedly captured the heart of the noble princess on his rare visits to

Helgen.

But Evadne knew the real reason behind Stella's late-night tears. Born into luxury, accustomed to getting

whatever she wanted, the one thing she couldn't have was Bennett.

Evadne's heart ached for Stella, seeing parallels with her own past. She too had been the princess of her world,

adored and cherished, only to face her greatest trials for love.

Yet, she found her happiness in the end. Perhaps Stella was walking a similar path, facing her trials for love. As a

family, Evadne hoped for Bennett's happiness but could see Stella's genuine affection for him.

However, the path of love is never straightforward.

The perplexing ordeal of his mother, coupled with his father's vehement

opposition, left Bennett facing the harshest choice of his life.

"There, there, no more tears. Lettake you back to your room," Evadne sighed deeply, her heart heavy with

unspoken sorrow.

"I'm too scared to go back."

Stella rubbed her teary eyes, her voice a soft whine, "It's all your fault, tellingabout ghosts. I'm terrified, I've

always been scared of ghosts."

Evadne gently patted her quivering back, "Well, if Your Highness doesn't mind, how about spending the night

with me? Would that be alright?"

"Mhm, I, the princess, grant you that permission." Stella sniffed, her nose turning a shade redder.

All her life, royal protocols had dictated solitude at bedtime, sharing a bed was a notion that unnerved her.

Yet, in the presence of the young lady, she found a comforting sense of familial warmth. A precious rarity within

the rigid confines of royal life.

Evadne couldn't help but chuckle as she wrapped an arm around her, walking forward slowly.

That moment, her jacket pocket vibrated with a message on her phone. Sneaking

a glance, she saw it was from Bennett:

[Evadne, tonight, please take good care of Stella.]

Evadne looked back in surprise, barely making out a lone figure standing at the dark end of the corridor,

emanating a sense of solitude.

It was Bennett.

He seemed to have been standing there for quite stime.

Turning back around, Evadne quickly flashed an "OK" sign with her hand when Stella wasn't looking.