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

Chapter 886

The room was filled with a palpable sense of shock, everyone's eyes wide and jaws dropped.

For most present, it was their first encounter with Princess Stella. Even in the most cordial of relationships, the

notion of handing over a royal family's crown, a symbol of regal authority and heritage, was unheard of.

Marilla's cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson, flustered and waving her hands in protest, not even daring to

touch it.

"Your Highness, this is far too precious."

Thaddeus stepped forward, his voice gentle yet firm in refusal, "We appreciate

your kindness, Marilla is deeply honored. But please."

"Hmph! Who | choose to bestow my gifts upon is none of your concern!"

Stella, with her delicate and proud features, shot him a look of defiance. "Besides,

this is my royal prerogative. Who dares to object?!"

Thaddeus was at a loss for words.

He wondered if he was indeed aging.

Every word he spoke seemed to invite annoyance.

"What's with the princess act? The Middle Ages have been over for how many centuries now and it's not like

she's smedieval duchess bestowing favors," Aviana muttered under her breath, her sarcasm skills fully

activated.

"Aviana, please,"

Debby gently took her arm, her eyes soft and smiling, "King and Queen have only Princess Stella as their

daughter. Naturally, she's been raised with all the love and indulgence in the world. A bit of spoiling is to be

expected. But Princess Stella is truly kind-hearted and pure. Otherwise, she wouldn't have becfriends with

me, nor would she..."

Debby's meaningful glance drifted back, landing on Bennett, who stood tall and resolute behind the crowd, his

gaze fixed on Marilla.

Yet, his intense gaze never left Stella, his eyes swirling with concern.

Stella pouted, her demeanor defiant yet endearing, "A gift once given, to take back would be disgraceful,

tarnishing the royal dignity!"

Camille and Nydia could hardly contain their laughter, while Evadne helplessly massaged her forehead.

This princess, giving away crown at their first meeting. If they were to beccloser, would she end up gifting

the entire palace?

Marilla always favored simplicity and elegance. Even on her wedding day, she wore only a pure white veil

adorned with intricate rose patterns, a labor of love from Nydia, who had spent a whole month embroidering it as

her wedding gift to Marilla.

Stella solemnly lifted the crown, placing it gently upon Marilla's head as if crowning her, the dazzling diamonds

complementing the moonlit purity of her veil, making Marilla shine with a beauty as radiant as sunlight on snow.

Marilla's lips trembled slightly, barely able to speak.

"You're trying to say thank you, right? | get it,"

Stella grasped Marilla's hand, her voice choked with emotion, "I've heard of your story back in Helgen. | know the

journey to this day wasn't easy, that you've faced many hardships to find this happiness. But it's this kind of

happiness that's truly precious, worth cherishing for a lifetime, isn't it?"

Her eyes brimmed with tears, "Being born a princess, everything was handed to me. But witnessing your love

story made me, for the first tin my life, understand what envy feels like."

Overwhelmed by her emotions, Stella's gaze involuntarily drifted towards where Bennett had been standing.

But now, that spot was empty.

The bit of hope she had held in her heart scattered, leaving her feeling lost and disheartened.

She had finally found her happiness, and she couldn't bear the thought of it slipping through her fingers, filled

with regrets.

Marilla, accompanied by her brother, rode off towards the church in a carriage.

The other relatives followed in luxurious limousines, forming a grand procession.

Evadne chose to share a ride with Stella, sitting side by side in the back.

"Princess, after Marilla's wedding, you should take the crown back," Evadne spoke with the authority and

seriousness of an elder sister.

Stella, usually willful and rebellious, found herself unable to act out in Evadne's presence, turning into a meek

lamb as if Evadne was her own kin.

It was a classic case of meeting one's match.

"Why should 1?" Stella protested weakly.

"You know the reason," Evadne's eyes held a gentle reprimand, "I fear your parents would disapprove of you

giving away a family heirloom as a wedding gift, potentially causing a diplomatic stir. You're the princess,

accustomed to having your way without considering the consequences. But have you thought about the impact

of your actions on others? Your whims could have serious repercussions, is that fair?"

Stella's mood turned to one of dejection and guilt, "I had selfish motives."

Evadne's tender gaze pierced through Stella's defenses, "You know | treat Marilla as my own sister. You went all

out, hoping to win my favor and then havematchmake you with Bennett, right?"

Stella's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, stammering, "Y-you knew it? Was | too manipulative? I'm so sorry."

Evadne's heart melted at the princess's plight, comforting her, "Don't be so hard on yourself. | didn't say that.

Besides, there's nothing wrong with trying to get closer to the one you love, as long as it doesn't cause harm. As

long as you don't hurt innocent people in pursuit of what you want, it's okay."

Stella sniffled, her voice tinged with grievance, "I like Bennett. | really like him. I'd even give up being a princess

to be with him. My aunt married a commoner, and Bennett's family is well-off, he can take care of me."

Evadne was speechless.

Indeed, their wealth might even rival that of the Helgen royal family.

But to be so blunt about it! To an outsider, it might seem like she was after his fortune!

"Please, help me."

With a sudden burst of emotion, Stella threw herself into Evadne's arms, her soft, tear-stained face nuzzling

against her chest in a gesture of utter dependence and desperation. "After all, we've shared a bed like sisters,

and you're Bennett's favorite sibling. With you speaking up for me, Bennett'll surely treatthe way he used to.

He's becso distant now. | can't stand it, not one bit."

As she spoke, her sobs grew louder, her tears painting a picture of pure heartbreak.

"Stella, don't cry, please." Evadne tried to soothe her, her own heart heavy with empathy.

What on earth had Bennett said that night to bring such a proud princess down to her knees, drowning in

misery?

"Am | that terrible?" Stella's cries grew even more despondent.

"Absolutely not! Don't ever think that. If anything, Bennett should be counting his blessings for having you. How

could he make a girl cry like this?" Evadne said as she wrapped her arms tighter around Stella.

What Evadne couldn't bear most was seeing a girl belittle herself, abandoning her dignity for love, riddled with

self-doubt and ensnared in the torment of guilt and pain. Because she too had lost herself in such a maze of

despair for three long years, every day a battle with sorrow.

Meanwhile

In the car trailing behind them, Bennett and Aaron were riding together. Bennett's gaze was fixed unwaveringly

on the vehicle ahead, his long eyelashes quivering, eyes filled with a longing.

"Bennett, why are your eyes so red? Didn't sleep well?" Aaron leaned in close to his sharply defined face,

inspecting him with concern, then gasped in shock, "Bennett, have you been crying? Moved by Marilla's

wedding, are you?"

“Mhm."

Bennett briefly closed his reddened eyes, quickly shifting his gaze out the window,

"lI wish them everlasting happiness."