His Ex-Wife Is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus) novel Chapter 884

The Ashbourne family was known for their dramatic 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, holding me in your arms."

"Princess, indeed I 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 naïveté, 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, I 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, I 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, I don't care! I want to be with you."

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

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

Bennett's lips curled into a bitter smile, "Your fixation on me isn't about my worth but the scarcity of men you've encountered. We're not suited for each other. Let it go."

"No. I 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 me."

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.

"I'm too scared to go back."

Stella rubbed her teary eyes, her voice a soft whine, "It's all your fault, telling me about 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 some time.

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