The news was a cause for celebration, yet the air hung heavy with silence
Evadne paused, her voice even, “Aaron told me that Elspeth was a mess before the execution. She was so scared she lost control of the dder, couldn’t even walk. They had to drag her to the execution chamber. It was quite the spectacle”
Thaddeus‘ l*ps <b>barely </b>moved, his voice a hoarse whisper, “Was it lethal injection or a firing squad?”
“Injection”
Evadne locked eyes with the man’s deep gaze, her l*ps curling slightly. “A quick bullet would have been too kind. She writhed in agony for ten minutes after the poison hit her system, before her heart finally stopped. Tied to a chair, with limbs stiff and face. distorted, those brief ten minutes were far from enough to atone for her sins, but at least she got what she deserved.
Thaddeus eyelids drooped slowly, a tumult of emotions rising and falling in his chest.
Elspeth was gone. He should have been overjoyed, but the dyed gratification left him less thrilled than he had anticipated.
“After her death, the court notified Frederic to im the b*dy for cremation Technically, they were still married, so he <b>was </b>her next of kin. But he refused to show up, so they had no choice but to send Elspeth’s b*dy to the crematorium”
Evadne’s l*ps twisted into a sardonic smile, “You’d think after all they’d been through, and after she bore heirs for the Abernathy family, Frederic could at least see her off onest time. It’s a pity, really”
“Hmph! If he had gone to pick up that witch’s b*dy, he might as well quit being CEO and start managing andfill
Hamilton’s eyes sparkled as he <b>pped </b>his thigh, “Anyway, my grandson has avenged a deep–seated vendetta, and that’s cause for a grand celebration Murray, tell the chef to prepare some extra special dishes tonight, and open a fine bottle of wine to celebrate properly
Murray was in high spirits also, “Right away, sir. I’ll see to it immediately
“And while you’re at it, send someone to buy some fireworks to set off at the gate. We need to clear the bad air!”
Thaddeus couldn’t help but smile, “Grandpa Hamilton, that’s not necessary. Besides, this ce is so secluded, where would you even find fireworks around here? Don’t trouble Murray with such a task.”
Murray, there’s a fireworks shop about three miles from Grandpa’s mansion. Lused to <b>buy </b>them there for him. You can send someone; they should still be open Evadne offered with a sweet grin.
Thaddeus looked at Evadne, surprised and secretly impressed.
Used to? When <b>had </b>she been doing all this without him noticing?
Murray gave Evadne a thumbs–up. “When ites to knowing Mr. Hamilton Abernathy, no onepares to Ms. Ashbourne You’re not just his granddaughter–inw, you’re like his own flesh and blood.”
ttered by thepliment, even the <b>usually </b>confident Evadne intertwined her fingers, blushing.
“Indeed, my na has always been so devoted to me. No one in the Abernathy family <bes </b>close to her. Hamilton mused, his gaze falling on Thaddeus bewildered face with a hint of reproach, “You probably don’t even know all my habits or what I like, but na knows them by heart. During your three years of marriage, na often visited to keep mepany. I love fireworks, especially during the holidays. na always tried her hardest to indulge my whims. She was with me through many lonely days It’s just a shame that an old man like me, half in the <b>grave </b>already, couldn’t do more for her. You’ll have to make it up tona for me, Thaddeus. Take extra good care of her, you hear?”
“Grandpa Hamilton.” Thaddeus voice caught, his throat tight with emotion
“Grandpa Hamilton, Thaddeus has always been good to me, exceptionally so
Evadne quickly soothed Hamilton, her yful smile returning, “Besides, spending time with you has always been my pleasure. Ive learned so much from you, and every visit is like stealing a bit of your wisdom. Bet you didn’t see thating, huh?”
Before her voice trailed off, a tall shadow loomed over her. Suddenly, a firm hand cradled her lower back, pressing her close to his
warm chest
Evadne melted into his embrace, her breath hitching as Thaddeus‘ l*ps imed hers in a fervent k*ss, his eyes filled with longing and tenderness. He didn’t care that Grandpa <b>was </b>watching, he was openly passionate and possessive.
Hamilton and Murray were beside themselves with excitement, their hearts racing with joy!
Thaddeus had always been reserved, less of worldly wisdom, difficult to get along. Hamilton had half a mind to take him <b>to </b><b>a </b>psychiatrist when he was younger but feared it would damage his pride.
uching Evade thed to push him away gently.
But now Evade h I changed hir
No Grandpas night
“Grandpa’s family not a stranger
Thaddeus tightened his hold on her waist, blurting out with
Besides, why should I hide my affection for my wife T
Evadne’s
Once
trembled:
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shynes
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heart stimed by his eamest
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beak it out loud.
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he needed just to touch each other deeply “Ahem, Murray Aren’t the spreading across his face
“Yes. Mr. Hamiltor
as take one bold step closer to her. Their hearts would like Roche’s limit, willing to
in the backyard que for feeding? Lets go Let’s feed the birds Hamilton chuckled, a gleeful smile
Mumay’s smile was
tenderly word away the rop
ist and present lowe you so
roque color from the edge of her l*ps, his voice hourse with emotion “Evadne,
The couple’s swollen los slowly parted. Each
With a fingertip. Thaddeu thank you. For everything.
“Do you know why Grandpa loved to set off frawd a dating wife
“Tell me
“Because Grandma loved
Evadne sighed
went and bought a wh
mad she even nicknames
Evanes longshes cast a coy shadow as she deftly adjusted his tie like
As a young woman Grandma was crazy about fireworks. But Grandpa, being the stubborn man he was of firecrackers instead setting them off in the yard with a bang and a tter Grandma was so W. Cracker
Thaddeus couldn’t help but chuckle. That is fitting Suits Grandpa’s character to a T‘
“Grandma was skittish, you see. Every time Grandpa it those firecrackers and sturned back to her, shed jump right into his arms, and he’d cover her ears for her.
Grandpa used to tell me those days were like Grandma. No amount of status or wealth could
ream, a beautiful fantasy he could never forget every single moment with ver rece his love for her
As Evadne narrated the tale, she ended with a helpless shrug. “So, thats why I do these things for Grandpa. After all, for an elderly living in a revere of love, there’s only so much I can do.”
Thaddeus listened in silence, his eyes brimming with unshed tears.
“Hey,e on now, don’t tell me you’re getting soft on me!”
Evadne quickly pulled out his tie to dab away the tears at theer of his eyes, “My sto you are getting emotional, crying and all that. What are you a fountain?
story h
y has nothing to do with you, and here
Thaddeus was consumed with a sense of shame. How could it not rte to him?
He was Hamilton’s own grandson, yet for the past twenty years, he had only inherited Frederic’s cold indifference. He thought he had been getting better, but now it seemed his own depth of feeling couldn’tpare to a fraction of his grandfather’s love for his grandmother
“From now on, it won’t happen again,” Thaddeus murmured with a trembling tone after a long silence:
Evadne’s delicate fingers pressed against his l*ps, her smile gentle, “Yes, of course. It won’t happen again”
The young couple had a delightful dinner with Hamilton, and Murray had arranged <b>for </b>the fireworks to be delivered.
Hamilton sat in his wheelchair, a contented smile on his face as he watched his grandson and Evadne ignite the brilliant fireworks nearby. They twirled sparklers in their hands,ughing joyously like children on Christmas.
“Look at Thaddeus smile, how bright and cheerful” Murray draped a nket over Hamilton’s legs, “I still remember when he first came to live with you. His height barely arrived to that to your waist. He was wearing ill–fitting clothes, so thin and <b>small</b><b>. </b>Quite the pitiful sight
Hamilton nodded in agreement. Time flies. He’s now a man of stature, standing on his own.”
“Before he met Ms Ashbourne, I don’t recall him ever smiling like that. He was burdened with heavy responsibilities and hidden resentments, never truly happy. But thankfully, Ms. Ashbourne redeemed him, and all is well now,” Murray reflected
“Mana is not just a gift from heaven to me but to my grandson as well” Hamilton’s eyes warmed touched by the joy before him.
They were like a match made in heaven, a perfect pair, just like him and his beloved wife who had passed away m
many years ago
Suddenly, Hamilton’s phone in his coat pocket vibrated, snapping him back to reality. He took it out, and his pupils contracted at the sight
Puzzled, Murray nced at the screen, his expression turning to shock, “is that Mr. Chad Abernathy?
“Murray, take me inside.”
Once back in the living room, Hamilton took a deep breath and answered the video call.
On the screen appeared Chad his face pale and delicate, offering Hamilton a warm smile despite his evident frailty
“Grandpa Hamilton, long time no see, How have you been?”
Hamilton’s expression stiffened slightly. Tm well, Chad, how are you recuperating over there? You look not too lively Have you been taking your medication regrly? Are you keeping up with your check–ups? If you feel unwell, you must tell me and your dad. night away so we cane to see you”
“Grandpa Hamilton, please don’t worry My health is improving day by day. As your grandson, I’ve been away for so many years, unable to fulfill my duties before you and dad. I am ashamed. I will recover and hope to return to your side and dads as soon as possible. Chad’s coughing fit brought a mist to his soft eyes.
Hamilton responded quickly. “See, you’re still quite ill. Don’t push yourself, and focus on getting better abroad. Your dad and I understand, we won’t me you”
As they spoke, the sounds ofughter and conversation from Thaddeus and Evadne drifted in, and it seemed the couple was heading their way.
Hamilton’s heart clenched. “Chad, I have something to attend to. We’ll talk in a <b>few </b>days
“Grandpa Hamilton, what are you afraid of?”
Chad’s gaze was deep and mysterious, his tone tinged with s
sadness. Thaddeus is
“You’re overthinking it.”
“Do you dislike seeing my face that much? Do you hate me that much?”
your grandson, I’m not?”
<b>08 </b>28
Hamilton’s brow was furrowed “That”
of the co
cont sor you or sad
For years
Deen Haunted by one thought.
tangle of
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or Tradoras, you both are ovar