"Pfft, I can tell that you are about to burst at the seams; Thaddeus, even brushing my hair gets him all hot and bothered."


    Evadneughed, running her fingers through her lustrous hair, perfectly maintained by Thaddeus.


    "Jareth, don''t sweat the wedding details right now, just get the marriage certificate with Mari. Cementing your status as husband and wife is what really counts."


    The words escaped him, and Thaddeus immediately regretted it, gauging Evadne''s reaction.


    Fortunately, she didn''t seem to mind, her attention was on her skincare routine, dabbing her face with creams until it glistened, so tempting and radiant.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll secure that certificate with ease," Jareth''s voice was thick with emotion. "After that, Mari will be the First Lady of the Fairhaven empire."


    "Once Frederic bes your father-inw, you''ll be walking tall in Elmsworth," Evadne teased with anguid drawl.


    "I don''t need the Abernathy''s resources. I can take care of Mari on my own, and I can hold up the Fairhaven legacy."


    "Remember, we''re here if you need us, don''t be too proud to ask for help," Thaddeus replied with a stern look in his eyes. "Never forget, you''ve got friends." Evadne pondered for a moment, her eyes suddenly dancing with excitement,


    "Since Mari isn''t keen on avish wedding, why not organize a cozy, family-only ceremony? I''ve seen the Northern Lights in Mari''s paintings, and she mentioned she wanted to see them. You could get married in one of the most beautiful ces to watch the pr light. It''d be just family, which would spare Mari any social anxiety, and you guys could honeymoon there too, it''s a win-win!"


    "The pr light." Jareth''s heart skipped a beat.


    He loved Mari deeply yet was only now learning of her fascination with the aurora.


    With so much to learn as a new husband, he had his work cut out for him.


    "With everything that''s happening, your priority is to steer the Fairhaven ship. Calm the shareholders, stabilize the stock, and block any opportunists."


    Evadne lifted her gaze, looking tenderly at Thaddeus, taking his hand, "We''ll make sure your wedding goes off without a hitch."


    "Evadne, you''ve done so much for Mari and me. When will you and Thaddeus set the date?" Jareth asked with genuine concern.


    Though Evadne and Thaddeus'' bond was already rock solid, there was no need for a marriage certificate to prove their love.


    But as a friend who''d watched them ovee hardships, he sincerely hoped they''d renew their vows and rectify past regrets.


    Above all, he wanted to secure an honorable status for his dear friend.


    Even if in the distant future, should Evadne tire of Thaddeus, seek out younger


    men, at least Thaddeus would remain herwful husband, his status unshakable.


    Always better to be prepared!


    Thaddeus swallowed hard, his grip on the hairbrush tightening.


    "Let''s focus on getting Mari married first. Our own matters can wait."


    After ending the call with Jareth, Evadne noticed Thaddeus'' silence. Crossing her long, slender legs, she yfully dangled her fluffy pink slippers from her toes. Her eyes narrowed as she teased,


    "Mr. Thaddeus, why so quiet all of a sudden? What''s on your mind?"


    "Just thinking how beautiful your hair is," Thaddeus replied, running his hands through her locks, his voice textured and deep, with an alluring restraint.


    "Ah, Mr. Thaddeus, you''re not telling the whole truth."


    Evadne gave his crisply pressed trousers a gentle kick, her lips curling up in a tease, "Heard what Jareth said, didn''t you?"


    "I heard."


    "Don''t you want to secure your own status, Mr. Thaddeus?" She poked yfully at his firm abdomen through his crisp white shirt.


    In that instant, Thaddeus'' heart, like prey hidden deep in the jungle, suddenly


    found itself in the crosshairs of a skilled hunter-racing fast and wild.


    After a moment, he spoke, his voice rough as if scorched by me,


    "I do."


    "What was that? I didn''t catch it," Evadne turned her head, perking up her ear, batting her bright, clever eyes.


    "I want to, Evadne. I want."


    And then, with a sharp snap-


    In his urgency, Thaddeus had crushed the hairbrush in his hand!


    As Evadne looked on in astonishment, Thaddeus knelt before her on one knee,


    his chiseled face and starry eyes upturned, his lips trembling slightly,


    "President Ashbourne, grant me the honor."


    Her eyes deepened, but she remainedposed.


    Thaddeus, the man usually as unshakeable as a mountain, was now visibly anxious, his Adam''s apple bobbing, he added in a raspy whisper,


    "Even as a consort, if that''s what it takes."