The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 1848

Bertha understood her husband’s stubborn nature. Convincing him to apologize was like asking him to scale the heavens, but she was determined to try.

“Thaddeus, you know as well as I do that Sophia had no business keeping Mr. Blanchet around for three years. The man already had a wife and kids, yet Sophia had no qualms about tearing his family apart. We owe them an apology. It’s as simple as that.” She needed to get him to understand.

Thaddeus glowered. “Even so, if he has a problem with me, he can come and say it to my face! I’m not afraid of him! Apologize? Over my dead body!”

“Thaddeus…” Bertha felt a wave of despair. “What am I going to do with you? Are you trying to burn every bridge we have? Marlinie is my best friend, and your behavior is making me feel utterly ashamed.”

Thaddeus frowned. His pride as a man made it impossible for him to apologize, so he just remained silent.

Suddenly, their daughter Lea, who had been standing quietly off to the side, stepped forward and made a face at her father. “Boo!”

Taken aback, Thaddeus scowled at his daughter. “Lea, what on earth are you doing? Are you mocking me too?”

“I’m

frown deepened. “What did you say? You

being too proud to apologize to the people you’ve hurt! You always tell me to be a good girl,

was growing more ashen

apologize to Ellinor and Marcus for what you’ve done, then I don’t want anything to do with you. I’m sure you won’t mind, since Sophia seems to

Lea turned on her heel

as a wave of

“What now? Are you

breath. “Come stand by your mother. I need to change, then we can go together.”

and Bertha looked at Thaddeus in surprise.

wife and daughter’s advice,

fresh from an earlier change, but he needed a