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?”

shook her head. “I’m not mocking you.

did you say? You dare

you! I’m judging you for aiding and abetting Sophia, for refusing to admit your mistakes, and for being too proud to apologize to

speechless, and his face was growing more ashen

“Dad, I usually look up to you. But your support for Sophia and your enabling of her… I just can’t stand by that, and it’s making me dislike you. If you can’t 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 be the only one

on her heel and headed back

his daughter’s retreating figure as a wave of guilt

“What now? Are you going to lecture me

“Come stand by your mother. I need

and Bertha looked at Thaddeus

decided to heed his wife and daughter’s advice, albeit reluctantly. He got up and went to his room

an earlier change, but he needed a moment to