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?”

crossed her arms and shook her head. “I’m not mocking you. I’m judging

frown deepened. “What did you say? You dare judge

and for being too proud to apologize to the people you’ve hurt! You always tell

his face was growing more

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

her heel and headed back to

daughter’s retreating figure as a wave of guilt washed over him.

Are you

by your mother.

and Bertha looked at Thaddeus

brief internal struggle, Thaddeus decided to heed his wife and daughter’s advice, albeit reluctantly. He got up and went to his room to change.

were already fresh from an earlier change, but he needed a moment to collect himself.