Chapter 303

The sleek black car door shut with a soft click as Evadne settled into the plush leather seat beside Jareth.

"You actually want to be alone with me?" Jareth's lips curled into that infuriatingly charming smirk, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. "Color me surprised. Though I should warn you—if Thaddeus finds out we're having this little chat, he might just combust on the spot. The man's already on the verge of a breakdown as it is."

Evadne crossed her arms, her expression as frosty as the winter wind outside. "If it weren't for Mari, I wouldn’t be caught dead sharing the same oxygen as you." She tilted her head, her gaze sharp. "So, tell me, Jareth—have you finally grown bored of your usual playthings and set your sights on someone pure? Someone like Mari?"

At the mention of her name, Jareth's fingers twitched against the steering wheel. His voice dropped, rougher than usual. "You already know how I feel about her."

"Do I?" Evadne arched a brow, her smile razor-thin. "Enlighten me."

Jareth exhaled sharply, his grip tightening. "I'm in love with her."

Evadne laughed—cold, mocking. "And how many times have you said that this year alone?"

"This is different." His jaw clenched. "She is different."

"Oh, I'm sure." Evadne's tone dripped with disdain. "Mari is just another conquest to you. A shiny new toy. Once the novelty wears off, you'll toss her aside like all the others."

Jareth's knuckles whitened. "You think I'd dare treat her like that?"

"I think you're incapable of anything else."

For the first time, Jareth's composure cracked. His voice was raw, stripped bare. "Evadne, I swear on my life—I love her. More than I've ever loved anyone."

Evadne studied him, her gaze unreadable. Then, quietly: "What if your family disowns you for it? What if they cut you off from Fairhaven entirely? Would you still choose her?"

Jareth didn't hesitate. "Yes."

Evadne's lips pressed into a thin line. "Words are cheap, Jareth. If you truly care about her, you'll marry her. Otherwise, you're just setting her up for heartbreak."

Marry her.

The words hung between them, heavy as a guillotine.

Jareth's breath hitched.

Evadne smirked, cold triumph in her eyes. "What's wrong? Suddenly speechless? Or is Mari Abernathy not worthy of being your wife? Just good enough to be your dirty little secret?"

Jareth's temper snapped. "Evadne—!"

But she was already done. "Think about what I said. Mari's suffered enough. She doesn't need you making it worse."

Later, Jareth returned to the villa—their villa, the one he shared with Mari.

The moment he stepped inside, Lily rushed to him, worry etched into her features. "Ms. Glynnis hasn't slept. She's still in shock."

Jareth's chest tightened. He took the stairs two at a time.

The bedroom was dim, lit only by a single lamp. Mari sat curled on the bed, her face buried in her knees.

Jareth approached slowly, sinking onto the mattress beside her. "Mari?"

She didn't look up.

Gently, he brushed his fingers through her hair. "Does it still hurt?"

A small shake of her head.

"Then let's sleep, yeah?"

Mari finally lifted her face—her eyes red-rimmed, cheeks streaked with tears. "I want to be alone."

Jareth's heart cracked. "Alright. I'll go."

But as he stood, her hand shot out, gripping his sleeve. "Don't." Her voice was barely a whisper. "Don't leave me."

Jareth exhaled sharply, gathering her into his arms. She clung to him, trembling.

"Hold me tighter," she whispered.

He did.

Mari buried her face in his chest. "Jareth... I need you."

His pulse roared in his ears.

She tilted her head up, her lips parted—innocent, trusting.

Jareth's restraint shattered.

He kissed her—hard, desperate.

Mari gasped, but she didn't pull away.

When they broke apart, Jareth's voice was rough. "Mari... tell me you want this."

She blinked up at him, her fingers tangling in his shirt. "I don't know what this is. But... I want you."

Jareth groaned, pressing his forehead to hers. "God, you'll be the death of me."

Mari smiled—small, shy. "Then die happy."

And just like that, Jareth was lost.