Chapter 20
Della’s face filled with worry at Terrence’s exhausted state. “Terrence, please get up and eat something.”
But he seemed unaware of the world around him, lost in his own thoughts.
Della had never approved of Thea, her deaf daughter–in–law, but she had accepted the marriage because Terrence insisted.
Still, she couldn’t stand the Idea of the other society wives mocking her for having a deaf woman in the family. That was why she and Eric had missed the wedding, claiming they were away on business.
Yet, only two days after they left, everything fell apart. Thea took her own life and had her casket sent to the wedding. Terrence’s affair was exposed, the company’s stock dropped sharply, and now, Terrence was a wreck.
Della held Thea responsible for all of it. Extramarital affairs were an open secret in their world. Why was Thea the only one who couldn’t play along? When she spoke again, her tone was accusing. “Terrence, Thea’s death wasn’t your fault. None of this would have happened if she hadn’t overreacted.” The familiar name finally drew a reaction from Terrence.
His voice was ragged when he spoke, “Mom, I betrayed our promises. I caused Thea’s death. I must punish myself to make amends.”
Eric could barely contain his rage. Terrence had become a broken mess in merely two days, and now the company was circling the drain. He snatched the torn wedding dress and threw it into the trash, then jabbed a finger at Terrence.
“You chose to marry Thea. You chose to have an affair. No one forced you. These were your decisions. So, who exactly are you trying to impress with this display?” he snapped.
Terrence understood that Eric despised his weakness and wanted him to pull himself together, but his heart had died the moment he learned of Thea’s passing. From that day on, he drank to escape, because only in his drunken haze could he see Thea again.
It was just another day at the bar, with Terrence losing himself in one bottle after another. In the two weeks since Thea had died, he’d done nothing but numb himself with liquor day after day.
“Thea, are you alright in the afterlife? I regret it all now. Would things have been different if I had rejected Alyssa a year ago or stayed with you before the wedding?
Terrence swirled his glass, his lips curling into a joyless smile. He had tormented himself with these thoughts countless times. But life didn’t grant second chances. There was no undoing the past.
Nearby, Frieda Ansell–a stunning woman with tousled waves who frequented the bar–noticed Terrence. A spark of interest flickered in her eyes. She picked up her drink and walked toward him.
As a CEO, Terrence was known for his good looks and wealth. No woman could resist a man like that.
It was no secret that Terrence had eyes only for Thea. At every dinner he attended, aside from the staff, not a single woman was permitted near him. He left no opportunity for anyone else to get close.
But two weeks ago, the incident at the wedding became public knowledge. Now, everyone knew Terrence had been secretly involved with Alyssa.
Though people despised him for his deceit, Frieda felt a spark of interest. If she could form a connection with Terrence, her future would be secured. Confident in her allure, she leaned forward slightly, emphasizing her curves as she offered him a glass. “Mr. Hatcher, would you like a drink?” To her surprise, Terrence didn’t even look at her before coldly snapping, “Get lost!”
Frieda’s smile stiffened, but she didn’t give up. “Mr. Hatcher, your girlfriend left you so long ago‘
The words struck a nerve. Eyes dark with rage, he grabbed her by the throat.
“Never say that again!” he barked.
Frieda instantly begged for mercy, her earlier confidence vanishing.
11
Terrence released her at last, his face as hard as stone while she gasped for air. “Get out of my sight. Now!”
She stumbled away before she could even steady herself.
Terrence walked out of the bar, swaying slightly as he made his way down the empty street, whispering Thea’s name over and over.
“Thea, I know I messed up. Please come back. I can’t live without you. How could you abandonine like this?” he murmured.
Then, as if fate had heard him, a familiar face appeared on the news broadcast flashing across a giant screen.
“Breaking News! Wealthy Sainsbury Family, International Tycoons, Reunites With Long–Lost Daughter in Lavish Homecoming Celebration!”
