London (7)

Year 1863

"Are you all right, Miss?"

A man looked at her worriedly. Thea shook her head.

"No. I am fine. Thank you." Thea welcomed the man's helping hand politely.

"Do you want me to take you somewhere? Somehow you look lost."

Thea was silent. Her brain still trying to digest what she heard earlier.

Is it possible the talk earlier...all about her?

"You are very beautiful, Miss."

Thea was stunned.

"Erm, I'm sorry if I'm being rude. You seem unwell, but I really want to say it, " the man bowed slightly, feeling guilty.

Thea smiled awkwardly.

"Thank you."

Aware of the discomfort of the woman in front of him, he let go of her grip, bowed and bid farewell.

Thea tried to shake her thought. She walked without paying attention to her front when a man appeared around the corner, making herself startled.

"Oh! I'm sorry, young lady..."

Thea suddenly got her nervous attack. Maybe this person was the one she saw. Maybe not. She didn't know. He smiled kindly to her while apologizing.

The man who had helped her earlier change his direction and was heading towards them. He stopped and stood beside her.

"You startled him, Hawk."

"I know, X. You don't see I'm apologize?"

The young man smiled. He turned to Thea.

"Looks like I really have to escort you, young lady. I don't think it's ethical for the host to let his guest get surprised at every corner."

Hawk chuckled. "What kind of flirting is that?" He looked at Thea. "Don't be deceived, Miss. Otherwise, you will get hurt. "

The man chuckled. "Go on, Hawk! Dad is up there! " The man chased her away. Hawk, still chuckling, bowed to Thea.

"Be careful, Miss!" He gave her warning with a wink.

The man showed her the way, as soon as Hawk left them.

"Did you come for my mother's afternoon tea?"

Thea turned stiff. Her feelings were still restless.

"Oh, I guess I haven't introduced myself." He stopped and held out his hand. "My name is Alexander."

Thea stared at him without blinking. It took Thea a few seconds to process what this young man said.

"Alexander Lutz. You can call me Xander or X."

His eagle-like eyes bent beautifully. He looked friendly but Thea could clearly see the coldness in there. Thea recognized someone similar to her. The cold-blooded type with kindness as a mask.

And his face didn't change much from her distant memory. At first, Thea didn't recognize this person because she was distracted by the previous people. But now, when she got her composure, Thea lost it in flash.

Finally, the forgotten thing hit her in one try.

Impossible!

Everything happened in an instant. In just a few minutes, this coincidence forced the memory of those years burst out.

No.

Impossible.

This man is a stanger!

This was the first time Thea meet him. She tried to calm down.

Only his first name is the same, Thea!

But her feelings said otherwise. Thea did knew him. And she should have also met the person called Mr Lutz. She should know not many people have the last name Lutz.

"Nice to meet you, Miss ..."

"Thea!"

Thea didn't notice how Kay suddenly was behind her. "Are you okay?" Kay looked at her, worried.

Xander stared at Thea. He seemed to remember something.

"Oh, I didn't know you came with someone, Miss Thea." Xander turned to Kay. "I found her on my way, a little unwell I guess - maybe, Sir ..."

Kay held out his hand. "Kyle Wilkess."

"Alexander Lutz."

"So you were the one organizing the afternoon tea? The event was very memorable, really. But I'm sorry, looks like I need to take her home right now. " Kay took Thea's arm.

"I think that's the right decision. I will tell my mother and father if you say goodbye." He looked at Thea deeply. "I'm sorry if my question a bit impolite, Lady Thea. Is this what I thought - you and I, I mean, Saint O'Nell? "

"You know Mr. Lutz, Thea?"

Thea grabbed Kay's arm and tried to calm herself down.

"Nice to see you again, Xander," Thea forced a smile. If not in this situation, perhaps Thea could have greeted him more amiably. Kay saw Alexander's smile widened.

"It is really you?! I do not believe it! We meet again, Thea– " said Xander. He almost kissed Thea's cheek if he didn't see the frown on her face.

"I didn't know you guys knew each other. But the reunion should be postponed first. I have to drive her home, I'm sorry. Mr. Lutz. " Kay cut off the conversation.

"Okay. You better hurry. Looks like she's about to pass out," Xander let go of the two reluctantly. His gaze was fixed on Thea. Mixed feelings swirled in his eyes. There is longing, worry, and anger. But his longing conquered it all.

Thea didn't say a word while on the carriage back. Kay, who sat opposite her, being ignored. Only her hands gripped his tightly.

Everything came about by surprise.

The conversation of the people earlier, the reunion with the person she wanted to forget and her feelings that had died for a long time.

Something that had been extinguished for a long time now began to flare up little by little.

***

"Are you okay?" Kay asked her, still worried.

No answer. Kay observed her condition. He didn't know where the woman mind was wandering  Thea seemed not aware of his existence. Her hands continued to grip his own arms. Her legs were seen shaking under the dress and she didn't stop biting her lower lip.

Thea shivered.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked you out. I didn't know you'd be this bad," said Kay. Regret always came late.

"No. It's not your fault, Kay, " Thea was heard mumbling over and over.

"Thea?"

"Not your fault…"

"Te? Are you okay?"

"No. I-"

Kay moved his sitting position. He sat beside Thea. "Here, come here." Kay held out his hand and embraced Thea's body slowly.

He was stunned when his hand slowly managed to feel the pulse on Thea's neck.

Very fast and irregular.

Thea's body shook a bit in his arms. Kay tightened his hug, this was the only thing he could do now.

"I'm sorry…"

Thea had no idea how much regret Kay was experiencing right now, and Kay didn't know how much Thea's gratitude when he found her and took her back today.

After they arrived at the mansion, Kay immediately carried her without further ado to Thea's room. Elisa who followed behind looked at her master worriedly.

"Young Master, What happen to my lady?"

"Elis, get a glass of water." Kay ordered her which she hastily complied. Elisa was back in a minute with warm water and an order from Blake for him.

"Uncle is looking for you, Kay. Go," Thea said and laid down before pulled the blanket over her body. She returned the glass that was thrust at her after sipping half of its contents.

"Father can wait. I wanted to check on you first if you don't mind," Kay insisted. He ran to get his medical equipment after laid Thea on the bed.

"Forget it. I'm fine, Kay!"

"You shivered all the way home, Young Lady, if you forgot!" his stern tone was clear.

"Are you really not going to leave before checking on me?"

"Absolutely!"

"Shivered? My lady, are you sick?" Elisa sounded almost crying. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were sick before leaving."

"I'm fine, Elis. Can you leave me for a bit? Just with a little rest I'll be fine."

"But, Miss-"

"Elis," Thea's firm voice made Elis couldn't help but back away.

"Okay. Call me if you need anything. I'll be right up front."

After Elisa, Thea now only needs Kay to get out. She wondered what Kay's expression was like. She just wanted to be alone in the dark and Kay would not let her be.

She sighed irritably.

Thea stood up and pulled up the curtains on the window, letting the moonlight into her room. She returned to the bed and patted her right side.

"Sit here. You can watch me all night whether I'm okay, but don't ever bring those things closer to me!" Thea warned him about a needle and its friend before threw her body and pulled back the blanket up to her chin.

Kay smiled. He put down his bag. "Alright. Seeing your attitude, it looks like you are fine, Miss," Kay climbed onto the bed and took off his coat, "But I will still watch you all night to make it sure."

Thea snorted when she heard Kay laugh.

"I'm only here until you sleep. So, go to sleep right away."

Thea turned her back on him. For a moment, there was nothing but the sound of each other's breath.