Chapter Eighteen

“Good morning, Mr Blackwood. Here is your morning coffee.” The hotel assistant offered, handing Seth a mug from the cart of food.

Seth's eyes opened from his light sleep on the living room couch as the assistant took her leave. His eyes scanned the living area in silence as he lifted his mug to his lips.

“Good morning, my dear! Are they in?”

Seth almost choked on hot coffee. It was Celine's voice. But how could he hear her? The room was supposed to be soundproof with the door locked.

Unless..

Seth glanced towards the door. It was ajar, and Celine was approaching fast, her eyes fixed on the open door with a warm smile as always.

With a speed that defied his recent sleep, Seth shot off the sofa. He covered the distance to the bedroom door in two swift strides. He burst in and launched himself onto the bed. He landed beside Thea, pulling the duvet over them both.

Thea jolts awake by the sudden weight and the frantic rustling beside her, gasped, her eyes snapping open.

“What's going on?” She asked.

Before Seth could explain to her, Celine’s cheerful voice chirped, approaching the bedroom.

"Good morning, my darlings!"

Thea froze, her body rigid beside Seth's. She didn't need him to explain any further.

She felt his arm slide around her waist under the covers, pulling her closer to his body.

Celine walked into the room, her gaze immediately going to the duo on the bed.

"Ah, there you are! I hope I'm not interrupting something!" she chuckled.

“Celine! We didn't know you would be stopping by so early.” Seth murmured into Thea's hair.

“Good morning, Celine.” Thea replied, masking her shock with a smile.

“ Good morning, my dear! How was your night?”

“It went well, thank you.” Thea replied.

“Why are you here so early? Without prior notice?” Seth asked, gritting his teeth.

Celine merely laughed, brushing off Seth's words.

“I'm here for Thea. Thea, my dear, I was hoping you would accompany me to the spa this morning. We could have some lovely girl time, just the two of us, and get to know each other properly. What do you say?"

Thea glanced at Seth and back at Celine in surprise. She smiled warmly at Celine. "Yes, I would love to."

"Perfect!" Celine clapped her hands together. "Seth, you can manage without your wife for a few hours, can't you? We'll meet you for lunch."

Seth nods. " I won't mind if you bring her back for lunch like you said."

Celine chuckled. “It's just a few hours, goodness! I'm not shipping her off somewhere!”

Seth turned his head slightly, his gaze meeting Thea's. He offered her a polite kiss on the chin. "Go get ready then."

Celine, beaming, turned to leave the room, heading straight for the living area.

"We'll wait for you in the living area, dear. No rush!"

As Celine exited the room, Seth exhaled. ‘

“Go get ready.”

“Do you think…” Thea glanced at the living area where Celine was seated quietly with her phone.

“I don't think so.”

Thea nodded. Seth pulled away from her, the warmth of his body vanishing. Thea went straight to the bathroom. She didn't want to keep Celine waiting.

Seth settled on the couch next to Celine, his expression tensed.

"Why do you want Thea to go to the spa alone with you?" Seth asked Celine, his voice very direct.

If there's one thing about Celine he knew, she wasn't easily swayed, and neither is she easily fooled. There's always two reasons behind every one of her actions.

Celine turned, her eyebrows arching upwards. "Why? Am I not allowed to go out with Thea?” She asked, her smile now replaced with a stern look in her eyes.

Seth shook his head. “That's not the case..”

"A grandmother simply wants to bond with her new granddaughter-in-law. There are plenty of things we could discuss, and I don't see any reason why we shouldn't bond. Or, is there more to this?"

She gave him a knowing look, and Seth sank back in his seat. There's no winning with Celine.

Minutes went by, and Thea finally stepped out of the room.

“I'm ready, Celine.”

Thea emerged from the room in a beautiful dress. It was a light blue linen sundress. It fell gracefully to her knees, with spaghetti straps and a subtle A-line cut that flattered her figure. She opted for minimal makeup and swept her dark brown hair into a neat, low bun, allowing a few wisps to frame her face.

Seth, who was standing by the living area window, speaking quietly on his phone, ended the call as he heard her voice.

His gaze softened on seeing her, and it seemed to linger longer than he hoped to until he locked eyes with Thea. He looked away immediately, clearing his throat.

Celine gasped, her hands over her mouth as Thea approached.

“You look beautiful, my dear!”

“Thank you.” Thea smiled.

"I guess you two are ready then.” Seth asked.

"Yes we are! I can't wait to introduce you to all the girls! I have a stunning granddaughter-in-law, " Celine cheered, a smile playing on her lips.

Seth led them both to the suite door, ready to bid them goodbye. They reached the doorway, and Seth paused.

He pulled Thea gently towards him. His hand settled on the small of her back, and he leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss on her temple.

“Take care.” He mumbled against her lips.

Thea smiled. “Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems you enjoy kissing me, Mr Seth.”

Seth chuckled, clearly caught off guard by her response. His eyes stared down at her with warmth. “Maybe I do.” He muttered in seriousness.

Thea’s smile remained in place, her brows slightly arched. Is he being serious, or is this an act for Celine to see?

Seth placed a kiss on her lips as though to answer her question. It's just a show for Celine, yet Thea felt a faint shiver travel down her spine at the light brush of his lips against hers, the warmth of his arm around her waist.

"Be good for Grandma," he murmured, his voice low enough for only Celine to hear. "I'll miss you."

Thea stared at him, his words made her heart pound in her chest.. "I'll miss you too." she whispered back, playing her part flawlessly.

Too flawless…

Celine beamed. "She'll be back soon, boy! Now, come along, Thea. The spa awaits!"

The duo turned on their heels,walking towards the elevator.

Thea glanced over her shoulders, Seth was standing there, an unreadable look in his eyes. Did he mean that? Or is her mind playing tricks on her?

《The Spa》

The spa was one of the many exclusive spas in the city. To be allowed in, you need an invite from the owner of the spa. Finding its owner is the same as looking for a needle in the dark.

Impossible. Somehow, Celine didn't even have to show the security membership card. She just strolled right in.

The spa is scented with lavender and eucalyptus. Soft music played in the background, and the gentle sounds of water trickling from decorative fountains was strangely relaxing.

Celine and Thea settled into reclining chairs, sipping herbal tea after their treatments.

“This is exactly what I need! After a stressful week, I like to come here and unknot my shoulders..” Celine said with a sigh. “Sadly, I have no one to share this with. My daughter in law, Seth's mother, loved this spa. I miss her a lot.”

“You don't have to come here alone anymore. I'm ready to accompany you anywhere.” Thea offered.

Celine smiled. “I would appreciate that.”

Thea hesitated, but she was curious. “What happened to Seth's mother?”

Celine sighed. “Terrible accident. She died trying to save Seth. He's been so distant ever since.” She said, a hint of wary in her voice.

“I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to..”

Celine waved her off. “You were curious. There's nothing wrong with that.”

Thea sighed, keeping the rest of her questions to herself, she's afraid of what she might find.

“You're a very decent girl, Thea. I was worried when Seth told me he was getting married out of the blue, but when I met you, I knew that you were just right for him.”

Thea flashed a nervous smile. She couldn't stay that about herself, to be honest.

"You know," Celine started taking Thea's hand in hers, "Seth can be... a bit distant. He carries a heavy burden. He’s been through a great deal. But he has a good heart, a very good heart, beneath all that control." She squeezed Thea's hand. "He needs someone like you, Thea. Someone with your warmth. I can see it. You make him... softer. Happier, even if he tries to hide it."

Thea felt a pinch in her heart. Was it guilt? Softer? Happier? Seth had threatened to ruin her life just days ago.

Yet, looking at Celine’s face, Thea couldn't help but believe her words.

"You truly are a blessing, Thea," Celine continued, her voice filled with emotion.

"You've brought a light back into his life that I haven't seen in years. Promise me, my dear, promise me you'll never leave him. Promise me you'll stay by his side, no matter what." Her eyes were now serious, pleading.

"I promise, Celine," Thea said softly, her stomach clenching hard from her lies.

She couldn't stay even if she wanted to. It's an agreement, and it would all end soon. Seth would have to tell her the truth later.

“Thank you! Now, let's get you back to Seth before he throws a fit!”