Chapter Forty Nine

Thea leaned back on the chair, her legs crossed, eyes fixed on the city below and an open book on her lap. She was sitting in one of the many patios in the penthouse and this particular one had the best view of Zean city.

She had returned back from school a few hours ago and decided to sit out here. It was a weekend, she didn't have classes on Saturdays or Sundays.

The late afternoon breeze was a welcome touch against Thea's skin. It was just what she needed after this crazy week that went by.

Below, Zean City began to light up as evening came. It looked like fairy lights front afar and gave her a rather calming feel despite how busy Zean was.

Her phone was by her ear, she was on the phone with Celine. The old woman had contemplated on whether to call her not and finally, when she couldn't wait for Seth's signal no more, she called her daughter in law herself.

"Are you really okay, Thea? I'm still worried. You've been through so much, my dear."

"I'm fine, Celine, truly," Thea answered, though she was glad for the worry. "Today was... good, actually. I went to school today and I also stopped at a restaurant to get food…I'm okay, I promise.”

Celine exhaled, she was still worried for her, she just couldn't help it.

“Poor thing! You were going through so much. I want you to know that you have a new family now. Seth and I. You will always have us in your corner, okay dear?”

Thea's stomach clenched, she wasn't so sure about that. Celine might mean the words she said but she couldn't say the same for Seth. She really shouldn't speak for him at all.

“Thank you, Celine. I really appreciate it.”

Thea caught someone coming into the patio through the glass doors that led to the living room, from the corner of her eyes.

It was Seth.

He was dressed casually tonight; a dark, tight polo shirt, regular pants and his hair was a mess. Like he had run his fingers through them. In one hand, he held his laptop; in the other, a glass of water.

Thea's eyes studied him in silence, anger brewing deep in her but still, she couldn't help but…admire. She'd always see him in nothing but suits but now, he looked…human. Relaxed.

Only that he was an asshole through and through. She couldn't let herself forget that fact.

Seth moved quietly, pulling a chair a bit away from hers and sitting down, opening his laptop without a word. He didn't spare her glance but Thea knew he knew she was here.

He didn't seem like the type to be oblivious of his surroundings. Thea exhaled, pushing the rage far away from her. He started acting like an asshoke, she'll give the exact sane energy.

“You're welcome my dear. Is Seth there with you? It's almost seven pm, he should be back home now, right?” Celine asked.

Thea paused for a moment, looking at Seth, who seemed busy with his screen.

"Yes, he is," she said, her tone edging on being dismissive.

Seth's eyes finally met his expressionless but his brows arched in question. She turns away from him, placing her phone on speaker and sets it on the center table.

"Celine wants to know how you're doing.” She said, barely sparing him a glance.

His eyes went to the phone screen, he needed not to be told that she wanted to be anywhere but close to him.

“Seth? I hope you're doing okay?” Celine asked.

“I'm fine Celine. Thanks for asking.”

"I just wanted to make sure Thea was alright. I know you told me to call when she's better but I couldn't help it..”

Thea's eyes went to Seth's which was fixed on his laptop screen. Did he….really say that? He was concerned for her?

“I forgot to remind you. I had a lot on my mind is all.”

Thea scoffed, and he ruined it! Goodness, there's no saving this man at this point!

" Well, she sounds much better now, which is a big relief. I'm so glad you're okay, Thea. I was going to invite you for a little vacation at the family resort.”

Seth looks up. “Celine, I don't think..”

“You have a resort?!” Thea asked in excitement.

“Yes my dear! I intend to go next weekend but I don't want to go there alone. “

“I'll come! Can I come with a friend, if that's okay?”

“Of course! Anything that makes you happen my dear! Seth, invite Arian over too! It's been a while since I've seen that little rascal.”

Seth sighs, his eyes meeting Theas in silence, why did she agree to do this? Does she realise they would have to play couple now?

“Ill let him know.” He said simply.

“Great! I'll make sure everything is ready then. We'll talk more soon, dear. Take care, both of you."

"Thanks, Celine," Thea said.

"Good night," Seth quietly said.

Celine's call ended, leaving them both in silence as Thea picked up her phone.

“You could have said no.”

Thea glanced at him, his eyes were on his screen. “You don't have to come if you don't want to. I can't stand you either.”

Seth froze, her words…hurt him. He glanced up at her but she was still seated. She clearly had no plans to leave, she was here first. If there's anyone who should leave, it should be him.

She had every right to be mad, he was being a jerk. She was only returning his energy.

Thea ignored him, her eyes fixed on the city below . The evening breeze felt cool on her skin, she shut her eyes, allowing herself to enjoy the moment.

Seth, however, found he couldn't focus on his work. His eyes kept moving from his bright screen to Thea. She sat there, lit by the soft glow of the city, her head tilted slightly, her eyes closed, a small smile on her lips.

The wind was getting a bit stronger, gently lifting strands of her hair, making them dance around her face.

He watched her and his heart seemed to pick up a little pace. And it got faster…and faster…and faster.

He froze , his eyes watching her, seeing the calm curve of her mouth, the relaxed way her shoulders sat, the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she breathed.

She looked so… peaceful. It looked like home. It was different from the Thea he knew, from the Thea who didn't hesitate to put him in his place or the one who told him she would deal with Posy herself.

This was…just Thea. The calm Thea.

His breath hitched as he watched, his heart began to beat wildly again. It felt like he had run two laps round a huge stadium and forgot to breathe.

He couldn't look away, couldn't deny how much she affected him, even when she was just sitting there, lost in her own thoughts.

It was then he knew he was done for.