Chapter Forty Six

Thea's face seems to beam as she scrolls through the posts on Wetalk. It was everywhere now and people were demanding answers from both Posy and Runes Sterling.

A few were still very doubtful, believing this as a ploy to turn the news around in Thea's favour but she didn't care! The people on her side outweighs those who decided not to ask the right questions.

It was all going great!

As she walked into the living area, her gaze flickered from her phone screen to Seth. He was standing by the glass walls, a phone pressed to his ear, his back to her.

From his dressing, he just got back from the office which is surprisingly early to say the least. It's been days since she last saw him after their little escapade at the gym.

"Seth." Thea called out, walking towards him with a small smile on her face. He told her she had a life to live and if there's anyone she wanted to tell about her decision to go to school earlier that morning, it would be him.

He turned, ending his call.

"I'll review it later," and slipped the phone into his pocket. His eyes met hers, and Thea noticed a tension in his jaw.

Was he upset about something? Or he's just upset that they finally ran into each other again in this huge mansion?

Seth gave her a curt nod.

"How was work?" Thea asked, pulling a stop in front of him as she braced her tablet.

Looking at him now,she could still recall how his hands felt on her body that day, his lips on hers, his short gasps and how firm his grip around her waist had been. She shoves it off her mind, she wasn't here for that.

"Fine," Seth replied simply, hands in his pocket. His eyes darted across the room and back at her like he needed to leave.

Thea's smile faltered slightly. She tried again, moving closer this time. "My classes went well. Better than I expected, actually. I didn't think I would be able to go there anymore but I did. " She paused, waiting for his response.

"Good," Seth said again, his eyes barely meeting hers.

She hadn't noticed it before but he took a step back when she tried to get closer and he was looking at everything but her.

That was unlike him. He always maintained eye contact, she noticed that rather quickly but now, he couldn't even look at her.

Thea frowned, her jaw clenched in annoyance. What is wrong with him? After what happened at the gym, after all that…passion and vulnerability, he's going to create this distance between them? He's been clearly avoiding her and that felt like a slap in the face..

It felt like none of it was real. He was horny and she just happened to be in there but Thea pushed that thought out of her mind. It can't be right.

"Is something wrong, Seth?" Thea asked, her voice tinged with frustration. "You seem... off. Are you avoiding me?"

He finally looked at her, his eyes unreadable. "I'm busy, Thea. There's nothing 'off.' And I'm certainly not 'avoiding' you. I have a company to run."

Thea froze, his words stung. He had a company to run? Is he being serious right now? She scoffed, her grip around her tablet seemed to tighten.

She might as well let him be.

"Right. My apologies for ruining your solitude.” She snapped, turning on her heels. She just wanted to retreat to her room.

As she turned, her foot caught on the edge of a side table. Her arm, flung out instinctively to steady herself, collided with a tall flower vase that sat close to the edge.

There was a sickening crash.

The vase shattered into a dozen pieces on the polished marble floor. Water and flower petals scattered everywhere, staining the rug under the center table.

Thea froze, staring at the pieces as her heart raced wildly. That was close! She could have fallen face towards and that vase looked expensive too..

“What the hell is wrong with you?!” Seth's voice rang out behind her. He was already across the room as soon as he heard the crash, his eyes fixed on Thea in concern.

“You should have been more careful! You could have gotten hurt!”

Thea, who was still shaken from the accident, glared at him. “Why the fuck are you yelling?!” She cursed, something she rarely ever does.

She couldn't believe this man! One minute he acted like he wanted her gone and now he's worried she'd get hurt?

"Why do you care?!" She snapped back as she stepped back from the shattered mess, tears pricking her eyes. "One minute you're acting like my very presence irritates you! Like you couldn't stand being in the same room with me.”

She gestured wildly at the broken vase.

"Now you care? Now, when something is broken, you suddenly decide to pay attention? What's wrong with you, Seth?"

Seth was silent, his eyes studying her quietly. He's never heard her curse him or anyone out before but she did. At him.

"Exactly," Thea said, her voice trembling, turning away from him before he could respond. She didn't want to hear another word.

"Just leave it. I'll get John to clean it up."

Without another word, Thea walked away, heading straight for her quarters. She was so done with him!

Seth remained motionless, watching her leave and seconds later, he heard her slam the door to her room shut.

His anger turned into confusion, what the hell is he doing? He ran a hand over his face, a deep sigh escaping him. She was right. He had been dismissive. He had been keeping his distance.

Hell, how couldn't he? Arian just told him he might have feelings for her, feelings that are far beyond his duty to her as her husband.

How's that possible?

But his mind kept going back to that morning at the gym. That kiss. Her laughter.

The way her body had felt pressed against his. It had been too much. Too raw. Too uncontrolled. He was always in control, he has always planned every move and with Thea? The way he got lost and allowed himself to pleasure her for no reason safe for some….inkling in his heart.

It felt dangerous. It was something he couldn't control, he had to pull away.

Seth massaged the corner of his eyes. Why the hell did he yell at her when the vase broke? It wasn't her fault and she looked shaken. He could have done a million things but he chose to yell at her.

He looked down at the shattered remains of the vase, it was probably the most expensive thing he's ever bought but he wasn't mad about that.

Could Arian be right about all this?

His phone buzzed, pulling him from his thoughts. He glanced at the screen.

It was Marcus.

His calls with Marcus has been frequent for the past few days and the only explanation was that the Blackwood banquet was drawing closer, he needed all the information he could get.

Seth picked up the call. "Marcus, report."

"Sir, there's been some posts on WeTalk about Mr Runes and he… he believes she has something to do with the posts. He's demanding a meeting with Ms. Thea. Says it's urgent, and he wants to discuss it with her. I'm yet to locate Ms Thea but I figured this might be of advantage to you so I called to ask if you think I should reach out to her.”

Seth's jaw tightened, of course Runes wants to meet Thea now. He had seen this coming in the nearest future but he didn't know what circumstance would require Runes to demand her presence.

Neither Runes nor Marcus knows Thea is his wife and he intends to use that to his advantage.

"Is she aware of his demand?" Seth asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at the shattered vase again.

"Not yet, sir," Marcus confirmed. "I told him this afternoon that I would relay the message. I wanted to confirm with you first. Should I reach out to her?"

Seth paused, his gaze fixed on the broken pieces. There's no way in hell he's going to let that bastard anywhere near his wife ever again.

"Tell him," Seth started rather calmly "that Ms. Thea is currently... unavailable. Tell him you tried to find her but couldn't.. Is that clear?"

Marcus's voice was immediate.

"Perfectly clear, sir. I'll convey the message."

"Good," Seth concluded, ending the call.

He looked at the shattered vase again as Butler John approached him with two attendants who cleaned up the mess.

Even if Arian is right, he can't allow himself to get carried away. It's a feeling, he'll get over it..