Chapter Twenty

“I'm so sorry dear but I can't be late to that meeting!” Celine offered as Thea stepped out of the car.

Celine had almost forgotten about a meeting she was meant to attend earlier that evening.

“It's alright. I had a wonderful time with you.”

“Me too my dear. I have to go. Send Seth my love.”

“I will. Good luck with your meeting.”

“Darling, I'm going to need it! Take care.”

Celine blew Thea a kiss before her driver drove out of the hotel at topmost speed. She must be really late for that meeting.

Thea returned to the hotel suite, her skin glowing from the spa treatments. She felt so much better and she could think clearly now.

As the elevator doors chimed open, she saw Seth waiting for her, standing by the glass wall for a window. He turned as she approached, his gaze sweeping over her.

" Good afternoon, “ Thea said simply.

“How did it go?" he asked, causally but Thea didn't miss the hint of curiosity in his tone.

Thea sighed, walking further into the spacious living area. "It was lovely, thank you. We had a very relaxing time."

She didn't want to tell him anything beyond that, it was unnecessary.

Seth merely nodded, observing her. "Did she ask anything... specific?"

Thea met his gaze. “Like what?”

Seth tilts his head to the side, she knew exactly what he meant but for some reason, she's playing it cool.

“She didn't ask anything that could jeopardise this if that's what you mean..” Thea turned away from him, pulling out her earrings.

In two long strides, Seth catches up with her and grabs her arm, twirling her to face him.

Thea gasped, her earring falling right off her hands. She glanced up at him, her eyes still wide open in shock.

Seth's brows were furrowed and his jaw clenched as he stared down at her. “I told you Celine can’t find out that this isn't real! You treat this with carelessness.”

Thea frowned. “I didn't tell her anything, okay?! She didn't ask about us either, she only wanted to get to know me and that was it!” She snapped.

Seth's eyes flickered open in surprise, she clearly wasn't afraid to snap at him when needed.

“I wouldn't want her to find out either, believe it or not! She's a sweet woman and I would hate to disappoint her.” Thea muttered.

“Why? Because of the contract?” He mocked.

Thea clenched her fist, her eyes glaring into his. “Because I have a heart and I actually care about people!”

“And look how that turned out for you.” Seth shot back.

Thea gasped, hurt in her eyes as she stared back at him. Of course he would say something like that! The past two weeks, he's been the sweetest person ever because his grandmother was watching, how could she have forgotten what an asshole he truly was?

“Nothing is ever real with you is it?” She asked, her voice barely audible.

His grip on her arm dropped to his side.

"What are you talking about?”

"When you kissed me goodbye," Thea clarified, her voice softening. "You said you'd miss me. Was that part of the act for Celine too or... did you mean it?"

He paused, his gaze unreadable. He tucked his hands casually into his pocket. “What do you think?”

Thea felt a familiar frustration rise. He was so good at avoiding clear answers. "That's not an answer, Seth."

“You want an answer? It's all for show. Celine was here and I had to assure her that this was real. Do you need me to clarify anything else?”

Thea chuckled, she was a fool to think anything with Seth was ever real. He ruined her life! How could she have forgotten that so quickly?

“No. I'm glad I know your stance now.”

"Good." he continued, his tone shifting back to business, " We'll be leaving the suite this evening. Prepare your things. You'll be moving into the penthouse with me.”

"Tonight?"

"There's no point in prolonging the charade here. Celine gave us two weeks and it's over.”

Thea nodded, there was no point staying there any longer.

“I'll go pack my things.”

“Someone else will do it.”

The packing was swift. The hotel staff, overseen by Seth’s assistants, handled everything. Thea gathered her few personal items, her mind replaying their conversation; is he really this cold and…heartless?

She glanced over her shoulders at Seth who is talking to a middle aged man, Thea had never seen before. Celine’s words replayed in her head, could that be the reason why he's so out of reach?

“Ms Thea.”

Thea jerks back to reality, staring at the man Seth was talking to, approaching her with an almost perfect poise.

“Hello, I'm Butler John. Can I help you with that?” He asked, gesturing at her open box which had all of her things inside, one that Daisy had supplied her for her stay.

It wasn't much, just a few clothes, skin care products and a few shoes.

“No, it's fine. I'll just..” Thea zips and pulls the box up to a stand. Butler John took the handle and wheeled it out of the room.

Thea glanced at Seth, he was busy on a phone call, a stern look on his face until his eyes met hers momentarily. Thea looked away, it was best she stuck to the contract or this man would shatter her heart into a million pieces.

Later that evening, a SUV whisked them away from the hotel. The ride was silent, the city lights blurring outside the tinted windows.

Seth was busy on his tablet, sitting at the furthest end of the limo while Thea stared out at the city lights. Her stomach curled in fear, she's going to move in with this man that she's married to, yet barely knew.

She took a deep breath, she's doing this for her future, to get back at those bastards who ruined her life. But first, she had to put her life in order and find out what direction she needed to go.

The penthouse was exactly what she expected: huge, monotone and modern. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a lovely view of the Zean skyline. Marble floors and minimalist furniture but lacks the warmth of a home.

Thea felt like she was walking into an art gallery instead of his house.

A small team of household staff greeted them. Their heads bowed, avoiding eye contact as they hurried off.

Seth handed his bags to one of the staff. “John will show you to your quarters. John?”

“Yes Mr Blackwood.”

“Send a cup of coffee to my study. And Dante should be here in an hour with some documents. Send it to the library.”

“Yes sir.”

Without saying a word to Thea, Seth was out of sight, heading towards the library.

"Your rooms are through here," Butler John said, gesturing towards a wing of the penthouse. "You'll have your own private quarters, of course. Full access to the entire penthouse. Feel free to let me know if you need to redecorate to suit your taste."

“Rooms?” Thea asked in confusion.

“Right this way..”

Thea's "rooms" turned out to be a luxurious suite in itself: a spacious bedroom with a private balcony, a huge walk-in closet, and an en-suite bathroom that rivaled a spa.

It was more space than she'd ever had. She had her own gym, library, cinema on the same wing.

Thea chuckled, he was serious when he said this is nothing more than an arrangement. He had a whole wing to her so he'd never have to run into her.

That works in her favour actually. Hell she couldn't stand his arrogant ass!

“Is there anything you need to help settle in?” Butler John asked as a maid unzipped Thea’s bag, helping her to arrange her things.

“No, that would be all, thank you.”

“A new set of clothes, jewelry, bags and shoes have been made available in your walk in closet. Please let me know if it's to your taste.”

Thea smiled. “Sure. Thanks John.”

“Do you need anything else, Ms?”

“No.”

The Butler nodded and turned on his heels, ready to leave.

“John? Where is Seth's library?”

《Seth's library》

Thea placed a knock on the door, peeping into the library. His eyes hovered above the tablet he had in hand, eyes fixed on her.

“Can I come in?”

“You're already in.” He said, returning his gaze to the screen.

Thea walks into the library and shuts the door behind her.

"I'm not going to take much of your time. I'll get right to it.”

Seth glanced up at her, his tablet hiding the amusement on his face.

“I want to enroll in business school," she stated, her voice firm. “And I'm going to pay for it with my monthly salary.”

The silence stretched, making Thea's heart pound.

Then, a slow nod of his head. “ You…”

“I'll be going there tomorrow to register for classes. I just thought you should be aware. Goodnight.” Thea walks out of the library, leaving Seth stunned.