The Seth's Curse

Thea sat cross-legged on the couch in the furthest end of Daisy's cafe, balancing a mug of green tea between her palms.

It had been weeks since she’d last been here and each time she visited, it felt more like home, a reminder of where she was coming from, where she started.

“I still can’t believe it,” Daisy said, perched on the arm of the couch. “You actually had lunch with Sakisma Reed. The Sakisma Reed.”

Thea grinned despite herself. “I know. I keep replaying it in my head. She was…nice. I thought she would be intimidating. I was nervous but she…listened. And she gave me her personal line.”

Daisy’s eyes widened. “Stop! Are you serious? Her personal line?”

Thea beamed, nodding earnestly. “Uhmuhm.”

“Goodness. I heard only a handful of reporters have been able to score an interview with her! But she gave you her personal line?!”

Thea ran a thumb along the edge of the mug. “I’m not trying to get my hopes up, but she asked my opinion about Balmero. And she seemed…impressed.”

“You’ve earned it,” Daisy said, shifting to sit properly on the couch. “After everything, you’re finally being seen for your brain again, not just the headlines.”

Thea gave a small laugh. “Let’s not jinx it.”

Daisy smiled. “I’m serious. You’ve been through hell. Maybe this is the beginning of something new.”

Thea stared down at her tea, trying to calm the flutter of excitement in her chest. It was indeed a start and she was somewhat looking forward to the next time she'd be speaking with Reed again.

“I know. But I don't want to feel like I'm using her, you know?”

“Thea..” Daisy sets down her cup of coffee, taking Thea’s hand in her as she stared right into her eyes.

“You're not using her. She asked you questions without you pushing it. She wanted you to tell her what you think and you did that. Just breathe..relax okay?”

The front door chimed suddenly.

Daisy frowned. “I’m not expecting anyone.”

It was a Sunday evening and Thea had decided to stop by Daisy's café. The cafe is often closed on Sundays, giving Daisy and her staff the time to reset for the new week.

Thea set her mug on the coffee table. “Me neither.”

The duo turned to face the door, curious to know who their guests were.

A tall figure filled the frame.

Seth.

Behind him stood Arian, hands in his pockets, looking faintly amused.

Daisy gasped. “Mr Blackwood.” She whispered.

“Miss Daisy.” Seth replied calmly, his eyes scanning inside the cafe for his wife. Only when his eyes met hers did his gaze warm up.

“I didn't know you were coming…” Daisy said, glancing at Thea in question. Her friend shrugs. Even Thea had no clue he'd be coming

“Can we come in?”

Thea blinked. “What are you doing here?”

He stepped inside before she could answer. He wasn’t in a suit today; just dark jeans, a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and his usual watch glinting on his wrist. Arian followed, giving Daisy a nod.

“I finished up early with work. I was looking for you but you weren't home.” Seth said simply. “Bulter John told me you were here.”

Thea’s heart did a little jump she hoped nobody noticed. “You just…decided to drop by?”

“I did,” he said, lips curling up in a smile. “Is that a problem?”

“No,” she said quickly. “Just surprising.”

Daisy cleared her throat. “Uh, hi, Arian.” Her tone was polite but cool.

Arian smiled a little, leaning against the doorframe. “Hi, Daisy. It’s been a while.”

“It has,” she said, crossing her arms. “And I told you last time…”

“I know what you told me,” Arian cut in lightly. “Doesn’t mean I can’t say hello.”

Thea glanced between them, eyebrows lifting. There was an undercurrent here she hadn’t noticed before. Daisy rarely showed nerves, but she was fussing with the hem of her sweater now, avoiding Arian’s eyes.

Seth seemed to pick up on it too. “Arian,” he said quietly, “Maybe you can help Daisy out? I think she was making tea?”

“I’m not…” Daisy started, but Arian was already moving toward the small kitchen, grinning.

“I’d love to help,” he said. “If you’ll let me.”

Daisy shot Thea a look, but followed, muttering something about not needing help. The two disappeared behind the partition wall, their low voices starting an awkward dance of small talk and half-argued remarks.

Thea exhaled and turned back to Seth. “What are you doing, really?”

He moved closer, his presence filling the gaps between them. “I told you,” he said, softer now. “I wanted to be around you. And I want you to get used to me showing up for you like this.”

She looked down, cheeks warming. She knew she had to say something, acknowledge his words but she was way too fluttered to say anything.

For a moment he just looked at her, and then his hand reached out, fingers brushing hers. It was a small gesture but it felt enormous.

In the past he’d been cold, blunt, and a little arrogant. Now there was something different, something almost soft and gentle when it came to her.

“I can see why you're here often.” Seth said, leaning back in his seat, eyes scanning the cafe in silence.

“Why?” She asked

“It's peaceful here. You're with people who genuinely love and care about you.” He said in seriousness. “I want to be that for you too.” He muttered.

She glanced at him, stunned. She would never get used to this man being this open.

“I should go help…”

He laced his fingers through hers, thumb tracing small circles on her skin. Thea felt the tension drain from her shoulders.

“They will be just fine, Thea. You know it. Stop running.”

“I'm not.” She cuts in, nervous.

“You are..”

“I just…”

He shifted closer until their knees brushed. “Tell me about Reed.”

Thea blinked. “What?”

“You know Ethan reports back to me right?” he said. “Something happened. Tell me.”

She hesitated, then told him about the café meeting, about Reed’s questions and her own answers. She left out her nerves, but she couldn’t hide her excitement.

Seth listened without interrupting, his thumb still moving across her hand. When she finished, he let out a low whistle.

“She gave you her card?” he asked.

“Yes.”

He looked impressed. “That’s not nothing. Reed doesn’t waste time on people.”

“I know,” Thea said, feeling her cheeks heat again. “I’m trying not to read too much into it.”

“Read into it,” Seth said simply. “You earned it.”

From the kitchen came the sound of a cabinet door closing sharply.

“I said I don’t want tea!” Daisy’s voice, sharper than usual.

“I wasn’t making tea for you,” Arian’s voice came back, teasing.

Thea raised an eyebrow. “Should we…?”

Seth smirked. “They’ll work it out.”

“I don’t think Daisy’s interested,” Thea murmured.

Seth shrugged. “Arian likes a challenge.”

They sat in silence for a moment, the muffled bickering from the kitchen almost like background music. Seth’s hand slid up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.

“You look tired,” he said softly.

“I’m fine.”

“You don’t have to be fine all the time.”

She looked at him, startled by the gentleness in his tone. This was the same man who had once called her reckless, who had treated their marriage like a business arrangement. Now he was here, sitting in the corner of Daisy’s cafe, telling her she didn’t have to be fine.

She swallowed. “Thank you,” she said quietly.

He leaned back, still holding her hand. “You don’t have to thank me.”

From the kitchen, Daisy’s voice rose again. “Arian, I said no. Stop pushing.”

“I’m not pushing,” Arian’s voice replied, more serious now. “I’m just asking.”

Thea winced. “That sounds bad.”

Seth stood. “I’ll go make sure they’re not burning the place down.”

“No,” Thea said quickly, grabbing his sleeve. “Its best we don't intervene. She wouldn't like that.” She adds in realisation.

He sat back down, looking at her for a long moment. “You care about her.”

“She’s my friend. She’s been here for me since the beginning.”

He nodded. “Then I’ll stay out of it.”

The kitchen door opened and Daisy came back out, cheeks flushed, eyes flashing. Arian followed more slowly, expression unreadable.

“I’m going to take a walk,” Daisy said shortly, grabbing her coat.

“Daisy…” Thea started.

“I’m fine,” Daisy said, forcing a smile. “Enjoy your visit.”

She slipped out before anyone could stop her. The door clicked shut.

Arian sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “She’s stubborn.”

“You’re pushy,” Thea said, more sharply than she meant to.

He held up his hands. “Fair enough.”

Seth gave him a look. “You should go.”

Arian hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah. I’ll call you later.” He left without another word.

Silence settled over the cafe. Thea stared at the door, then back at Seth.

“That was…awkward,” she murmured.

He smiled faintly. “At least we’re not the only ones with complicated lives.”

She laughed a little. “True.”

He reached for her hand again. “Come here.”

She moved closer and he pulled her gently against his shoulder. For a moment they just sat like that, the quiet wrapping around them.

That's all he needed. To be here, with her. Nothing else matters..