Thea's Masked Husband

The alarms went off and Thea sighed, she can finally call it a day. She packed up her bag and headed out the classroom in silence, ignoring Chloe's death stares.

Ever since their last confrontation, Chile had stayed clear of Thea but didn't miss a chance to glare or whisper something nasty under her breath.

It didn't matter to Thea, she was here for a reason and that reason alone. Now that her own company has been opened on herbbehalf by Daisy and Clara, she has no other choice but to take things even more seriously.

The campus was quieter now, with most students having left. Thea walked towards the parking lot, her mind already on the new project and the plans she had made with Clara. Or better yet, the plans she made for her. A small smile played on her lips. For the first time in a long time, she felt a purpose that was entirely her own.

A dark figure stepped into her path, blocking her way. Irritated, she glanced up at the stranger and her smile faded instantly.

It was Runes.

He glared down at her, eyes as cold as ever. Thea's heart started to pound, she had no clue why he was here but whatever the reason was, it's not a cozy meeting.

"Rune," she said, her voice a little shaky, but she tried to keep it even. "What are you doing here?" She glanced around the now-empty parking lot, a sense of unease growing.

He looked like he could hurt her and she wanted to get away from him.

He didn't answer her question. Instead, he took a step closer, his hands balling into fists at his sides.

"What did you do, Thea? What did you say?"

Thea took a step back. "I don't know what you're talking about."

She clutched her books to her chest, her mind racing. What is he talking about? And what does he want with her?!

"Don't lie to me!" he snapped, his voice rough. He lunged forward, grabbing her arm.

His grip was harsh, his fingers digging into her skin. "I know it was you. I know you're behind those posts on Wetalk. You lied to everyone that the man in the video is your husband and made me look like an asshole!"

Thea tried to pull her arm free, her heart pounding wildly in her chest.

"Let go of me! You're hurting me!" she cried.

Runes grip only got tighter, his eyes staring at her with malice. He's not leaving until she addresses the rumours!

“You did that on purpose didn't you? You're trying to ruin my reputation! Is it because I'm getting married to Posy now? Answer me!”

"Runes, let go of me right now! Or I'll scream!” Thea threatened, struggling to keep her voice from trembling.

Runes screams at the top of his voice. He screams again and again before turning to Thea, an evil glint in his eyes.

“You see that? No one can hear you! No one is coming to save tpu!”

Thea scanned the parking lot in fear, not even Ethan was in sight. What on earth is going on? Did Runes have something to do with this?

“Answer me! You had something to do with those posts didn't you? Answer me damn it!”

“I don't know what you're talking about!” Thea stammared.

His face was so close, she could feel the anger in every word. This isn't the time to play smart, she needed to get out of here. She knew how important his reputation was to him and he's willing to do anything, legal or illegal, to ensure his reputation remains untainted.

"You think you can just show up, cause problems, and disappear again?" he snarled, tightening his grip. "You think you can play these games with me? I'll ruin you, Thea. I will make sure you never show your face in public ever again!”

He was manhandling her, shaking her violently. Panic flared inside Thea, he was scaring her.

She struggled against his hold, but he was too strong. “Let go of me!”

“You're coming with me! You're going to get rid of those rumours and you will do exactly as I say..”

“I’m not going anywhere with you!” She snapped.

Runes scoffed. “Yes you are.” He tanks her arm towards his car, dragging her with him despite her restraints.

"Let her go."

Rune looked up, his face twisted in anger.

"Who the hell are you?" he said, turning his head but not letting go of Thea.

Thea glanced in the direction of the rather familiar voice and a sigh of relief escaped her.

It was Seth but he had a face mask on for some reason. He didn't look angry, not yet. But the air around him was heavy with a silent threat.

“Seth.” Thea called, almost in tears.

What was he doing here? How did he know where to find her?

Seth reached out and, in a single fluid motion, shoved Rune away from Thea. The force of the push sent Rune stumbling back a few feet, almost losing his balance.

Seth pulled Thea close to him, his eyes scanning her in concern. “Are you alright?”

Thea holds back her tears and nods. “I'm fine.” She said. “How did you find me?”

“We're supposed to go to the resort tonight. I wanted to pick you up myself.”

Rune stared at Seth, his eyes blazing. He had no idea who this man was. He'd never seen him before. He straightened his suit jacket, his arrogance returning.

"You have some nerves. Do you know who I am?" he sneered. "I'm Rune Sterling. You just pushed a very powerful man."

Seth pulled Thea behind him gently, making sure he was standing in between her and Runes.

“Who the hell are you?!" Runes snapped once more.

“I could ask the same of you." Seth said, tucking his hands in his pocket.

Runes frowned. “Are you deaf or something? I'm Runes Sterling! Heir to the Sterling empire! Why are you in my business?!”

“I'm Thea's husband."

A nasty laugh erupted from Runes.

"Oh, I get it now. You're her new boy toy! The 'husband' she's been bragging about. Thea, really? This is the best you could do?”

Thea glared at him, Runes sure loves running his mouth like the pathetic bastard he was!

Runes turns to Seth dismissively. He pokes Seth's shoulder, a smirk on his face.

“Who is this guy? A bodyguard? Some low-level worker from some nameless company?"

Rune’s eyes scanned Seth, taking in his face and his rather simple but well-tailored suit. Rune’s world was built on names, faces and expensive branded clothing and jewellery.

This man had none that he recognized. He couldn't possibly be anyone important.

Seth's jaw tightened, but he remained silent.

“You touched my wife.”

“And what are you going to do about it?!” Runes snapped, covering the distance between them. “Tell me. What are you going to do about it?”

Seth's jaw tightened, he was so close to wrapping his arms around Rune's neck and squeezing hard enough to see him lose the light in his eyes.

“Woah. The Thea Balmero went for a complete n0body! It's quite something, I tell you!” He turns to Seth. “Why did you marry her? You think she has some money stashed somewhere? Don't let her lie to you, she's penniless.”

Seth began to take a step forward, his fists clenching. He was a man who rarely showed emotion, but Runes' rude words were starting to irritate him.

Thea's hand shot out, grabbing his arm.

"Don't," she said, her voice low. "He's not worth it."

Runes scoffed. “Isn't that cute?! What is he going to do? Hit me? Give it a go then! And I'll make your pathetic life a living hell!”

“Let's just go Seth. Please..”

Seth and Runes exchange deadly glares, the duo were ready to fight it out right there and then…

Seth turned away from Runes and led Thea towards his car. Sie didn't want a fight, he had to respect her wishes, despite the murderous need to kill Runes right there and then.

“Where do you think you're going?! “ Runes snapped, hurrying towards them. “You have to clear my name, you stupid bitch!”

Seth turned back to face Runes and sent a punch across his jaw that sent him down on the ground with a broken nose.

“You fucking asshole!” Rune yelled, holding his nose as horror filled his eyes. “I'll ruin your life! I'll ruin your fucking life!”

“If I ever see you around Thea again, you're dead.”

With that, Seth pulls Thea out of the parking lot, towards his car. If he stayed a moment longer, he would do the unthinkable.