Chapter 126: Tonics Tricks
Another, more persuasive voice whispered, "Come on, Thea, a little portion won’t harm you."
Her inner turmoil intensified. She shook her head resolutely, silencing the conflicting voices.
"No, no.." she whispered firmly, pushing aside the temptation.Thea turned away from the tonics, leaving them untouched.
A few days later...
She ventured to the supermarket to pick up some essential groceries for the household. Clutching her carefully crafted shopping list, she methodically selected each item, checking them off one by one. After completing her shopping, Thea stepped out onto the rain-soaked streets, only to be greeted by relentless droplets. Unfortunately, she had forgotten her umbrella at home, leaving her exposed to the downpour.
As the rain poured down relentlessly, the usually abundant taxis vanished, and those remaining refused to take on additional passengers. She gazed despairingly at her phone, attempting to hail a cab through her ride-hailing app, but her efforts proved futile.
As Ryder rode in the backseat of his car, driven by Mr Jack.His eyes drifted closed, lost in thought. Mr. Jack’s voice broke the silence, "Young Master, isn’t that Miss Thea?" He nodded toward the sidewalk, where a lone figure braved the downpour.
Ryder’s eyes snapped open, and he turned to gaze out the window. Through the rain-streaked glass, he spotted Thea, clinging to her grocery bags and struggling against the torrent.
"Looks like she’s getting soaked.." Mr. Jack observed. "Should we give her a ride, Young Master?"
Ryder’s expression softened as he took in Thea’s bedraggled state. "Yes.." he replied..
Mr. Jack pulled the car up alongside
Thea and rolled down the window. "Miss Thea, get in," he called out above the rain.
Thea smiled gratefully. "Uncle Jack, thank you.." She hurried around the car, seeking refuge from the downpour.
As she reached for the passenger door handle, a voice from the backseat caught her off guard.
"Get in the backseat.." Ryder said softly.
Thea’s eyes adjusted to the dim interior, and she spotted Ryder sitting in a designated seat. She slid in beside him, exchanging a quiet greeting.
"Thank you for the ride.." Thea said, her voice laced with gratitude. "I was starting to think I’d never find a cab in this torrent."
Ryder hummed a response, his gaze drifting out the window, oblivious to Thea’s drenched state.
Thea had worn a white T-shirt and jean.
As she settled into the car, her back was drenched .White T-shirt clung to her, revealing the intricate straps and curves of her bra. The fabric showcased her slender back, the bra’s delicate lace tracing the contours of her skin.
The fabric translucent and revealing. The outline of her bra was visible beneath, its delicate straps and curves accentuated by the damp fabric. She placed her bags on the floor.
Ryder’s gaze finally shifted to her,. For a moment, his eyes locked onto the subtle contours of her body, outlined by the clinging shirt.
Ryder quickly averted his gaze, suddenly aware of her drenched state. He slipped off his coat and gently draped it over her shoulders before handing her the fresh towels.
"You’ll catch a cold.." he said, his voice low with concern, as he settled the coat around her.
Thea’s lips curled into a warm smile as Ryder shared the news. "We’re going on a trip this weekend.." he said enthusiastically. "The kids are thrilled, especially Emerson."
Thea’s eyes lit up. "Emerson is just adorable."
However, amidst the excitement, she couldn’t shake off the feeling that Ryder had changed since his return. Their conversations lacked the effortless connection they once shared, leaving her wondering if time apart had altered Ryder’s demeanor.
As the rainclouds parted, the car pulled up to her house, its tires crunching on the wet pavement. Gathering her belongings, she expressed her gratitude to her riders for the lift before bidding them farewell and walking towards her front door.
She realized too late that she’d forgotten to return Ryder’s coat. The car was already gone, so she made a mental note: "I’ll give it back to him this weekend."
As she entered the kitchen, Grandma Grace rushed over, worry lining her face. "Thea, did you get caught in the rain?"
She shook her head, smiling. "No, Grandma. I’m fine."
Grandma Grace’s gaze dropped to the coat. "But you’re wearing a coat. Whose is it?"
"Ryder’s," Thea replied, setting down the shopping bags. "I ran into him on the road, and he gave me a ride home."
"Grandma, I have some exciting news," Thea said. "Ryder’s family is going on a trip this weekend, and they’ve invited me to join them."
Grandma Grace looked up,"Okay.." she nodded, her expression calm and approving.
She decided to return Ryder’s suit coat after giving it a refreshing makeover. She had it washed, pressed, and ready for its owner.
As she walked into the university library, spotting Charlotte slumped over her desk, her face a picture of distress. Concern etched on her face, she approached her friend.
"Charlotte, what’s wrong?" She asked, sitting down beside her.
Charlotte lifted her head, her eyes welling up. "I had a fight with him yesterday.." she replied
Thea’s curiosity was piqued. "What happened?"
Charlotte took a deep breath. "He asked me why I have a problem with his girlfriend. Can you believe it? I told him I don’t like her, and that’s why. Why does he need to mention her in front of me? It’s like he wants to hurt me intentionally."
Thea’s expression turned sympathetic. "And then?"
Charlotte’s voice rose. "I got angry and told him exactly how I feel. We had a huge fight."
Thea placed a comforting hand on Charlotte’s shoulder. "Hey, want to join me at the cinema this weekend?" Charlotte asked, turning to her with a hopeful smile.Thea hesitated, her eyes locking onto Charlotte’s. "This weekend...I have to go on a trip with Ryder’s family."
"Mr. Thompson and his family? Wow!"She exclaimed, her enthusiasm genuine. "Go, go and enjoy! We can go another time. This one is important. You have to spend time with them."
Charlotte’s face lit up with excitement. "I’ve got some amazing news! My cousin’s getting married, and I’d love for you to be there with me."
"That sounds wonderful! Where’s the wedding?"
"Canada, next month.." Charlotte replied.
Thea’s expression turned concerned. "But what about Grandma? I don’t want to leave her alone."
Charlotte smiled reassuringly. "Don’t worry, I’ve already thought of that.Your Grandma is coming too. I’ll make sure she joins us."
"Are you going to my house to invite her today?" Thea looked at her.
"Hmm, that would be a great idea. What will be made for me today?" Charlotte smiled and asked.
"You were sad just a few minutes ago..."
"That’s a different thing..." Charlotte replied.
Later, the two friends headed to Thea’s house.
Inside her room...
Sitting on her bed, Charlotte swung her legs lazily. "Thea, what’s the name of Mr. Thompson’s female friend you told me about?"
"Savannah.." Thea replied.
Charlotte’s expression turned thoughtful. " I saw Mr. Thompson with a woman yesterday."
"Does Mr. Thompson have a crush on someone?" Charlotte questioned.
Thea’s expression was noncommittal. "He hasn’t confided in me. What’s behind your question?"
Charlotte smiled.. "Just curious... Thea, you should confess your feelings before it’s too late."
Thea’s face hinted at a secret. "Hmm, I’m waiting for a special day to confess."
Charlotte pressed for details. "Ah..ha..What’s this special occasion?"
"Secret.." Thea whispered, winking.
Charlotte smiled mischievously and asked, "Have you drunk the tonics I gave you?"
Thea shook her head. "No."
Charlotte burst into laughter. "I knew it! Ha ha, Thea, it’s not a magical love potion, just a normal drink. You’re so gullible, believing my teasing."
"But the label says ’Mystic Tonic’ and guarantees to revitalize body and soul..." The latter pointed out.
Charlotte struggled to contain her laughter. "Bring the bottle."
Thea went to bring the bottle from its hiding place.
Charlotte examined the label, chuckling. "That’s the beauty of this bottle – anyone would think it’s something like that."
She shot back, "It’s your fault for making me jumping to those conclusions. You’re so gullible in these matters..."She pinched Charlotte’s arm hardly
Charlotte playfully cradled her arm to rub, wincing playfully"Ouuch! I was just joking, but you totally bought it."
"Thea, Charlotte, come downstairs!" Grandma Grace called out from below.
"Ah, food! I’m coming..Grandma. wait for me...!" Charlotte exclaimed, hastily opening the door.
Thea caught up with her, chuckling. "Charlotte, you’re such a foodie, but you never gain weight by eating so much."
Charlotte laughed. "Because ..My body only is like that...."
