Chapter 128: Wrapped With Love
The photograph radiated warmth, capturing a transcendent moment of unity between Thea and Ryder. As she gazed at the image, Jer heart swelled with affection, her eyes locking onto the tender embrace they shared. The photo exuded a sense of togetherness, freezing a fleeting moment of bliss between them. Her heart swelled, seeing herself and Ryder captured in such perfect harmony.
Present day...
Gazing at the photo, Thea’s lips curved into a soft smile. At 14, love was still a mystery, but her heart fluttered whenever Ryder was near.
She hadn’t realized when her friendship with Ryder crossed into uncharted territory. The photo revealed a truth she couldn’t yet articulate – her eyes locked onto his, shining with an unspoken affection.
Clasping the photo to her chest, Thea closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of the moment. The next morning, she woke up before dawn, excitement coursing through her veins. Today was the day they would join Ryder’s family on their trip, and anticipation had her tossing aside the covers.
She and Grandma Grace stood eagerly outside, awaiting Ryder’s arrival. He had promised to pick them up, and right on cue, a black car pulled up. "Good morning, Ryder!" Grandma Grace smiled, as Thea held the door open for her to settle into the backseat.
"Get in.." Ryder said, courtesy opening the door for Thea.
She settled into the passenger seat, their eyes meeting briefly as she buckled her seatbelt.As Ryder took the wheel, Grandma Grace spoke up, "Ryder, this trip is long overdue. It’s your first family trip since returning from Scotland, isn’t it?"
Ryder nodded, eyes fixed on the road ahead. "Yes, Grandma... Four years since I’ve been back. My Grandparents urged me to take this trip, and I’m glad I finally can."
The engine purred to life, and they glided onto the open road, adventure beckoning.
Thea held up the coat, a look of gratitude on her face. "Ryder, I brought the coat you lent me that rainy day," she said, her voice sincere. "Thank you for it."
Ryder nodded briefly. "Okay."
The journey continued in comfortable silence. Thea gazed out the window, occasionally stealing glances at Ryder. Grandma Grace had dozed off in the backseat.
Ryder checked the rearview mirror. "Your grandma has fallen asleep."
Thea hummed softly. "Hmm."
"Thea?" Ryder said, his voice low.
"Hmm?" she replied.
Ryder’s expression turned quizzical, his voice tinged with curiosity. "John said Aunt Evelyn invited me to the treat, but I never got an invitation," he said, his eyes narrowing slightly as he awaited an explanation.
Thea eyes met Ryder’s. "Ryder, maybe you forgot... I called you about it, but you didn’t answer. I sent a message, which you saw but didn’t reply to, so I didn’t want to disturb you further."
Ryder’s expression turned thoughtful, and Thea recalled the unreturned call, the message left unanswered.
Her voice was soft, her eyes locked on Ryder’s profile. "I was angry at you, but you were busy, so I forgave you."
Ryder’s gaze remained steady on the road, his expression inscrutable. The silence that followed was heavy with unspoken thoughts.
Her eyes lingered on Ryder’s face, transfixed by the sharp angles of his features and the subtle tension in his jaw. The air seemed to thicken, heavy with anticipation, as her words hung suspended, awaiting his response.
Ryder’s thoughts, however, were elsewhere, his mind consumed by distant concerns.
Ryder’s brow furrowed in inquiry. "Has she already left?" he asked. Thea nodded in response. "Hmm, Aunt Evelyn has already arrived at her ancestors’ place." she added, a hint of reverence in her tone.
Ryder’s eyes returned to the road, "How are your studies going?" he asked, his voice gentle.
Thea’s voice was low and even. "Same old, same old." she replied, a small, wry smile playing on her lips.
"Are you in your 1st year?" Ryder asked, keeping his eyes on the road.
Thea responded with a thoughtful hum.
Ryder glanced briefly at her before refocusing on driving. "If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to discuss them with me."
She turned to Ryder, "Would you be willing to give me tuition if I struggle with a subject?"
Ryder’s expression remained serious, but a flicker of warmth crossed his eyes. "Really, I’ll do my best to help."
Thea’s smile widened. "Hmm."
Ryder nodded. "Okay, then. If I have any tough questions in the future, I will come to you first."
"Hmm.."Ryder chuckled softly.
"I’ll keep that in mind."
The conversation paused before she spoke again, her tone low. "About the previous incident... were you behind their punishment?"
Ryder’s silence was brief before he responded, "Yes. They were punished fir their crime."
Thea’s eyes narrowed, knowing Ryder had taken matters into his own hands.
"Are you feeling pity for them?" Ryder asked.
Thea response was firm. "No...why should I?"
She shared Ryder’s sentiment. Those men had intended to harm her, and who knew how many others. Their actions deserved consequences.
By the time they pulled up to the grand entrance of the old mansion, Grandma Grace had been awake for a while, refreshed from her earlier nap.
Grandma Grace, who hadn’t come to this mansion before, asked Thea, "This is the mansion where Ryder grew up?"
She replied, "Yes, Grandma. This place is so beautiful. Grandpa Edward has already promised me earlier that the next time he will take me out to visit this place... It’s beautiful."
Rosie asked Grandma Grace, her smile warm and inviting, "Madam Wynn, what do you think of this place?"
"It’s lovely..." Grandma Grace replied. "This place is indeed beautiful."
Emerson trotted up to them, her little feet pattering on the floor. "Brother Ryder, this is the place Grandpa was talking about earlier, isn’t it?"
Ryder’s nod confirmed her question, and a gentle smile spread across his face.
Brenda followed closely behind her mother, Rosie, as they strolled through the familiar surroundings. "Mother, this place remains the same.." Brenda remarked.
Rosie nodded in agreement. "Yes, indeed."
Grandma Grace, who was walking alongside them, turned to Brenda with a warm smile. "Brenda, how have you been?"
Brenda returned the smile. "I’m good, Madam Wynn. How have you been?"
As Thea and Ryder walked ahead, Emerson skipped alongside them, eager to keep up. Meanwhile, the twins were absorbed in taking photos.
"Elder sisters, hurry up!" Emerson called out, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.
Lydia glanced over, "Little sister, shh. Keep quiet."Emerson’s face scrunched up in a playful pout. "Oof!"
Ryder lifted Emerson into the air, cradling her in his arms before settling her onto his shoulders.
Emerson’s eyes sparkled as she grasped Ryder’s head for balance. "Brother Ryder, I’m so tall now!" she squealed.
Tilting her face upward, she gazed at the sky, her laughter echoing freely.
"Where is Grandfather?"
"He, Father, and Uncle arrived earlier than us," Lydia replied from behind. "Grandma actually forced him to go ahead, even though he wanted to wait and come with us."
They stepped into the grand mansion together, Emerson’s eyes widening in awe.
"Wow... Brother Ryder, have you ever visited this place?" she asked.
Lydia chuckled. "Silly, Brother Ryder grew up here."
Emerson’s eyes sparkled with surprise. "Really?"
Ryder smiled, nostalgia flickering in his eyes. "Hmm, kiddo, I did grow up here."
Elder Edward glanced around the living room, ensuring all were present. "All here?"
"Hmm..Grandpa.." Lydia and Melanie replied in harmony, confirming everyone’s arrival.
Elder Edward’s voice rang out. "Okay, everyone. Please return to your rooms to freshen up. We’ll gather for lunch afterwards."
The butler, standing near Elder Edward, signaled to the staff member, who then distributed the room keys.
Thea and Grandma Grace each received a room key, while Lydia and Melanie, the twins, shared one.
The group dispersed, each member retiring to their assigned rooms. Thea’s room was adjacent to Ryder’s, with Lydia and Melanie’s room also located on the same floor.
She, Lydia, and Melanie followed the butler to their rooms. As Thea opened the door, the butler said, "If you require anything, miss, please don’t hesitate to ask."
"Thank you.." Thea responded.
She smiled appreciatively at the butler, who then bid them farewell and departed.
She entered the room and was struck by its beauty. The sliding glass doors led to a spacious balcony overlooking a breathtaking vista: rolling hills, verdant gardens, and majestic trees stretching towards the sky.
Having missed the full impact of the estate’s beauty on her previous visit, she was now captivated. She grabbed her phone and took a photo of the rolling hills and lush gardens visible from her balcony.
