Chapter 159: Then Don’t
Thea agreed with a nod. "Hmm, alright. I’ll tell her when I go visit her later today after my classes." she answered, mentally reminding herself to check on her friend and relay her grandma’s message.
Thea headed out to go to her class at the university. Once the lecture was over, she went to the fruit aisle of a nearby market to grab some fresh fruits for her friend Charlotte. Having chosen the fruits she desired, she moved on to pay for them at the checkout.
After finishing her shopping, Thea headed to the bus stoppage to get a ride to Charlotte’s house. While awaiting the bus, she observed that only a handful of others were at the stop, each of them calmly expecting the arrival of their own buses.
As Thea browsed through her text messages, a horn sounded loudly, coupled with a recognizable voice shouting her name: "Thea. . . " She raised her eyes from her phone to notice a BMW vehicle parked next to her, seeking her notice.
Thea’s gaze fixed on the recognizable figure in the driver’s seat. She approached to greet John, her expression showing surprise. "John, what brings you here? " she inquired.
John beamed as he responded, "I noticed you standing here and thought I’d stop by to say Hi."
Thea returned his smile, happy to see him once more. "It’s wonderful to see you." she remarked.
John observed that Thea remained outside and asked, "Do you need a ride somewhere? I can take you. "
Thea clarified, "I’m actually on my way to a friend’s place. "
Without a moment’s pause, John suggested, "I can give you a ride. It’s really no problem. "
Thea hesitated, not wanting to be a burden. "Are you certain? I wouldn’t want to make you late." she replied.
John comforted her with a smile. "I’m not in a hurry. I have plenty of time." he assured, his eyes gleaming with warmth.
"Now, please get in. " John stated, stepping out of the vehicle to open the passenger door for Thea. He kept it ajar, signaling for her to enter.
Thea grinned as she slipped into the seat, her eyes twinkling with playfulness. "Thank you, Young Master Smith.." she replied, her tone infused with a touch of playful formality.
John laughed softly and smiled, shutting the door behind her before moving around to the driver’s side. He re-entered the vehicle, his gaze connecting with Thea’s in a warm and amiable exchange.
"Where should I drop you off?" John inquired, gazing at Thea for guidance.
"Charlotte’s residence is located at 817 Pineview Lane." Thea responded, providing him the address clearly and succinctly.
"Charlotte? I haven’t heard about her from you before." John said, a trace of confusion on his face.
Thea laughed softly and shook her head. "John, I have mentioned her before, but I believe you’ve forgotten.Alright, let me jog your memory - she’s my closest friend. I met her after you both went to Scotland, and we became friends from that moment. "
As Thea talked, her smile broadened, and her eyes twinkled with enjoyment. She was recalling how Charlotte had actively sought her friendship, not accepting rejection. Initially, Thea had felt reluctant to connect with Charlotte, daunted by her affluent background and uncertain if they would share interests. However, Charlotte’s tenacity and sincere compassion had eventually convinced her, and Thea appreciated the deep connection they had created.
"Yeah, I believe I recall you have talked about her before.." John remarked, a trace of a smile on his face as he drove.
Thea’s eyes glimmered with interest, "So,What about you? "
John’s reply was relaxed, "Not much, still not in a relationship. "
Thea’s laughter was playful, "I didn’t inquire about your dating situation. "
John’s eyes crinkled at the edges as he grinned, "Alright, alright. How about you, then? "
Thea’s smile was mysterious, "I’m keeping it to myself. "
John’s interest was heightened, "Come on, Thea. Have you found someone significant? "
Thea’s cheeks turned a bit pink, but she simply laughed and shook her head. John’s demeanor shifted to be supportive, "You can rely on me, Thea. I’m like an Elder brother to you. Anything you share will remain confidential. "
Thea’s voice was playfully skeptical, "Oo. . . I’ll consider revealing my secrets later, but. . . I simply cannot fathom that the charming and attractive.. Young Master Smith remains single. It’s odd, isn’t it? "
John’s reply was cheerful yet defensive, "I am single, Believe Me ! It’s not as if I’m concealing a hidden life or anything. I’m merely. . . still anticipating the right person to show up, I guess. " He grinned wryly, shaking his head at Thea’s teasing remark.
"I trust you, Brother John." Thea remarked with a grin, just as his phone started ringing, disrupting the quiet in the vehicle.
John’s gaze quickly shifted to the display on his dashboard, and he accepted the incoming call by tapping the controls mounted on the steering wheel. The car’s Bluetooth feature activated instantly, establishing a hands-free connection for the call.
"John, are you heading to the hospital? " Ryder’s voice resonated within the car.
John’s reply was succinct, "Yeah, I’m on my way. I’ll reach out to you later. " He promptly ended the call with another tap on the controls, redirecting his attention back to the road ahead.
"John, why is Ryder asking you to go to the hospital? Is everything alright? " Thea’s tone was imbued with worry, her eyes narrowing slightly as she awaited his answer.
John made an effort to appear casual, "Everything is fine. " However, Thea’s instinct suggested otherwise.
"John, are you concealing something from me? " she inquired, her voice colored with doubt.
John’s response was quick, "Concealing? Me? Absolutely not. " Yet, Thea’s expression stayed doubtful.
She reached for her phone, "I’ll call Ryder and inquire what’s happening. "
Just as she was about to make the call, John pulled the car over and halted her, his hand gently holding her wrist. "Don’t contact him." he said, his tone low and serious.
Thea’s gaze was fixed on his, her expression steadfast. "You’re certainly keeping something from me." she asserted, her voice resolute.
John’s demeanor remained composed, but Thea’s next question surprised him. "Are you unwell? " She reached out, placing her hands on his forehead as if assessing for a fever.
"Thea, I’m not unwell, and neither is Ryder. "
Thea’s eyes examined his face, seeking an explanation. "Then? " she urged, her voice fading into quiet.
John’s mouth remained closed, and the silence between them thickened. Thea eventually shut her eyes and leaned back into her seat, her voice barely above a murmur. "Alright, if you’re unwilling to express it, then don’t. " The atmosphere was laden with unspoken thoughts.
"It’s about Liam." John said finally, his eyes locking onto Thea’s as he confessed. Thea’s eyes, which had been closed, snapped open, and she looked at him with surprise.
"What happened to him?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
John hesitated for a moment before responding, "It’s about his father. He had surgery yesterday."
Thea’s expression turned worried. "Is he alright?" she asked, her voice tinged with anxiety.
John nodded reassuringly. "Yeah, he’s out of danger now."
Thea’s eyes narrowed slightly, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Then why are you being so secretive about it?"
John leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Actually, no one knew about it, besides me and Ryder."
Thea understood and she nodded solemnly. "Okay, I won’t tell anyone." she promised. "But can I give Liam a call? I won’t disclose that you told me..."
John hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Hmm, okay."
John started the vehicle, and as he started to drive, Thea faced him with yet another inquiry. "May I ask you one more thing? " she questioned, her inquisitiveness overpowering her.
John acknowledged her with a nod, his gaze directed at the path ahead. "Hmm, proceed..."
Thea’s tone was soft yet probing. "Why only you two people know about the incident?"
John’s demeanor shifted to one of seriousness, and he took a quick look at Thea before fixing his eyes back on the road. "Thea, his father suffered an accident that was nearly lethal, but thankfully, he has been survived." he explained, his voice calm and deliberate.
He hesitated briefly to gather his thoughts before elaborating. "Liam is certain that foul play was involved in his father’s accident.. He must take appropriate action, or else everything will fall apart." John continued, his gaze reflecting a subtle warning.
