Chapter 160: This Is My Little Bite
Thea pointed towards the curb in front, her hand reaching out from the passenger window. "You can drop me out here. I’ll walk the rest of the way. You ought to go to the hospital to check on Liam’s father. "
John acknowledged with a nod, his gaze shifting to the rearview mirror before moving to the roadside. Thea opened the door and stepped onto the sidewalk.
She approached the driver’s side, her smile warm as she tapped on the window gently. John rolled it down, a smile returning to his face as his eyes crinkled at the corners.
"Thank you, Young Master Smith," she expressed, her tone genuine. "I am grateful for you taking the time to drive me. It was very kind of you. "
John’s smile grew wider. "The pleasure was mine, Young Miss Klein. I’m just pleased I could assist you ... "
Thea waved as she said goodbye, her hand waving in the air. "Bye, bye. See you later. "
John nodded, observing her as she walked off, her silhouette vanishing into the crowd. Once she was out of sight, he allowed a soft smile to form, his gaze lingering on the vacant space she had occupied. Then, with a quiet exhale, he shifted the car into gear and drove away.
Thea stood in front of the impressive Wright Mansion, its magnificence breathtaking. She pressed the security bell, and the gentle chime was quickly succeeded by the door opening.
Lorie, the devoted butler of the Wright family, welcomed her with a soft smile. "Miss Thea," she said, her tone soft and comforting.
"Good afternoon, Grandma Lorie." she replied, her voice kind and affectionate.
Thea entered the mansion, and Lorie shut the door behind her, the soft sound of the lock resonating through the foyer. "Is Grandma Agnes resting? " Thea inquired, her tone soft.
"Yes, Miss Thea," Lorie answered.
Thea beamed affectionately. "Grandma Lorie, please don’t refer to me as Miss. Simply Thea will do. "
"You are Young Miss Wright’s closest friend. I ought to show you the appropriate respect. "
"Would you like a drink or a snack? " Lorie suggested.
Thea declined with a shake of her head. "No, I’m fine, thank you. I brought some fruit.." she stated, extending a packet.
"I’m heading to Charlotte’s room." Thea mentioned, already making her way toward the stairs.
Lorie nodded, her gaze trailing Thea’s departing form before she turned toward the kitchen, the packet of fruit held in her arms.
Thea gently knocked on the door prior to turning the handle and entering the room. Upon stepping inside, she discovered Charlotte reclining against the headboard of the bed, her nose buried deeply in a magazine.
"Charlotte, are you feeling alright? " Thea inquired, worry etched across her face.
She pulled a chair up next to the bed and took a seat, her eyes focused on Charlotte’s serene presence. Charlotte mumbled a reply, her voice only just audible.
"Hmm..." she responded, her gaze still fixed on the pages of her magazine. She did not look up, seemingly captivated by the text.
Thea’s interest was sparked. She leaned forward, her eyes wandering to the cover of the magazine. What had drawn Charlotte’s attention so completely?
Thea grabbed the magazine from Charlotte’s hands and started to flip through its pages. Out of nowhere, she forcefully closed the book with a loud noise.
"Have you lost your mind as well with the fever? "
"Didn’t like it?This is the new magazine I recently got in my hands.
Charlotte was really capable; she could lay her hands on any magazine.
She sneakily glanced at the back cover of the magazine, where a line of small print read: Strictly no browsing under the age of eighteen.
Grandma Agnes tapped lightly on the door. "Charlotte. . . "
Charlotte quickly concealed the magazine beneath her pillow, her pulse quickening. "Yes, Grandma? "
Grandma Agnes walked into the room, worry visible on her expression. "Are you feeling alright now, dear? "
Charlotte nodded, trying to seem casual. "Yes, Grandma. "
Thea welcomed Grandma Agnes warmly. "Good afternoon, Grandma. "
Grandma Agnes beamed and nodded before preparing to leave. "Alright, you two keep chatting. I’ll let you be now. " She shut the door behind her.
Once Grandma Agnes had departed, Thea faced Charlotte with a mischievous smile. "I should have told Grandma what you were reading." she whispered, her eyes glinting with delight.
Charlotte laughed playfully. "You’ve read it too, so you’re equally as guilty as I am. "
Thea lifted an eyebrow. "Do you genuinely find this kind of magazine fascinating? "
Charlotte nodded. "Hmm. . . I believe we ought to stay aware of these matters. Furthermore, your knowledge are significantly inferior to mine - you should work on that. "
Thea sighed dramatically. "I don’t need to. "
"Charlotte, you don’t need to accompany us tomorrow to drop off my grandma."
"Why not? " Charlotte inquired, her forehead creasing with worry.
"You have a fever," Thea reminded her. "We can’t take you out when you’re unwell. "
However, Charlotte was determined. "I’ll be okay. It’s just a mild fever. Please, allow me to come. "
Thea said softly, "My grandma says no, Charlotte. She’s worried about your fever.
And besides my grandma won’t permit it. Your well-being is more crucial. Sorry, Charlotte. "
Charlotte’s expression sank, and she sulked, glancing down in dismay.
"Young Miss Madam sends me. . " Lorie called out, her tone gentle.
"Come in.." Charlotte responded, shutting her magazine.
Lorie came in with a tray, containing a steaming bowl of soup, a plate of fresh pastry, and a glass of juice.
"Madam sent this for you, Miss Thea." she declared, placing the tray down.
Thea’s eyes brightened as Lorie handed her the plate of pastry and the glass of juice.
Charlotte observed, her interest aroused. "Where’s mine? " she inquired, her voice laced with anticipation.
Lorie beamed kindly. "Young Miss, this soup is for you. Madam wants you to eat something to help you feel better. "
Charlotte’s expression soured as she stared at the soup. "But it looks terrible." she griped.
Lorie’s demeanor stayed composed yet caring. "Young Miss, Madam said you ought to finish it all. It’s beneficial for you. "
Charlotte sulked, clearly not convinced. "I’ll eat it later." she mumbled.
Lorie acknowledged her. "Very well, Young Miss. But remember to finish it. "
Thea took a nibble of the pastry, relishing the sugary taste. Charlotte observed her, her eyes fixed yearningly on the dessert. She moistened her lips, her stare unchanging.
"Charlotte, you’re going to spoil my appetite if you keep looking at it like that." Thea chuckled.
Charlotte’s face brightened with a radiant grin as a thought occurred to her. "Baby, how about you let me have a ... little..small ...bite?" she inquired, her tone filled with enticement.
Thea declined, taking another piece of pastry into her mouth. "No, Charlotte. Your grandma specifically requested you to finish the soup.." she reminded her, munching leisurely.
Charlotte’s grin dimmed, but she remained persistent. She looked at Thea with imploring eyes, hoping to wear her down.
Thea set her spoon down and looked at Charlotte. "Don’t give me that expression." she remarked, her voice tinged with a gentle caution.
Charlotte’s eyes glimmered with mischief, yet she remained silent, her gaze yearningly fixed on the pastry.
Thea’s resolve weakened, and she gave in. "Just one bite.." she said, reaching out her hand to present the untouched pastry in front of Charlotte’s mouth.
"Take a bite, before I change my mind.." Thea added, her tone steady but her eyes revealing her playful spirit.
Charlotte’s face brightened with a glowing smile as she opened her mouth wide to take a big bite of the pastry. Thea’s eyes grew wide in feigned surprise.
"This is your little bite? " Thea inquired, arching an eyebrow as she stared at the considerable piece of pastry that had vanished into Charlotte’s mouth.
Charlotte paused, her mouth still filled with pastry, and her eyes twinkling with pleasure. She chewed slowly, relishing the flavor and texture of the sweet delight.
"Hmm. . . actually. . . It is.." Charlotte started, her voice muffled by the food, as she paused, clearly relishing the pastry too much to hurry.
"This is my little bite.." Charlotte stated, her eyes glimmering with mischief after she completed chewing the pastry.
Thea laughed softly and nodded. "Ah, I can imagine that. "
Charlotte’s smile wavered as Thea reminded her, "Finish your soup, Charlotte. "
Charlotte scrunched up her face in disgust. "No, I’m not going to eat it. It tastes so awful. "
