Chapter 50: Didn’t You Know It?
"Tell me, then, what are you doing now?" Thea asked, turning the tables on John.
"Yes, you can say that." John admitted. "There’s pressure, work, and all that exists."
"Are you feeling insecure here?" John asked, his eyes scanning Akai’s face.
"Yes, a little bit.." Thea confessed finally. "You know I haven’t attended anything like this before, and there are many people here whom I don’t know. I feel like I’m present in a place where strangers are giving me strange looks."
"Then let me accompany you." John suggested, his face softening with empathy. "So you won’t feel insecure."
"Won’t it delay your time if you accompany me?" Thea asked, her voice tinged with hesitation.
"Well there is no harm in accompanying a friend.." John smiled as he replied, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"Hey, do you want some juice?" John asked her.
Her eyes lit up. "Hmm, I’d love some mango juice, please." she said.
"Okay, wait here for me.." John said before hurrying off to the table laden with an array of colorful desserts and refreshing juices.
Thea stood there, her gaze wandered around the room, taking in the lively atmosphere. But then, her eyes landed on Ryder, standing beside Savannah as she charmed the guests with her bright smile. Thea’s heart skipped a beat as she felt a pang of longing. Ryder seemed distant, like a stranger, and it filled her with a sense of melancholy.
Just then, John returned with a glass of mango juice and a selection of sweet treats. "Here, enjoy!" he said, his eyes sparkling with kindness.
Thea’s gaze met John’s, and she asked, "Aren’t you having any juice?"
"No, I’ll have some later... with him."
Thea’s heart understood whom John was referring to. She took a sip of the juice, the sweetness momentarily lifting her spirits, but her eyes couldn’t help drifting back to Ryder, her heart aching with a mix of emotions.
"Hello everyone. Welcome here. Today, I am honored to have you all present at the birthday party of my dear daughter, Savannah." Julian said, giving a speech as he hosted the party.
"Now it’s time to cut the cake." the announcement was made.
The door of the hall opened, and a big cake was brought onto the stage.
The cake was a majestic, multi-tiered masterpiece with edible glitter. The base tier was a rich, velvety chocolate, while the middle and top tiers were a delicate, creamy white. Delicate sugar flowers in shades of pink and lavender cascaded down the sides, adding a touch of elegance to the already-stunning dessert.
On top of the cake, in bold, golden letters, was written "Happy Birthday Savannah" in a beautiful, cursive script. The cake was surrounded by a halo of soft, golden light, making it the centerpiece of the room and the crowning glory of the party.
"After a long time, we are celebrating our daughter’s birthday.." her father continued.
Thea leaned in close to John and whispered, "Why is he saying they are celebrating Miss Sawyer’s birthday after a long time? Did anything happen?"John looked at her curiously. "Don’t you know?"
Thea shook her head. "No."
John explained, "Well, she too went to Scotland for 4 years."Thea’s eyes widened in shock.
"But didn’t Ryder tell you that Savannah was with us in Scotland?"John continued, "Savannah’s parents decided to send her to Scotland for her future studies."
Thea was shocked upon learning the news. "Did you mean Ryder went to Scotland for her?"
John nodded. "Yes, you can say that. But I don’t exactly know why he made such a decision." He himself was not aware why his friend had made that choice at the time.
Thea’s mind was racing with thoughts, her eyes fixed on Ryder across the room. "Why did he go to Scotland for Savannah?" she wondered, a mix of emotions swirling inside her.
During the four long years, she had held onto the hope of Ryder’s return. She had waited eagerly for his messages, cherishing every single word he sent her way. Even a simple "Good morning" from him was a treasure to her.
She clutched the memories of their time together, holding them close to her heart. But despite the happy recollections, she couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was missing from her life. She missed Ryder terribly, the ache of his absence a constant reminder of their distance.
"Why didn’t he tell me?"Thea asked herself, a hint of sadness creeping into her voice. "Did he forget about me?"
John, noticing her distress, placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Are you okay?"
Thea forced a smile, trying to brush off her emotions. "Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little surprised, that’s all."
But deep down, she knew she wasn’t fine. She felt lost and confused, unsure of her place in Ryder’s life. The revelation had left her with more questions than answers, and she couldn’t help but wonder what the future held for them.
As the guests began to sing the birthday song, her gaze drifted away from Savannah and into the past. She remembered the last birthday she celebrated with her parents, when she was just 4 years old.
It was a sunny day, filled with laughter and joy. Her parents had thrown her a small party, complete with balloons, streamers, and a big chocolate cake.Her eyes sparkled as she recalled the excitement she felt, surrounded by loved ones, feeling like the center of the universe.
"Happy birthday, sweetie!" her mother had exclaimed, hugging her tight.
"Make a wish,Thea!" her father had chimed in, helping her blow out the candles.Thea’s heart swelled with happiness as she remembered the love and warmth of that moment. She had felt so safe, so loved, with her parents by her side.
But now, as she watched Savannah celebrate her birthday with her parents, Thea couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. She missed her parents dearly, and the pain of their absence still lingered.Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she turned her attention back to the present.
After Savannah cut the cake, she fed a slice to her parents, and then to Ryder, who was standing beside her. Ryder, in turn, fed a slice to Savannah, their eyes locking in for a moment.
Thea watched the scene, her heart swelling with emotions. She felt a lump form in her throat as she tried to hold back tears. John, noticing her distress, asked softly, "Are you okay?"
Thea quickly rubbed her eyes, trying to brush away the tears. "Yes, I’m fine. I think some dust might have entered my eyes.." she said, trying to hide her true feelings.
John didn’t press the issue, knowing that Thea had lost her parents at a young age. He understood that the scene might have brought back painful memories.
Just then, Savannah approached them with small bowls of cake. "John, Thea, here, take the cake.." As Savannah walked away, John turned to Ryder and teased, "Ryder, I see you have forgotten about us?"
Ryder looked taken aback. "Why are you saying that?"
John chuckled. "Don’t take it to heart, I was just kidding."
Ryder’s expression softened. "What were you two doing?"
John replied, "I was accompanying her since you’re busy with other things. She was feeling a little insecure here."
Ryder’s gaze drifted towards Thea "That’s why I’m at ease, at least you’re here to accompany her."
Thea’s heart ached as she heard Ryder’s words. She thought to herself, ’He’s at ease while I wanted him to accompany me, at least for a moment.’ She felt a pang of longing, wishing Ryder would notice her, would choose to be with her. But he seemed oblivious to her feelings, and Thea was left to nurse her heartache in silence.
Ryder softly ruffled Thea’s hair, his touch sending shivers down her spine. "I think this guy is not bothering you at all.." he said with a gentle smile.
Thea finally regained her senses and shook her head, trying to clear the cobwebs.Just then, a man approached them, his silver hair gleaming in the light. He had a kind face, with wrinkles etched into his skin from years of smiling. His eyes twinkled with warmth behind his wire-rimmed glasses.
"Mr. Thompson, Mr. Smith..." he said, his voice booming with gentle authority.
Ryder replied, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Raymond."
Mr. Raymond’s eyes sparkled with interest. "I heard you two have returned from abroad and inherited your company."
John nodded. "Yes, Mr. Raymond, we have returned not long ago."Mr. Raymond’s gaze turned to Thea "And this lady... I don’t remember I have seen this pretty lady previously."
Ryder replied, "She is our childhood friend."
Mr. Raymond’s face lit up with a warm smile. "Oh, nice to meet you, Miss..." He extended his hand for a handshake.Thea took it, her hand enveloped in his firm but gentle grip. "Nice to meet you, sir. I am Alethea Klein."
