Chapter 65: I Don’t Trust
"Did you find me handsome?" Ryder asked as he laughed.
"Ryder I didn’t mean that.I wanted to say you are looking handsome today."she quickly replied.
"Only today?"he asked back.
"I..I m..mean you are handsome so you will always look handsome."she replied as her face blushed.
"Ha ha ."he laughed suddenly.
"What’s there to laugh?"she asked him nervously.
"I am not a ghost.Are you getting afraid of me?"he asked .
"No."Thea replied.
"Sorry but I can’t control teasing you."Ryder finally replied.
Thea stared at Ryder’s face, drawn inexplicably to his laughter. She hadn’t watched him smile so extensively for a long time, his whole face beaming with happiness and his eyes gleaming brightly. She was drawn in by the sincere joy that was imprinted on his face and became engrossed in warmth reflected in his smile. Time stopped for a second, and both of them were just two people in the world, enjoying this special moment together.
Ryder looked at her face and found her face had turned red so he decided not to tease her further.
He took out a sealed water bottle and passed it to her.She took the bottle from his hand , opened the cap and took a sip of it.
As Thea stepped out of the car, she gazed up at the grandeur of Ryder’s family old mansion, its stone facade weathered to a warm, honey-brown hue. The sprawling estate, nestled among towering trees, exuded an air of elegance and nostalgia. A meandering driveway, lined with vibrant flowers and manicured hedges, led to the entrance.
Before the mansion, a majestic fountain danced with water, its melodic splashes creating a soothing serenade. The sound of gently burbling water and chirping birds filled the air, transporting her back to a simpler time.
To the side, a lush garden beckoned, its vibrant blooms spilling onto winding pathways. A charming wooden swing, suspended from a sturdy branch, swayed gently in the breeze, inviting all to sit and linger. The sweet scent of blooming roses and fresh-cut grass wafted through the air, further enchanting the atmosphere.
Memories of her first visit, when she was 10, came flooding back. She recalled exploring the mansion’s nooks and crannies, chasing after Ryder and laughing together in the very garden she now admired. The mansion, with its rich history and warm charm, felt like a warm embrace, welcoming her back after all these years.
When Thea and Ryder had stepped out of the car, a familiar figure emerged from the mansion’s entrance.Edwin,the butler who had been serving Ryder’s grandparents for decades, stood at attention, his eyes warm and welcomed. His silver hair, combed impeccably, shone in the sunlight.
Edwin Wembley, a stalwart figure with a kind face and a dignified demeanor, stood outside to greet them. His silver hair was combed back, revealing a prominent forehead. He wore a white button-down shirt, dark grey trousers, a pair of polished black loafers and a simple, classic watch adorned his wrist.
"Young master Ryder, Miss Thea," he said, "it’s a pleasure to see you both again."
Ryder smiled, and Thea nodded, as Edwin Wembley’s eyes, warm and kind, met theirs. He had been a constant presence in Ryder’s life, a steady and reassuring figure, and Thea had always felt at ease around him.
Upon entering, Thea was familiar with the interior of this mansion.Soft light spilled from crystal sconces, casting a gentle radiance on the rich, dark wood paneling that adorned the walls. The air was scented with the faintest hint of lavender.
A magnificent crystal chandelier hung from the foyer’s ceiling, its sparkling beauty reflected in the polished side tables below, where elegant candelabras stood.
To the left, the library’s floor-to-ceiling shelves stretched toward the ceiling, their leather-bound volumes adorned with gilt lettering, whispering tales of centuries past. Comfortable armchairs, upholstered in rich, velvety fabrics.
"Miss Thea ,let me take you to your room."old Edwin turned to Thea as he said with a smile.
"Uncle Edwin, you really don’t have to," Ryder said, stepping forward. "I’ll take care of showing her to her room."
"Okay young master."He bowed slightly and turned to disappear down the hallway, leaving Ryder and Thea in the hallway.
"Let go.."Ryder turned to climb the stairs.
He led the way, his footsteps confident and familiar, while she followed closely behind, her eyes fixed on the back of his head.
Finally, they reached the second floor, and Ryder stopped in front of a door.He turned the door knob before opening the door of the room.
"Go and get fresh.Grandfather would pester you today."Ryder smiled as he uttered.
Thea stepped inside and stood in front of him face to face.She smiled as she heard Ryder’swords.
"Ryder ,nothing has changed in this house."Thea exclaimed as she uttered.
"Yes."Ryder nodded his head as he replied." Some things remain constant, no matter the passage of time."
Thea’s gaze lingered on his face, and then she urged,"Okay you too go and take some rest in your room."
"My room is beside your.If you have any problem you can ask me."Ryder said before he made his way towards his room which was beside her.
She closed the door after he disappeared from the view and she leaned against the door with her hands behind her back as she had a smile on her face.
She looked inside the room.The walls were painted with pale blue colour, and the floor was made of polished marble.An armchair sat in one corner, accompanied by a floor lamp and a side table stacked with books.
The bed, adorned with pillows and a soft, white duvet. A crystal vase on the bedside table held a single, long-stemmed rose, its petals a soft, velvety red.
A large, ornate mirror hung above the dresser, reflecting the light from the crystal sconces that flanked it, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. The dresser itself was a beautiful piece.There was a knock Thea went to open the door to find old Edwin was standing as she handed her a packet.
"There are some clothes Madam asked to send it to you."he replied."Has Grandparents arrived?" She took the packet from his hand and asked.
"Yes Miss.They arrived just a few minutes ago. "He replied before he made his way downstairs.
The clock was showing at 9 o’clock.
She quickly went to take a bath.The bathroom was spacious and elegantly appointed. A large bathtub sat prominently in the space ,while a mirror and cabinet hung on one wall. The floor was made of gleaming white marble, adding a touch of luxury to the space.
She came out wearing a white robe.Then she opened the packet to see the set of dresses Rosie had prepared for her.One was a night dress and some dresses she could wear.
She opted for a soft pastel pink frock with a relaxed fit, a round neckline, and white trim along the neckline and short sleeves.The dress was knee-length .It was a comfortable and effortless choice.She wore it before going to downstairs.
In the living room...
Rosie and Elder Edward were sitting together on the sofa.
"Are you finding a problem here ?"Rosie asked as she asked as she saw her coming downstairs.
Thea shook her head .
"Where is Uncle and Aunty?",she asked, looking around the room.
"They will arrive later.." Rosie replied with a gentle smile."Thea, come and sit beside me," Elder Edward motioned, patting the couch cushion beside him.She walked over and sat down beside Elder Edward.
"Why is that brat not coming yet?" he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of annoyance.
Thea’s smile illuminated her face as she turned to her grandfather. "Grandpa, I should thank you for your choice."
"For what?" he asked back.
"For the desserts.." she laughed. "I know you choose the favourite of mine."
Elder Edward’s eyes narrowed playfully. "Who told you, hmm?"Rosie smiled mischievously. "I told her, darling."
Elder Edward chuckled. "Thus, I don’t trust women . They can’t keep secrets at all."
Rosie’s eyes sparkled with amusement. "Am I also?"Elder Edward’s expression softened. "No, darling. I’m not talking about you."
Rosie smiled at Thea and uttered, "Thea, sweetie, could you please go get Ryder? Your grandfather is going to drive us crazy if we don’t hurry up."
