Chapter 91: Footsteps in the Dark
"That’s great." John smiled.
"Ryder, why are you not speaking any words to her?" John asked. Ryder kept silent, his eyes fixed on his phone as he continued to scroll through it. Thea, too, didn’t feel like talking to him, as she recalled their past encounter.
"You guys enjoy your meal.." Thea said, deciding to leave.
"Wait, you can join us too," John suggested.
"John..." Ryder said, his voice trailing off.
"Do you have any issues with it, Ryder?" John looked at Ryder as he asked.Thea looked at Ryder, assuming maybe he was still angry with her.
"I have some other work to carry out... You guys continue.." Thea said quickly, before turning and leaving the table to head back to the kitchen.
Mrs. Evelyn turned to her with a curious expression as she entered the kitchen. "Those men are handsome, right?" she asked, seeking validation. Thea nodded in agreement, "Yes." Mrs. Evelyn continued, "When I first saw them, I was astonished to find them handsome. Even at my age, a woman finds these men handsome." She chuckled at her own words.
"Aunty, the handsome man you are talking about. There is one whom you know." Thea said.
"Who?" Mrs Evelyn asked, curious.
"Ryder.." Thea answered.
"Did he arrive from abroad?"
"Hmm.." Thea responded.
"Then I have to meet him later. I haven’t seen him for a long time.."Mrs. Evelyn said.
"He is here with his friends."
"Did you two fight?" John asked as he looked at his friend Ryder.
"No." Ryder spoke, his expression unreadable.
"But from the look of your face, it seems that you have." John said, noticing Ryder’s somber mood.
Ryder didn’t say any words in response, instead continuing to eat his meal in silence.
"The dishes here are delicious." Liam spoke up, changing the subject.
After they finished their meals, they went to the counter, where Thea was calculating the day’s income.
"Have you enjoyed the dishes?"
Thea asked, smiling.
"Yes, the dishes here are delicious, just like a homemade touch." John answered.
"Right, Ryder?" John glanced at Ryder, seeking his agreement, but Ryder remained silent.
Mrs.Evelyn stepped forward, her eyes shining with warmth, and stood beside Thea. "So, did you all enjoy the dishes?" she asked, her gaze sweeping across the group.
She had mentioned Ryder’s name earlier.
As Mrs.Evelyn gazed at Ryder.She had caught glimpses of him before, perhaps once or twice, but this was the first time she had seen him up close. His features were more defined, his eyes more piercing, and his presence more captivating than she had initially thought.
"This is Aunt Evelyn, the owner of this restaurant."
John spoke up, his voice filled with sincerity. "Nice to meet you, Madam Evelyn. The dishes here are truly exceptional."
"I’m John." he added, extending his hand.
Liam followed suit. "I’m Liam."
"He’s Ryder."John introduced him on his behalf.
Mrs Evelyn’s face lit up with a warm smile. "Ah, Mr. Thompson, nice to finally meet you."
"Nice to meet you, Madam Evelyn." Ryder said, his voice courteous, as he extended his hand.
Mrs.Evelyn’s expression radiated delight as she accepted his handshake. "The pleasure is indeed mine, Mr Thompson. I’m thrilled to hear that you’ve savored our culinary offerings with such relish."
With a gracious smile, she addressed the group. "As friends of Thea, you’re warmly welcomed as my guests. Please consider these dishes a complimentary gesture, a symbol of our newfound acquaintance."
Ryder’s phone rang, and he excused himself to take the call. Liam whispered to John, "It’s getting late; we should leave."
John nodded in agreement and turned to Evelyn. "So, Madam Evelyn, thank you for the treat."
Mrs.Evelyn smiled graciously. "You don’t have to thank me for this. Feel free to come here whenever you feel like it."
With that, she excused herself and headed to the kitchen. John turned to Thea and said, "Thea, then see you later."
Liam echoed, "See you in the university."
Thea walked with them to John’s car, bidding them goodbye as they prepared to leave. Liam settled into the passenger seat, and John waved his hand, indicating for Thea to come closer to the car.
"Did you two fight?" John asked, his voice low and Thea recalled the scene, "I touched one of his old photos; he got irritated."
John burst out laughing. "Maybe that’s why he’s still sulking."
Thea smiled, "Maybe."
"Shall we drop you home?"
"No, you go ahead. I’ll go home after a while." Thea replied, waving her hand dismissively.
As the car drove off, Thea waved goodbye, watching as they disappeared into the distance. She then returned to the restaurant, where she spent some time cleaning up before closing the doors for the night.
The restaurant was nestled beneath Mrs.Evelyn’s house, a cozy arrangement that had been established five years ago when Mrs.Evelyn and her late husband first arrived in the area. At that time, they had recently opened the restaurant, filling the space with warmth and the tantalizing aromas of Evelyn’s culinary creations.
The night was quiet, leaf rustling breaking the stillness. It would take about fifteen minutes to walk home from the restaurant, a familiar route she had taken countless times before. But as she strolled along, she couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was following her.
At first, she tried to brush it off as mere paranoia, but the sensation only intensified as she walked. She quickened her pace, her heart beating slightly faster, and that’s when she knew for certain - the person was keeping pace with her, their footsteps mirroring hers in a way that sent a shiver down her spine.
Her instincts screamed at her to move faster, and she did, her feet carrying her swiftly down the sidewalk.
Her ankle seared with pain as she attempted to flee, her feet pounding the pavement in a frantic bid for freedom. But before she could escape, a hand clamped down on her wrist like a vice, jerking her to a halt.
Fear exploded through her veins as she spun around, her heart racing with terror. "Why are you running faster?" a voice thundered, the words dripping with disapproval. "Just a few days ago, you sprained your leg, and now you’re recklessly running?"
Her eyes locked onto the face of her captor, her mind reeling with shock and confusion. "What are you doing here?" she demanded.
"I was just passing by the street." Ryder replied, his voice low and even, but his grip on her wrist unyielding.
"At this time of night? Do you really think I’m buying that?" She tried to twist her arm free, but Ryder’s hold only tightened.
"You work at that restaurant? Why haven’t I heard about it before?"
Her voice rose in defiance. "Why should you need to know about it?"
The tension eased slightly as Ryder released his grip on her wrist. "I want to say some words to you." he said, his voice softening.
"Say it, I’m listening." Thea replied, massaging her wrist as she eyed him warily.
"Let me take you home.." Ryder offered, taking her hands in his.
Thea pulled away, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Ryder, I’m not a kid. If I want to survive in this world, I have to depend on myself. You won’t always be there to help me. What if one day..."
She trailed off, and Ryder’s eyes narrowed. "Why did you stop? Continue what you were about to say."
"Forget it. It’s getting late. You should return home now."
Ryder’s jaw set. "I will, after you arrive safely."
Her gaze flicked to the empty street. "Where’s your car?" she asked, remembering he hadn’t driven up.Ryder explained, "My assistant took it to the mechanic. He’ll come to take me home."
As they walked side by side, Ryder’s gaze wandered down the street, his eyes clouding with nostalgia. "After a long time, I’m walking down this street again," he mused.
As they approached the park, Thea pace slowed. "Wait...you have time?"
Ryder nodded, his expression indulgent. "Yes, I do."
Thea’s gaze drifted to the bench, her voice soft. "I want to relax on that bench for a bit.Will you accompany me?"
Ryder followed her gaze. "Ah, that bench. Why not?" He gestured for her to lead the way.
She settled onto the bench, her eyes closing as she let out a contented sigh. Ryder sat down beside her, his presence warm and comforting to her.
