The curtains, a crisp white with subtle navy blue stripes, hung gracefully from ceiling to floor, filtering the natural light and casting a warm glow across the room.
Sunlight spilled generously through the expansive window, bathing the carpet and modern furnishings in a soft radiance. Her gaze drifted to the bed, where Ryder rested, perfectly still. The steady rhythm of his breath was the only movement in the peaceful space.
She approached him, her eyes drinking in the sight of his pale face, his dark hair damp with sweat.Her hand instinctively reached out, her fingers brushing against his forehead, feeling the warmth and the dampness of his skin.
She saw the bowl of cold water on the table, a sign of his mother's care. Tears filled her eyes as she looked at Ryder, lying on his bed, and her heart ached with worry.
The sorrow of her parents' passing still scarred her heart, and the thought of losing Ryder too was excruciating. She gripped his hand tightly, her hold infused with urgency, as if anchoring him could keep him safe.
With a tender caress, she dampened a clean cloth in the fresh water, then laid it across Ryder's forehead, her fingers gently sweeping his hair back.
As she continued to wipe his face with the cool cloth, she sensed a subtle movement, a slight twitch of his eyelids.
Ryder's eyes began to flutter open, and she held her breath, her gaze locked on his face, captivated by the slow, sleepy blinks.
His eyes finally opened, and Thea's heart raced as she gazed into their depths. His waking face was a sight to behold - his eyes, though cloudy with fever,his lips curling into a faint smile as he beheld her.
Her breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of him, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't tear her eyes away from his face, drinking in the familiar features she had missed so dearly.
"Ryder?" she whispered.
Ryder's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to focus. "Thea.." he whispered back, his voice husky with sleep and fever.Her heart soared at the sound of his voice, "I'm here.."
Elizabeth walked into the room and was met with the view.
She couldn't help but smile as she surveyed the scene. She stepped inside, pausing as a quiet cough slipped past her lips.
Ryder's face lit up with a weak smile, his eyes still cloudy with fever. "Mother.." he whispered.
Elizabeth's hands tenderly stroked his face, her touch filled with love and concern. "How are you feeling,my son?" she asked, her voice soft and caring.
Ryder's gaze drifted to Thea, his eyes locking onto hers with a deep intensity. "I'm feeling a lot better, Mother." he replied, his voice stronger now. "Thanks to you all."
Her eyes met Thea's,"Thea, today you will have lunch with us, okay?"
Thea opened her mouth to speak—"Auntie, today—"
Elizabeth interrupted with a raised hand, her finger wagging in gentle admonishment. "Not today, Thea. Today, you're going to listen to me."
A sharp knock broke the silence, and in walked a figure bearing a bowl of fragrant soup. "Madam, the Young Master's meal."
Having dedicated herself to the Thompson family for decades, Mrs.Jane had been caring for the household since before Ryder's arrival.
She placed the bowl on the bedside table. "Thea can you help in feeding him..I have some work to do for now"
"Okay.. Auntie.."
"Okay then ...Son don't play any tricks on her."
She took the bowl from Elizabeth, her small hands cradling it with care.
"I can do it, Thea."
"No, today I will feed you. Didn't you hear Auntie ask me to feed you? Although I am young, I know how to feed others."
Ryder's eyes softened, his gaze filling with a deep affection as he looked at Thea. He knew she was right, and he was too weak to argue.