Chapter 8 Invisible String

• Athena's eyes widened in disbelief as the words reached her ears. "What do you mean by 'bed-sharing'?" she pondered silently, her mind racing with confusion. You are quite imposing."
• Doubt crept into her thoughts. Could this person indeed be Thaddeus?
• The air of nobility and aloofness surrounding Thaddeus seemed to vanish with just two words. Athena couldn't fathom how someone with such a reputation could speak so boldly.
• Thaddeus swiftly recalibrated, his demeanor returning to its aloof facade with practiced ease. "Apologies," he murmured, his voice regaining its calm composure. "Seems Ronnie's in need of a bath. Might need to trouble Ms. Sinclair."
• Athena snapped back to reality and replied, "No problem."
• After responding, Athena frustratedly realized how effortlessly the conversation had been diverted.
• Rather than foolishly bringing it up again, she resignedly turned away, shifting her focus to finding clothes for Ronnie.
• Although seemingly small, the place was fully equipped, with a wardrobe brimming with children's clothes.
• Over the past five years, Athena had diligently prepared them for that child, knowing they would never cross paths in this lifetime.
• Despite this, she continued to read one or two sets every year for every season.
• Ronnie was around the same age, so Athena didn't hesitate before selecting a set of cute cow-patterned pajamas from the top shelf.
• They were undeniably adorable.
• However, when it came to Thaddeus, she found herself in a bind, realizing she didn't have any clothes to fit him.
• But Thaddeus didn't mind.
• Twenty minutes later, a freshly-scented Ronnie emerged from the bathroom, cradled in Athena's arms. He was adorned in cow-patterned pajamas, a surprisingly perfect fit that made it seem like they had been tailor-made just for him.
• As Thaddeus witnessed the scene, a contemplative gleam flickered in his eyes, hinting at an unspoken query hovering on the tip of his tongue.
• Yet, with a momentary pause, he stifled his curiosity, allowing the moment to pass unspoken.
• Athena had no plans to explain further. They had only known each other for less than a day, and even if they were more intimately acquainted, she wasn't keen on delving into the past too deeply.
• With a tender gesture, Athena carried Ronnie into the room before turning her attention to Thaddeus. She fetched a clean blanket and handed it to him gently, her voice softening as she spoke, "The sofa might not be the most comfortable for you. Here, take this."
• "It's alright. Thank you for tonight," Thaddeus expressed with a touch of gratitude.
• As he accepted the blanket, his fingers inadvertently brushed against Athena's hand, sparking a fleeting connection between them.
• Their skin brushed, and Athena's reaction was palpable. A sudden tension seized her, her cheeks flushing with a telltale hue of embarrassment. In that fleeting moment, discomfort flashed across her face as she swiftly withdrew her hand, a silent retreat from the unexpected intimacy.
• Thaddeus, however, remained trapped by the sensation, his gaze drifting into a distant reverie. His eyes held a faint haze, captivated by unspoken thoughts, lost in the aftermath of their brief connection.
• Inexplicably, Thaddeus felt his defenses against Athena crumble in that fleeting touch.
• It was an unparalleled sensation, vivid and inexplicably profound, leaving him bewildered yet undeniably affected.
• Athena had no idea what Thaddeus was thinking. After returning to her room, she took the pajamas and went to take a shower.
• The presence of a man in the house brought about numerous inconveniences.
• Thankfully, Athena's modesty shone through in her choice of pajamas, ensuring they were proper and decent. When she entered the room, she found Thaddeus lying on the sofa, his eyes firmly shut, breathing calmly and steadily.
• It seemed like he had drifted off to sleep.
• With relief, Athena quieted the light and prepared to retire for the night.
• Unbeknownst to her, the man behind her suddenly opened his eyes at that very moment.
• His deep eyes, as dark as night, locked onto her figure.
• Athena's slender form was enveloped in a modest one-piece pajama adorned with a playful cartoon bear pattern that exuded a hint of childlike innocence. Yet, inexplicably, Thaddeus felt a sudden surge of heat in the depths of his abdomen as his gaze lingered on her.
• A part of him, typically held in staunch self-restraint, stirred with a subtle yet undeniable reaction.
• It was as if a sudden spark had ignited within him, resonating with a quiet but unmistakable desire.
• 'Bang!'
• The door shut, leaving Thaddeus to wrestle with a whirlwind of emotions. His eyes betrayed his disbelief as he struggled to quell the restlessness within.
• It was incomprehensible—he had developed feelings for a woman he had only known for less than a day.
• With the morning light filtering through the curtains, Athena awoke to discover Thaddeus had departed. A note was left on the table: 'Had to handle some business. Ronnie's in your capable hands. I'll swing by later to pick her up. Don't fret about any work disruptions—I'll make it up to you.'
• Upon reading the note, Athena was left utterly speechless, her mind swirling with disbelief. What kind of father would entrust his child to a near stranger? Was Thaddeus indeed that trusting or simply oblivious to any potential risks?
• Despite her silent frustrations, Athena swiftly retrieved her phone, dialing her manager's number to request a day off.
• Initially, Athena felt a wave of hopelessness wash over her. After all, the company was amid a bustling period, making her chances of securing time off seem slim.
• To Athena's surprise, the manager agreed without hesitation. "I'm well aware of your crucial role in the Sterling Group banquet negotiations," he affirmed. "The success of this deal rests squarely on your shoulders, Thea. You must seize this opportunity with both hands. And if you do, there's a hefty bonus waiting for you at the end of the month— one hundred thousand!"
• Athena was surprised.
• One hundred thousand?
• It dawned on her suddenly—this bonus could cover her mother's medical expenses for months.
• She never imagined she'd benefit so generously from her involvement with Ronnie!
• At this moment, inside Mr. Sterling's office at Sterling Group.
• Jay rattled off the day's packed schedule to Thaddeus in a sleek conference room at Sterling Group. "Nine AM: senior management meeting. Ten AM: shareholders meeting. Eleven AM: remote conference with our overseas branch. Two PM: meeting with Mr. Kingsley from Asia Pacific Bank. Four PM: golf with Mr. Everhart from UnityGlobal Group. Seven PM: mandatory attendance at Mr. Huxley's birthday bash."
• Thaddeus remained focused on his documents, not once lifting his gaze. "I'll handle the morning's meetings. Have Theo represent me for the rest."
• As Jay prepared to respond with a simple "okay," a voice of astonishment suddenly echoed outside the door. "Why is it that I'm bombarded with an avalanche of work madness the moment I step in? Seriously, bro, are you trying to drive me insane? I just returned from a business trip—I haven't even had a chance to catch my breath yet!"
• The person who came in was Thaddeus' younger brother, Theodore Sterling, who was also the second in command of Sterling Group.
• Though he seemed carefree and indifferent, he was no less severe than Thaddeus regarding essential matters. Additionally, he was incredibly handsome, with a charming and elegant demeanor. Often representing Sterling Group in the media, he had a legion of admirers, with countless women swooning over him.
• His popularity was on par with Thaddeus'.
• As soon as he stepped across the threshold, he abruptly halted, his expression hinting at a desire to escape.
• Thaddeus turned his gaze slowly, his eyes sharp as a knife, and ordered in a tone that brooked no argument, "Come in."
• Theodore reluctantly hummed and walked in.
• Jay greeted him sympathetically, "Mr. Theodore."
• Theodore waved his hand in acknowledgment before extending a document toward Thaddeus.
• Theodore, merely intending to drop off the document, was unexpectedly embroiled in a heated exchange. Desperate to salvage the situation, he attempted to plead his case. "Thad, I've got plans tonight. I might not be able to fill in for you."
• Thaddeus' voice sliced through the tension like a knife. "Your endless romps and flings can't be put on hold for even a single night."
• "That's not fair!" Theodore shot back, his frustration evident. "This time, I've gone all out to make it happen!"
• Thaddeus sneered, "Wasting your time on drinking and carousing, without any real achievements, is a fool's errand. If you've got the guts, find yourself a woman and settle down. Mom and Dad would be over the moon."
• Thaddeus' words sent Theodore stumbling back three big steps, his eyes wide with fear. "Whoa, Thad, ease up on the scary talk, okay? I'm all about the bachelor lifestyle. I'm not about to sacrifice my freedom for some dame. And Dad? He's getting chewed out by Mom daily. Seeing that, life feels like a dark comedy."
• "You're not getting any younger, Thad. Mom showed me a whole stack of photos of eligible young ladies the other day. Gotta say, some of them were pretty easy on the eyes. I could totally hook you up."
• Theodore glanced at him warily. "Don't pressure me," he warned, his tone deadpan but a flicker of amusement in his eyes.
• Tears rose in Theodore's eyes, his voice trembling with sadness and frustration. "I'm not ancient, okay? I'm just 27 this year, only two years younger than you. And hey, you're not exactly hitched yet, so why should I rush into it?"
• Thaddeus fell silent for a beat, then offered a cryptic response, his tone teasingly mysterious. "Who knows... it might just happen sooner than you think."