Chapter 9 Rainy Day Sleepover

• Theodore, his voice tinged with confusion, broke the silence. "What? What's the rush?"
• Jay, leaning against the wall, raised an eyebrow.
• The tension in the room was palpable. They all turned to Thaddeus simultaneously, each waiting for an explanation that lingered in the air like a whispered promise.
• Thaddeus remained silent, his expression cold and solemn, as if his words had never broken the silence.
• This left Theodore and Jay questioning their ears, uncertain if they had heard him speak.
• Theodore's excitement bubbled over. "Thad, my dear Thad... did my ears deceive me, or did you just drop a bombshell about tying the knot soon?"
• Thaddeus' icy stare could've frozen over a volcano. "You misheard, Theodore."
• Theodore waved his hands in protest. "Oh no, no, no! I most definitely did not mishear! Jay, buddy, you were there too, right? Thaddeus clearly mentioned 'soon'! What's the rush? I leave for a few days, and suddenly, there's wedding bells in the air..."
• Theodore's excitement surged uncontrollably.
• The news was utterly astonishing.
• This was Thaddeus, whom we were talking about!
• A man who was more celibate than a monk, a man who might not even react after taking aphrodisiacs!
• And now he claimed he was getting married soon!
• "Who? Who's the lucky lady?" Theodore's curiosity bubbled over like a pot on the stove too long. "Which family's daughter? What's she like? Is she a looker? In good shape?"
• At that moment, Theodore transformed into the quintessential concerned father, his questions pouring forth like a stream in springtime.
• Meanwhile, Thaddeus remained composed, reclining in his chair with effortless elegance. He appeared engrossed in the documents before him as if Theodore's barrage of questions hadn't even registered.
• Theodore's curiosity burned like wildfire, his interest gnawing at him until he couldn't hold back. "Thad... buddy, I'll handle the afternoon grind and whip up dinner; just spill the beans already! Who's the lucky lady?"
• Thaddeus, visibly annoyed by the commotion, couldn't hide his irritation. His expression darkened as he snapped, "Just leave!"
• But Theodore wasn't about to be brushed off that easily. "Oh, no way! You can't leave me hanging like this! Spill the beans, Thad! You're killing me with the suspense, Thad!"
• Theodore dug in his heels, his resolve clear as day. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he warned, "You know I can be dramatic, Thad. Don't make me break out the full theatrics."
• Thaddeus leveled a warning gaze at Theodore. "You still want that three-month stint in Africa?"
• Theodore's reaction was instant and over-the-top, choking up dramatically as tears cascaded down his cheeks.
• It was almost comically unfair.
• His curiosity ignited like wildfire; if he didn't get to the bottom of it, he might as well kiss sleep and appetite goodbye!
• Iris Garden.
• Athena enjoyed her time at home after being granted amnesty and relieved of her work duties.
• She spent her days looking after the little one, who stuck to her like glue, displaying exceptional behavior.
• In the evening, Athena concerned that he might grow bored, took him out for a stroll and picked up ingredients to prepare a nice meal for him that night.
• As she pondered, she couldn't help but think this must be the last time.
• Thaddeus refused to sleep on the couch, and Ronan wouldn't stay put either.
• Athena felt a pang of regret as she considered Ronan's impending departure. Yet, she also recognized that their time together was transient. Once they returned to the Sterlings, their connection would cease to exist.
• Later in the evening, Thaddeus arrived as promised.
• Athena wasn't surprised by Thaddeus' arrival. With a welcoming smile, she gestured him inside. "Dinner's ready, Mr. Sterling. Feel free to bite before you take the little one back."
• Thaddeus' expression carried weight as he responded, "I appreciate that. I've got Ronnie's things with me."
• Athena's reaction was a genuine surprise as she struggled to comprehend the implications of his words entirely.
• Thaddeus pressed on, his tone measured yet determined. "It appears Ronnie's grown quite attached. I'm here to propose something to Ms. Sinclair. Can Ronnie stay with you a little longer?"
• Athena's surprise was palpable. "Isn't this crossing a line?"
• Despite her fondness for Ronnie, she knew she couldn't be responsible for him indefinitely.
• Thaddeus sensed Athena's hesitation and spoke with genuine earnestness. "I understand it might be an inconvenience, but I'm earnestly seeking Ms. Sinclair's help. I won't sugarcoat it—Ronnie shows signs of autism. It's not always evident, but when he's upset, he withdraws, lashes out, and sometimes harms himself. I've consulted professionals and done my best to care for him, but I haven't found a solution yet. In the past, he hasn't bonded with anyone, but now, he seems to have formed a connection with you, hence my unconventional request."
• Athena's emotions swirled as she absorbed the revelation. She never imagined Ronnie could be facing such challenges.
• Watching him, seemingly completely ordinary, Athena couldn't help but wonder if Thaddeus was telling the truth.
• Yet, she reasoned, he had no motive to deceive her, especially considering the hundred-thousand-dollar reward she had received that morning because of Ronnie.
• With that in mind, Athena didn't refuse outright. "I've only known Ronnie for less than two days, so I doubt I've made that big of an impact on him. But... if you're comfortable leaving him here for now, it's an option. Just know that I can't be here during the day—I have work."
• "Understood." Thaddeus' response was calm and accepting.
• Satisfied that his request had been accepted, Thaddeus shifted gears. "Is dinner ready? I could use a bite."
• Athena nodded quickly. "Oh, yes, it's all set. I'll go dish it up."
• Athena's expression shifted as she spoke, a sudden realization dawning on her.
• Athena couldn't shake off the feeling that she was welcoming her husband back home.
• The very idea made her cringe.
• Ugh!
• She recoiled at the thought, feeling a wave of queasiness wash over her.
• During dinner, she prayed for Thaddeus to leave soon.
• Fate had other plans, and it seemed luck wasn't in Athena's favor.
• With a loud clap of thunder, torrents of rain cascaded down without mercy.
• Athena's gaze drifted to the window, her spirits sinking as she watched the relentless downpour.
• Thaddeus' eyes gleamed with interest as he spoke. "Ms. Sinclair, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now. Ronnie is in your capable hands."
• Athena's eyes widened in surprise. "Leave now? But the rain hasn't let up."
• Thaddeus shrugged casually. "The forecast calls for heavy rain tonight. It doesn't seem like it's going to stop anytime soon. Besides, it's getting late, and I wouldn't want to impose."
• Athena's heart sank with conflict.
• Driving in such weather was a gamble she wasn't willing to take.
• The thought of something happening on the road filled her with dread—she couldn't bear the guilt if it did.
• "If you don't mind, you can crash on the couch for the night," Athena offered awkwardly.
• A subtle smile played on Thaddeus' lips as he accepted. "Well then, I'll take you up on that offer."
• Athena couldn't shake the feeling of being hoodwinked.