Thea finally admitted why she gave Chantelle a cut. From the mont she entered the house, her eyes were already checking the place, hoping to catch a glimpse of her favorite couple.
Chantelle felt like she had just made things worse for herself.
"Thea, we’re both won. But you should really keep your thoughts to yourself. When you et Daniel and Philip, don’t stare. Don’t make it obvious. I’m begging you."
"Relax. Do I look like soone who drools? I’ve seen plenty of hot-looking n. I won’t scream even if they walk up wearing the sa pants!"
"You better an that!"
"OMG, Chantelle! T-That soft-looking guy—he’s the one who stripped Daniel, right? He’s so hot!"
"Thea!"
"Huh?"
"We had a deal. What happened to not screaming?"
"Okay, okay. I’ll stay calm."
"You’re drooling? That soft-looking guy might think you’re planning to devour him..."
At the end of the long dining table, Dr. Philip Collins was staring at a rare celadon vase Russell had brought. The colors were rich, and the details were fine. As a collector of antiques, Philip couldn’t take his eyes off it.
"Russell, this is stunning!" Philip said. "The glaze and the craftsmanship are amazing!"
"Dr. Collins, it’s yours if you want it. We’re both in the sa field, and we work for the sa people. I’m sure I’ll need your help soday," Russell said honestly.
Philip loved the vase, but he wasn’t soone who made friends easily or gave favors without reason. Still, Russell had a point. They worked for the sa circle. Philip was close to Daniel. Russell worked for Chantelle. And Daniel and Chantelle were almost family.
There was no real reason to turn down the gift.
"You’re too kind, Russell! Like you said, we’re almost family. I’ll accept it as a sign of friendship. Co visit my lab anyti!" Philip said.
"Sure thing!" Russell grinned. "Anyone close to Chantelle is a friend of mine. You’re welco to visit my hospital anyti, buddy!"
"Of course, of course!" Philip replied with a smile, gently placing the vase back in its case. The two doctors began chatting about recent dical news and breakthroughs.
While they were talking, Philip suddenly felt a strange chill, like soone was watching him. When he turned around, he found himself face to face with Thea. It gave him the shock of his life.
"You... what kind of magic is this?!" Philip clutched his chest.
"Oh, just a mix of mugwort and salt," Thea joked, resting one leg on the chair next to him like a bold conqueror.
"Oh? Then is it alright if I call for help?" Philip laughed, now amused by her playful energy.
"Sure, but I don’t think anyone would co to help you even if you scread your lungs out..." Thea said with a smirk.
"Mr. Wilson, save !" Philip shouted, pretending to be scared. His voice echoed through the dining room. He even took a sip of water before yelling again. But Daniel Wilson was nowhere to be found.
"Looks like no one’s coming," Philip sighed. "I guess I’m your prisoner now. Where are you taking ? I might not look like it, but I’m really not built for long trips..." he added, trying to play along.
"Wa ha ha ha! Chantie, you were right! This guy is such a weirdo—I love it!" Thea laughed loudly, eyeing Philip with amusent. She stepped to the side, revealing Chantelle Bently behind her. Philip felt quite proud of himself for making Thea laugh.
"Chantie, I told you! There’s no way he’s the one wearing the pants in a relationship!" Thea said between laughs. Her voice wasn’t too loud, but Philip heard every word.
His smile faded as the words sank in, and his face turned pale.
Chantelle was stunned too. She didn’t expect things to turn out like this. She let out a sigh and looked around the room.
That’s when she saw Daniel walking in from the patio. His face was gloomy and serious.
Thea really didn’t know when to stop talking.
"Thea, I just rembered I left my phone in the restroom!" Chantelle said, trying to co up with a reason to leave.
"Oh? But your phone’s in your hand!" Thea replied, not realizing what was going on.
Chantelle didn’t answer. She turned and rushed toward the stairs, taking them two at a ti.
"Daniel! These ladies are giving a hard ti!" Philip called out.
Daniel didn’t respond. He walked straight to the stairs. Right before going up, he shot Philip a deadly glare, warning him to stay put.
Philip wiped fake tears from his face and looked at Thea like she’d hurt him. Then, he turned and hugged Russell tightly, hoping for comfort.
"See how they’re bullying , Russell? You can’t win with won..." he mumbled to a blushing Russell.
Upstairs, Chantelle thought she had avoided a disaster. She slipped into the restroom and locked the door behind her. She decided to hide there until dinner started, then send everyone ho as soon as it ended.
Happy with her plan, she sat on the toilet and started scrolling through her phone.
Then her phone buzzed. It was a ssage from Daniel.
"How long do you plan to hide in there?"
He saw that she had read it, but she didn’t reply.
"If you don’t co out, I’m going in!" he said out loud from right outside the door.
Chantelle was trying to figure out if staying silent would work, but her heart skipped a beat when she heard the doorknob twist.
"Don’t!" she shouted. "I’m coming out!" She got up and opened the door.
No one was there. Instead, a small wooden box was hanging on the doorknob.
Curious about what’s inside the box she opened it and saw a tiny glass jar filled with so kind of cream. Under it, there was a folded strip of paper.
"It’s an anti-scar redy. One of Philip’s prized treasures. Keep it to yourself," the note read.
It was a short ssage that felt firm but kind—sothing only Daniel could pull off. He even added a tiny smiley face at the end.
Chantelle was pretty sure that little rascal Kane had convinced him to do it!
Her heart felt warm as she opened the small container and lifted the lid. She sniffed the salve inside. The scent was familiar.
No way... Could this really be the rare and expensive anti-scar cream called rmaid’s Tears?
Reviews
All reviews (0)