Thea shook her head."No, I had my lunch at home. Let me serve you two."
Ryder's smile spread wide across his face. "You're going to serve? I'm not sure if I should be excited or terrified.." he said, his voice filled with teasing humor.
"Why can't I? Do you have any objection?"
"No, no objection at all," Ryder said with a chuckle, his tone dripping with playful sarcasm. "I'm just trying to wrap my head around it. Thea, the little girl who used to trip over her own shoelaces, is now going to serve us?" He leaned back slightly, his smile widening "Seriously, when did you grow up? And more importantly, how did I miss it?"
Thea's face flushed."Ryder, stop teasing her." his mother said.
Ryder's smile softened, his eyes warm with affection.
"Sorry, Thea. I couldn't resist teasing you.." he said, his voice low and gentle.
Thea couldn't help but sneak peeks at Ryder, her heart overflowing with affection and admiration.
She knew this moment, this lunch together, would be a treasured memory forever.
The aroma of homemade lamb and vegetable skewers, marinated in a mix of olive oil, garlic, and herbs, and served with a side of roasted kumara and steamed green beans filled the room when Thea served them.
"How's the flavor?" Elizabeth asked her son.
Ryder savored a bite, his eyes shutting in delight.
"Delicious..." he replied, his voice genuine.
"Then you should express gratitude to Thea." she said, her voice dropping a subtle hint about the surprise.
Ryder's eyes opened, his gaze locking onto Thea's, his face playful.
"I don't think she made all these."
"Yes, all these dishes are made by Grandma, but I helped her while making it."
"Then I should thank Grandma personally.."
"But..." He stopped, his eyes locked onto Thea's, his gaze intense.
Thea's heart skipped a beat, her eyes never leaving his.
"But what?" she inquired.
"I am not thanking you for this surprise." Ryder teased.
"Ryder, why are you jokingly provoking her?" his mom asked, her voice infused with a gentle admonition.
"You should be thankful. She and her grandma have put in effort to prepare all this for you. You should acknowledge their kindness."
"Thanks for preparing this meal."
"You're welcome, Ryder."
After the meal ended, as Ryder was about to stand up, his mom called out to him.
"Ryder, wait..."
He turned back to her, his eyes questioning.
"Yeah?"
"Thea personally prepared the dessert you like."
"Oh goodness, it slipped my mind!"
Ryder's gaze followed hers to the kitchen, where the Chocolate Cake beckoned on the counter.
His eyes grew wide in wonder, and then a warm smile spread across his face.
"Thea, is this the surprise you had in store for me?"
Thea's face turned bright red as she realized her secret was out.
"Ryder, I can explain..." she started, but he cut her off with a laugh.
"No need to explain, Thea. I love it. Thank you for making my favorite cake."
She knew that this moment, this surprise, was something she would always treasure.
Ryder cut the cake, he gave a slice to his mother and then to Thea.
Thea took a tiny slice, her eyes locked onto Ryder's as she held it out to him.
"Thea, it's delicious.." Elizabeth exclaimed.
"Thanks, Aunty."
After the cake, Elizabeth bid them farewell and went to her room, leaving Thea and Ryder alone in the room.
They adjourned to his bedroom.
Her gaze strayed to the trunks stacked in the corner, her heart swelling with sadness.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" she asked, her voice infused with a hint of eagerness.
Ryder's eyes warmed as he gazed at her, his hand extending to affectionately tousle her hair.
"You're younger than me, why would I need your help with packing?"
"Age doesn't matter;I can still lend a hand."
"Exactly, I'd appreciate your help.." he said, his smile radiant.
"Tomorrow, I'll see you off at the airport.." Thea stated firmly.
Ryder's eyes met hers, "You shouldn't trouble yourself."
"Okay... I won't bother you then," she murmured, and with that, she bid him goodbye and left the house.
Inside Thea's Bedroom..
Thea's heart felt heavy with sadness after returning.She didn't let her emotions show, but her eyes welled up with tears as she lay in bed, thinking about his departure.The thought of him leaving for Sweden was unbearable.