"Elder Wynn, I've been eager to see you," Elizabeth said warmly. "I was planning to visit you myself, but when I heard you were returning from the hospital, I couldn't resist inviting you here instead. It's been far too long since we last met."
Grandma Grace smiled, her eyes softening with fond memories.
"Yes, Elizabeth. I hope my granddaughter hasn't been causing you too much trouble."
Elizabeth laughed.
"Not at all. Your granddaughter is a wonderful girl. How could Thea possibly be any trouble?"
Before Grandma Grace could reply, a voice spoke from the doorway.
"Madam, Young Master's lunch was left behind."
Jane stood quietly in the doorway, a lunchbox resting in her hands.
"I see," Elizabeth said. Then, as if struck by an idea, she looked at Thea. "Thea, would you mind going with Jack and delivering this to Sebastian?"
"Huh...? Oh!" Thea's eyes brightened. "Yes, of course."
She had heard countless stories about Empyrean University from Sebastian—its prestigious reputation, rich history, and breathtaking campus. The opportunity to see it for herself filled her with excitement.
---
The campus was every bit as impressive as she had imagined.
Students crossed the walkways carrying books, laptops, and cups of coffee while conversations drifted through the warm afternoon air. Modern glass buildings stood proudly beside historic stone structures, each reflecting a different chapter of the university's long history.
Warm sunlight shone through the trees, while a gentle breeze rustled the leaves overhead.
Thea tightened her grip on the lunchbox.
Sebastian would be here soon.
On the way to the university, she had carefully kept her visit a secret.
Wanting to surprise Sebastian, Elizabeth never mentioned Thea's name when she called, saying only that someone would be delivering his lunch.
Now she stood at the designated meeting spot, exactly where Jack had instructed her to wait.
Her gaze wandered across the bustling campus.
She had dreamed of studying at Empyrean University one day. Admission was fiercely competitive, and only the highest-performing students earned a place here.
Someday, she hoped to be one of them.
Suddenly, a familiar figure appeared in the distance.
Thea's heart skipped.
Sebastian.
He walked toward her completely unaware of the surprise waiting for him.
As he drew closer, her eyes brightened and an involuntary smile spread across her face.
Sebastian stopped in front of her, surprise flashing across his features.
"You're the one Mother mentioned?"
A smile tugged at his lips, though curiosity lingered in his eyes.
Thea tilted her head playfully.
"Oh? You're not happy to see me?"
Sebastian blinked.
"It's not that—"
She narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
The lunchbox remained firmly in her hands.
Sebastian clearly wanted it.
Thea had no intention of surrendering it so easily.
"Thanks for bringing it, Thea."
She gasped dramatically.
"So you're only interested in the lunch?"
Her expression shifted into exaggerated disappointment.
"Well, if that's the case, I'll just leave. Since you're obviously not happy to see me."
She turned as though preparing to walk away.
"Looks like cafeteria food is my fate," Sebastian sighed. "Not exactly what the doctor recommended after recovering from a fever."
Thea stopped immediately.
Her teasing vanished.
Turning back, she studied him carefully.
"How are you feeling now?" she asked softly.
"I'm much better."
The moment she relaxed, Sebastian lunged forward and snatched the lunchbox from her hands.
Thea stared at him in disbelief.
"You!"
Laughter burst from her lips.
"That's cheating!"
She shoved his shoulder.
"You totally tricked me! I never saw that coming."
Sebastian laughed, victorious as he secured his lunch box.
The familiar ease between them made the busy campus seem to fade into the background.
"Sebastian, who is she?"
A smooth female voice interrupted their playful argument.
Thea turned.
A young woman stood beside him.
Confident and elegant, she regarded Thea with curious eyes.
Sebastian's smile softened.
"This is my friend, Thea."
The young woman's eyes lit with recognition.
"Ah, so you're Thea."
A knowing smile appeared on her face.
"I've heard quite a lot about you."
Thea blinked.
Had Sebastian really talked about her that much?
The stranger extended her hand.
"I'm Savannah. Sebastian's friend. It's nice to finally meet you."
For a brief moment, Thea hesitated before accepting the handshake.
"It's nice to meet you too."
Yet as she looked at Savannah, a quiet question lingered in her mind.
Just how close was she to Sebastian?