Thea's commitment to her education and grandmother's care deepened over time, transforming weeks into months. She frequently visited the Thompsons, who had become her second family. Elizabeth, in particular, showed her immense love and warmth, embracing her like her own daughter.
The years slipped away, and four years had flown by before Thea knew it. Despite the physical distance and busy lives, she and Ryder remained inseparable, their friendship reinforced by regular phone conversations.
Thea's beauty had matured with the passage of time, becoming even more captivating and radiant.
She dialed his number.
"I miss you, Ryder.." Thea replied, her voice trembling with emotion. "It feels like an eternity since we last saw each other."
"I know, me too." Ryder said, sighing.
"Although we're physically apart, our bond remains unbroken. I eagerly anticipate the day we can reunite..And...'
"And?"
"I am returning this week..." Ryder exclaimed.
Thea's voice trembled with excitement. "What? Ryder, you're returning?!"
Ryder's response was a soft, affirmative hum. "Hmmm..."
Thea's heart fluttered his returning...The news of Ryder's return sent Thea's spirits soaring. She couldn't wait to be reunited with him, to see his smile and share moments together once more.
After concluding the call, Thea drifted to her room, absorbed in reflection. Her gaze wandered around the familiar surroundings, filled with reminiscences of her youth. The house, constructed by her grandfather, held a sentimental value in her heart. She had listened to numerous tales about him from her grandma, and his heritage endured through the love and warmth that filled every nook of the two-story edifice.Thea never knew her grandfather, who had passed away before she took her first breath, but through the yellowed pages of the family album, his gentle face and loving gaze had become intimately familiar.
Her mind wandered to Ryder while she gazed out the window. She was overjoyed that he was finally returning! The thought sent shivers of delight down her spine. It had been an age since they last met.
"Thea, come down for dinner!" her grandma called out from the kitchen.
"Coming, Grandma!" Thea replied, making her way downstairs.
Over dinner, Thea's grandma couldn't help but notice her excitement. "You're beaming, Thea! I know Ryder's return has you thrilled."
Thea blushed, "Grandma, I can't help it! I've missed him so much.He is returning this week..."
"Grandma, I'm overjoyed!..I can't wait to see Ryder... I just can't put my happiness into words."
"Grandma, Aunty said Ryder will take over the Thompsons Group after his return.."
Her grandma's face lit up with a warm smile. "Yes, I'm happy you two will reunite again. The Thompsons Group is one of the world's largest conglomerates. Ryder's father is handing over the reins to him, and I know he'll do great things."
At Havenstone Airport...
Thea sat in the airport waiting room, her heart quivered with expectation. She firmly held the surprise gift she had tenderly wrapped, a heartfelt representation of her yearning to be reunited with Ryder. The atmosphere was filled with a mix of emotions, marked by the joy of reunions and the pain of goodbyes.
She witnessed a tender-hearted couple's emotional reunion, tears of unbridled joy streaming down their faces. An elderly woman clutched a stunning floral display, her eyes sparkling with uncontainable delight as she eagerly awaited her loved one's arrival.Thea's throat swelled with feeling, her emotions intertwining with the heartfelt moments unfolding around her.
Her eyes were glued to her watch, the wait feeling endless. "Ryder, where are you?" she whispered.
Then, the loudspeaker announced, "Flight 121 from Scotland has touched down. Passengers are disembarking."
Thea's eyes sparkled with hope as she stood up, focused on the arrival gate, waiting to reunite with Ryder.