Chapter Five: Guiltless

1166 Words
Thea was on the floor in the study, crying with tears rolling down her face while Jendry's footsteps grew fainter. His words' impact and his grip's intensity left her unsettled, yet resilient. After drying her tears, she inhaled deeply, mentally preparing for the task ahead. Thea murmured to herself, her voice shaking but resolute, "I must do this for my family." "I cannot quit at this moment." She rose to her feet with aching body after the confrontation. Summoning her bravery, she exited the study and trailed the route Jendry had taken. She discovered him in the living room, gazing out the window while holding a drink. "Thea called out, her voice trembling, 'Jendry.'" Jendry faced her with a cold and unyielding expression. "What is it that you desire at this moment, Thea?" She took a deep breath and moved nearer. I have something to discuss with you. I'm begging you, please hear me out. Jendry squinted his eyes. "What is the reason for me to do so?" "This is not only concerning us," Thea stated, her voice becoming more powerful. "It concerns my family." They are experiencing hardship as a result of this conflict. Please, I implore you, Jendry. "Please assist us." Jendry made a mocking sound while drinking. "Do you believe begging can make a difference?" "I don't have any alternative," Thea responded, her voice cracking. I am determined to do whatever is necessary. Please, just think about it again. Jendry placed his drink down and shook his head. "You still don't understand, do you?" This is not related to mercy. The topic is justice. "What about fairness?" Thea repeated, tears welling up in her eyes once more. "Do you consider this fair?" "Ruining the lives of innocent individuals?" "Is he/she innocent?" Jendry's laughter had a bitter tone. "Your family is not guiltless." "They have been manipulating and exerting control for an extended period of time." “And what about me?” Thea asked, her voice trembling. “What did I do to deserve this?” Jendry hesitated, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his eyes. “You’re collateral damage,” he said finally. “A pawn in their game.” “I’m not a pawn,” Thea said firmly. “I’m a person, and I’m asking you for help. Please, Jendry. Don’t do this.” Jendry stared at her for a long moment, his expression hard. “Why should I help you, Thea? Give me one good reason.” “Because deep down, you know this isn’t right,” Thea said, her voice soft but steady. “You know that hurting me and my family won’t bring you peace. It will only bring more pain.” Jendry looked away, his jaw clenched. “You’re wasting your time.” “Maybe,” Thea admitted. “But I have to try. For my family’s sake.” Jendry was silent for a moment, his eyes distant. “You’re persistent, I’ll give you that.” “I’m desperate,” Thea corrected. “There’s a difference.” Jendry sighed, rubbing his temples. “Fine. I’ll think about it. But don’t expect miracles.” “That’s all I’m asking,” Thea said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Just… think about it.” Jendry nodded curtly, picking up his drink again. “Now leave me alone.” Thea turned to go, her heart heavy but a glimmer of hope in her chest. She had faced his wrath and survived, and now she had to believe that her plea had reached some part of him. As she walked away, she silently prayed that this confrontation would not lead to their ultimate separation but to a fragile truce that could save her family. After dinner, Jendry Grovers gathered his belongings, ready to make a quick exit from the Blues family mansion. The evening had been more taxing than he anticipated, and the last thing he wanted was more time under the same roof as Thea. “Jendry,” his grandfather called from the doorway, “a word, please.” Jendry turned, forcing a smile. “Yes, Grandfather?” “I insist you and Thea stay the night,” his grandfather said, his tone firm. “It’s late, and I won’t have you driving back at this hour.” “Grandfather, I appreciate the concern, but I have things to attend to in the morning,” Jendry protested. “Nonsense,” his grandfather replied, waving a hand dismissively. “I’ve already arranged for your rooms. You’ll stay.” Thea stood nearby, her face a mixture of surprise and unease. “Mr. Grovers, I don’t want to impose—” “You’re not imposing, dear,” his grandfather said kindly. “You’re family. Now, both of you, no more arguments.” Jendry’s patience wore thin. “Really, Grandfather, this isn’t necessary.” His grandfather’s eyes narrowed. “I said, no more arguments. Good night, Jendry. Thea.” With that, he turned and left, locking the door behind him. Jendry heard the unmistakable sound of a key turning, and his frustration peaked. “This is ridiculous,” Jendry muttered, glaring at the door. Thea sighed, rubbing her temples. “I didn’t plan this, Jendry. You have to believe me.” “Why should I?” Jendry snapped. “Everything about this evening feels like a setup.” “I had no idea he’d do this,” Thea insisted, her voice tired. “I’m just as surprised as you are.” Jendry crossed his arms, his eyes cold. “You always seem to be in the right place at the right time, don’t you?” “That’s not fair,” Thea said softly. “I’ve done nothing but try to make peace.” “Peace?” Jendry’s laugh was harsh. “You’ve done nothing but complicate my life.” “Jendry, please,” Thea pleaded. “This isn’t helping either of us.” Jendry’s jaw clenched. “Fine. Let’s just get through the night without any more drama.” “Agreed,” Thea said quietly. “I’ll stay out of your way.” They stood in silence for a moment, the tension thick between them. Finally, Jendry sighed and turned towards the stairs. “Let’s just get some sleep.” Thea nodded, following him. As they walked up to their respective rooms, the unspoken words and unresolved issues hung heavily in the air. In the quiet of the mansion, they settled into their rooms, each lost in their thoughts. Jendry lay awake, anger simmering beneath the surface, while Thea stared at the ceiling, the weight of the evening pressing down on her. Both knew that the forced proximity would only add to their complicated relationship, but neither had the energy to confront it tonight. As the hours ticked by, the tension remained, a silent promise of more conflicts to come. The night stretched on, leaving both Jendry and Thea to wrestle with their own demons in the stillness of the Blues family mansion.
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