Beneath the Surface

Morning arrived with an unwelcome clarity. Thea awoke to the soft golden hue of the sun filtering through her curtains, casting delicate patterns across her bedspread. She reached under her pillow, hesitating for a moment before pulling out her phone. The screen glowed with a single notification—Aiden had read her last message, but he hadn't responded.

Her stomach twisted. She should feel relieved, yet the silence felt heavier than words ever could. With a deep breath, she pushed the thoughts aside and got out of bed, forcing herself into the routine of normalcy.

Andrew was already at the dining table, sipping his coffee and flipping through a newspaper. He glanced up when she entered the kitchen, his expression softening. "You're up early."

Thea nodded, pouring herself a cup of coffee. "Couldn't sleep."

Andrew studied her for a long moment before setting his paper down. "You've been distant lately."

She froze mid-sip, the warmth of the coffee suddenly feeling cold against her lips. "Work's been stressful."

He didn't look convinced, but he didn't push. Instead, he reached for her hand, his thumb tracing soothing circles against her skin. "You know I'm here for you, right?"

Her throat tightened. She nodded, offering him a small smile that felt like a lie. Because as much as she wanted to believe it, there was a part of her that knew—Andrew wasn't the one keeping her up at night.

After breakfast, Andrew insisted on driving her to the university. Thea, dressed in a fitted black dress that accentuated her elegance, slipped into the passenger seat, her fingers absentmindedly grazing the hem of her dress. The ride was quiet, save for the soft hum of the radio playing a song she barely registered.

As they neared the university, Andrew slowed the car near the entrance. He turned to her, his gaze lingering. "You sure you're okay?"

She gave him a tired smile. "I will be."

He exhaled, then leaned in, cupping her face as he pressed a lingering kiss to her lips. It was warm, steady, full of unspoken promises. Thea closed her eyes, willing herself to sink into the moment, to embrace the comfort he offered. His fingers trailed softly down her arm, his touch sending a wave of warmth through her. But as their lips parted, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing.

"I'll pick you up later?" Andrew asked.

She nodded, stepping out of the car and watching as he drove away. Taking a deep breath, she adjusted the strap of her bag and turned toward the university building.

As she walked through the campus, her mind buzzed with a haze of emotions. She barely noticed when Professor Steven Brown called her name.

"Thea?"

She blinked, turning to face him. He studied her for a moment, his sharp eyes missing nothing. "You look… different today."

She let out a small chuckle, glancing down at her dress. "It's just a dress."

"No, it's more than that," he mused. "You seem… preoccupied."

Her smile faltered. "Just a lot on my mind."

Professor Brown nodded, his expression unreadable. "Well, if you ever need someone to talk to, my office door is always open."

Just then, from a distance, Adrian watched them, his gaze darkening as he saw Thea's easy conversation with Professor Brown. His jaw tightened, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his eyes before he turned away, disappearing into the crowd.

Thea offered a polite nod before walking away, her thoughts spiraling. She had wanted distraction, but all she had found were reminders of the things she was trying so desperately to ignore.