Chapter 3

“I mean, you know… I'm embarrassed because I'm sure you saw how stubborn Thaeddus is. You were there during the mess in his office earlier. I hope... um...” He couldn’t finish what he was saying, but I got his point and decided to jump in.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s not my business. I’m not the type to leak information, and I don’t really know what’s going on…” I said.

I tilted my head slightly and grimaced.

Honestly, I didn’t care about their problems. I didn’t want to get involved. Thaeddus seemed intimidating enough that he might break my bones if I spread any issues about him!

"I'm really sorry. Thaeddus has a hot temper and is demanding. He’s picky and fussy. So many therapists have left him because he doesn’t like the treatments they give him! That kid is really annoying."

I chuckled weakly. "Maybe he’s just having a bad day?" I pretended to defend him.

"Harry!" called a man who looked like a manager. "Look at this draft! We still need to study it!" Sir Harry nodded at him and turned back to me.

"Oh, I don't know what's going on in that head of his. Alright, I’ll stay here for now, okay? Just come close to our office over there." He pointed to a door. "The training ground is spacious anyway, so you can choose where you want to sit to watch."

"Yes, thank you..."

"I'll leave Thaeddus in your hands, okay? We just really need to have a meeting since his fight is approaching."

"Yes, I understand."

He patted me and smiled before leaving. On the other side, Thaeddus came out of the room he had entered, wearing only MMA shorts, gloves, and shoes.

He looked ready to fight on the ground, and I won’t deny that he’s a handsome fighter. His body is toned—not overly muscular but fit. I wouldn’t be surprised if women chased after him, but not me.

I had so much to bear and no time to admire him.

He scanned the training ground and stopped right at me.

I walked toward him. Many people were preparing the ground, with some timing checks, adjusting Thaeddus's sparring partner, and more. They were all busy.

I stopped right in front of him, and that familiar nervousness washed over me. I felt so small around him. I know my height and body are fine for an average woman, but I just look tiny next to him.

"Uhm..." I squinted while looking up at him. Shoot! The top of my head barely reached his collarbone. "Before you start, can I check you first? Is that okay?" I said calmly.

He looked down at me dangerously. His jaw tightened, then he nodded after a moment.

"Are you going to watch?" His voice was low.

I was startled by his random question and stared blankly. "Huh?"

"Are you going to watch me fight?"

I felt a rush of fear wash over me. It seemed like if I answered incorrectly, he might dismiss me.

"Ah, yes. That will help me get used to your body later," I replied and turned toward where I wanted to check him.

I felt his presence following me along with his laughter.

"Get used to it, huh?" I didn’t understand why he was laughing but decided to let it go.

I placed my bag on a chair and pointed at an empty seat to signal him. "Sit down."

He obeyed softly. I could feel his gaze on me while I rummaged through my bag.

Just a moment, and I had settled on what I would use. I stood him up, and he followed suit immediately. I instructed him to stand properly, and he complied as well.

I wrote down my observations about his posture on my list.

At that moment, I really felt serious about this job. Even if I didn’t show it to others, I felt sad about this kind of work for me. I was sure that I would be let go from my job, and it felt like this was my last day.

My mood soured.

If it weren’t for that rude client, I wouldn’t be getting fired. How dare he try to ruin me with my manager and boss! There was nothing I could do because the person I dealt with was wealthy and skilled at twisting the story.

The reasons for my dismissal piled up when our supervisor questioned me and clearly pointed me out to be fired just because I didn’t like him.

So rude!

I sighed deeply.

I measured the body parts of Thaeddus. I also pinched and stretched his skin from different areas of his body. I asked him questions, and fortunately, he answered them well.

After a while, I finished.

I closed my notes and looked up at him.

I swallowed hard and felt the familiar nervousness from his gaze.

“Okay, you’re good to go. Thank you. You can start training now. I’ll approach you when it’s time for the treatment.”

He continued to look at me. His eyes felt like they were invading my soul. I couldn’t maintain eye contact for long; it felt so painful and dangerous to hold a stare like that.

“Lavinia…” he said softly, just loud enough for me to hear.

I was slightly taken aback.

Lavinia Faye Beaumont is my name, and Lav is my nickname. Only a few people call me that; usually, it's just Ms. or Ma’am Beaumont. It's always my surname. But anyway, it’s not a big deal.

“Hmm?” My eyebrows raised as I waited for him to continue.

His head tilted slightly while he stared at me, as if something was happening in his mind that I couldn't quite grasp.

He turned around and suddenly walked away from me.

I cleared my throat, embarrassed that I had sat in his chair earlier just to watch him.

After a few moments of preparation and explanations from their trainers before they started…

My stomach growled, signaling that I was hungry just as my cellphone rang. So, I answered immediately when I saw who was calling.

I stood up, exchanging glances with Thaeddus, who looked puzzled by my sudden movement, but I ignored him and left the training room.

When I got outside, I answered my brother's call.

"Kio?" I smiled.

"Hey, sis. I've finished packing my things! Are you coming to pick me up from Aunt Rachel's?" I let out a sigh.

"Come pick me up, sis! I’m embarrassed with Aunt Rachel, and I’m not happy here. Even our cousins are picking on me!" he complained. I could imagine his pouty face, which made my heart feel heavy.

"Okay, I’ll be there soon. There was a problem on my end, but I’ll find a way to get you. Just hang in there for now, Kio, okay?"

"Alright, sis! I miss you! It’s fine with me no matter how hard it gets as long as I’m with you. It’s so much better being with you than here where I feel like I have no allies!"