Entering the laboratory, Thalia pushed the door open and stepped inside. She found Spencer at his desk and without realizing his mood, she went straight to the point, asking, “Did you bully our dear Anthony?”
Seeing Thalia enter, Spencer quickly regained his composure. He looked up at her and forced a smile, asking, “What's up?”
“What's going on? Did you pick on Anthony?” Thalia walked over and stood beside him, her tone playful as she asked.
The man arched a brow. “Me picking on him? Is that even possible?”
“Why is it impossible?”
“Do you really think I would dare to do that, especially with all the people here – his dad, mom, younger siblings, and his dad's friends? And most importantly, you're here too. I'm not that foolish or tired of living,” Spencer retorted.
Thalia seemed pleased by his response, leaning in and playfully hooking her fingers under his chin. “You're right,” she said, “the most important thing is that I'm around. As long as you know that.”
Spencer looked at her, managing to force a slight smile onto his face.
“But what's with Anthony? His eyes are all red as if he's been crying,” said Thalia, her eyebrows furrowing in curiosity.
“Are you sure he's been crying and not just tired?” the man asked in return.
Thalia turned her gaze toward him as she heard his voice.
“Eyes can turn red from crying, from lack of sleep, or even due to certain eye conditions—”
Before Spencer could complete his sentence, Thalia swiftly covered his mouth and interjected, “Nonsense about being sick. Anthony is perfectly healthy; he's not sick at all.”
Spencer gently removed her hand and regarded her as he commented, “Don't you think you're becoming a bit too attached to him?”
“He's a part of Darknetz. What's wrong with showing concern? Plus, he's Nat's son, which means there's a double reason for me to care,” Thalia responded, as though it was the most logical explanation. Then, a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes as she continued, “But wait, are you feeling jealous? That can't be, he's just a kid...”
Spencer didn't immediately answer her question. Instead, he gazed at her intently and asked, “What if there came a day when you had to choose between him and me? Who would you choose?”
Hearing the question, Thalia rolled her eyes at him. “I won't choose.”
“What if you have to?”
Thalia quickly dismissed the idea, asserting, “That's not even a possibility. I can't imagine a scenario where I'd have to make such a choice!”
Understanding the complexity of the situation, Spencer nodded and dropped the topic, not wanting to upset or trouble her any further. “All right,” he replied softly.
Thalia's curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn't let go of the question. She gazed at him and inquired, “Why did you suddenly ask that?”
“I was just asking.”
Thalia's tone carried a hint of annoyance as she responded, “Who brings up such matters without any reason?”
However, Spencer gazed at her and said, “If that day ever comes, I hope you'll choose Anthony.”
Taken aback, she asked quizzically, “Why?”
“Choose him. You won't regret it!” Spencer enunciated each word.
Thalia scrutinized him, sensing that his words held deeper implications. She maintained direct eye contact, her expression complex. “What makes you think I won't regret it? You can't predict how I'd feel in that situation.”
“My intuition tells me you won't,” was the man's response.
“But if I lose you, my life would be meaningless,” Thalia said to him, emphasizing her every word.
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