As soon as the plane landed , Theodore rushed straight to the villa , eager to get home . He clutched the carefully chosen gift bags , his steps quick and impatient as he pushed open the front door . " Clarisse ? " he called out , his voice full of longing after their days apart . The villa was completely silent , and no one answered . Frowning , Theodore set the gifts down on the entry cabinet and hurried toward the master bedroom . He wondered if Clarisse was still resting in the bedroom . He pushed open the door , only to find the room completely empty . An uneasy feeling crept in . " Maybe she went out for a walk to clear her mind . But didn't I say I'll take her out once she feels better ? Or is she still upset and giving me the silent treatment ? That has to be it , " he told himself , forcing down the growing sense of anxiety . His eyes swept across the room . Everything on Clarisse's vanity was perfectly arranged , and the matching mugs he'd made for them sat side by side on the nightstand . He opened the closet and saw all her clothes were neatly in place . That settled his nerves a bit . Pulling out his phone , he was about to call Clarisse when Bianca appeared at the door , her voice carrying just the right amount of concern . " Theo , is Ms. Hart not home ? " She stepped into the room with a gentle smile . " You must be exhausted after rushing back here . " As she spoke , she walked over and sat beside Theodore , her voice growing even softer . " Your face looks a little pale . Are you worried about her ? Don't be . She said she needed some time away , didn't she ? Women always get a bit emotional , but she'll come around after a few days . " She reached out as if to massage his temples, but Theodore turned his head abruptly , instinctively dodging her touch , an irritation flickering across his face . Bianca's hand paused midair , her smile stiffening before fading into a look of wounded disappointment . " I was only trying to take care of you , Theo … * He pressed his fingers to his brow , clearly frustrated . " Sorry , Bianca . Please go check on Caleb . I need a minute alone . " Bianca lowered her head , digging her nails into her palm . Then , she left the room in silence , quietly closing the door behind her . As soon as the door closed , the gentle smile vanished from her face , replaced by cold resentment . Theodore dialed Clarisse's number , only to be met with an automated voice stating , " Sorry . The number you have dialed is currently unavailable . Please try again later . * He opened their chat and quickly typed a message . " Clarisse , I'm back from my trip . Call me when you see this . " Chapter 10 2/2 But after he hit send , he noticed the message only had one tick , and her profile picture was gone . He stared at the screen in disbelief . She had blocked him ? A mix of anger and helplessness surged in his chest . He'd thought Clarisse was finally starting to be more understanding , but she was still just as stubborn and unreasonable . Still , he told himself she would come back once her anger faded . Tightening his grip on the phone , he tried to push down the rising panic that wouldn't quite go away . Chapte