Chapter 136 Did You Go On
A Date
Renee almost bolted from William’s place, her heart pounding wildly, though she couldn’t quite pinpoint the source of her panic. Time and again, she had heard William vehemently declare his refusal to consider divorce, but she had always dismissed his words as mere noise. Yet, the sight of that wardrobe, overstuffed with
clothes prepared for her even in her absence over the years, made clear his stubborn determination not to let
- go.
How ironic it was! For so many years, she had yearned for his affection, and now, just as she had resigned
herself to its absence and decided to walk away, he nonchalantly announced he had changed his mind.
Her thoughts churned in chaos as she exited the taxi and walked home, the cool night breeze soothing her frazzled nerves slightly.
She repeated to herself, stern and resolute, not to falter in her decision.
“Renee?”
The sudden deep male voice cut through her reverie, causing her to spin around in surprise. There stood Derek, awkwardly holding a bag of garbage, his eyebrows raised in shock.
Clearly, he hadn’t anticipated encountering Renee at such a late hour in such an unexpected place–right
outside his house.
“Are you here… for me?” he ventured, his voice a mix of hope and uncertainty.
Renee blinked in mild surprise, her mind settling on the fact that hiding it from him was no longer necessary. For all they knew, they might stumble into each other countless times in the future.
A wry grin crept across her face as she shook her head and replied, “No, my home is just up ahead.”
Derek’s expression shifted from confusion to astonishment. He glanced in the direction she had indicated, his surprise deepening. “Rose Villa? You live at Rose Villa?”
Renee dipped her head slightly, her tone gentle. “It’s the house my mom left to me.”
Derek froze, his reaction palpable as he stared at her, processing her words. After a long, silent moment, he asked, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and something deeper, “Did you grow up here in that house?”
She shook her head gently, the motion soft yet definitive.
The light of anticipation that had sparked in Derek’s eyes dimmed into a flicker of disappointment.
Renee added quickly, “But I did spend a few days here once. I was ill, really sick, and nothing was helping. So, my mom brought me here, hoping the nice environment here would help me feel better.”
The glimmer of hope reignited in Derek’s gaze. “Do you remember, by any chance, saving a boy at the fountain
in front of here?”
The area was known for its exclusivity. Derek’s Tulip Villa and Renee’s adjacent Rose Villa stood mere steps apart. During his childhood, Derek had an accident at the fountain outside his home–a place where the water -despite shallow–could really pose a threat to a five–year–old.
As he neared the brink of unconsciousness, a vision of loveliness pulled him from the water.
Her features were delicate, her smile angelic, etching a permanent imprint of beauty and grace in his young
mind.
As he grew up, every captivating face he encountered involuntarily sparked comparisons to that angelic girl from his past. Yet, none could mirror even a glimmer of her ethereal presence.
Gradually, his obsession waned, his heart resigning from the hopeless quest.
But… If it was Renee…
Her visage melded seamlessly with the angelic image etched in his memory–it was unmistakably her.
“I don’t remember,” Renee admitted with a hint of confusion.
Derek’s smile was wistful, tinged with a goofy optimism. Her recollection–or lack thereof–held no sway over his conviction. She was, without a doubt, the celestial savior of his youth.
“The last time you dropped me off, you didn’t mention living nearby. Worried I might show up at your doorstep unexpectedly?” he teased, his tone playful yet probing.
Renee’s smile was strained as she responded, her voice laced with embarrassment, “Oh, not at all.”
“Then… may I step inside for a moment?” Derek asked, his voice soft yet hopeful.
Inside the Rose Villa, the living room buzzed with energy as the nanny engaged Felix in a spirited game. At the sound of voices near the door, Felix bolted out barefoot, his face lighting up as he threw himself into Renee’s
embrace.
“Mommy! Mommy!” he exclaimed, his voice bubbling with excitement.
Then, his gaze shifted to Derek, and his excitement soared to new heights. He bounced eagerly, his words tumbling out in rapid succession.
“Mommy, did you go on a date with Mr. Garza?” he chirped, his eyes wide with wonder and a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
