Chapter 137 Got Company,
Huh
Renee gave a wry smile but didn’t dismiss Felix just because he was young. Instead, she explained patiently, “I ran into him at the door. Dates are for boyfriends and girlfriends. We’re just friends. So even if we hang out, it’s just two friends spending time together, not a date.”
Felix frowned, clearly puzzled but trying to make sense of it. “So when you and Daddy go out, that’s a date, right?”
She paused, momentarily speechless.
At just two years old, Felix was still trying to understand things. No matter how she explained, he was certain
that Ryder was his real father.
“Not exactly, Felix. Your mommy and daddy aren’t together anymore, so now they’re just good friends,” Derek explained as he crouched down to Felix’s level.
The nanny, overhearing, was both surprised and uneasy. Who talks about divorce so openly with a child? Plus,
Derek seemed like Renee’s boyfriend. Could he really be good for Felix if he and Renee got married someday in
the future?
The nanny instinctively glanced at Renee, but the latter showed no reaction.
She sighed quietly, feeling a pang of sympathy for Felix.
Felix, oblivious to the nanny’s sympathy, stared at Derek with determination.
He firmly said, “Good friends can become boyfriends and girlfriends. Mommy said you have to start as good
friends to get married.”
“Well, that makes sense. Your mommy and I are friends, and I’m trying to be her boyfriend,” Derek replied.
Renee was left speechless once more.
“Mr. Garza, you shouldn’t joke like that with Felix. He’ll believe you.”
Derek gave her a helpless look, a mix of amusement and indulgence. “See? Even Felix believes me, but you always think I’m just kidding…”
“Ms. Carter, let me take Felix to his room and tuck him in,” the nanny interrupted, unable to hold back any longer. She found their conversation unsuitable for Felix.
“Mommy, can I sleep with you tonight?” Felix asked.
Renee had spent a lot of time teaching Felix to sleep on his own. She had to, since missions and training kept her away. Still, whenever he asked to sleep with her and she could manage, she didn’t mind. She’d usually say
10.22
“Alright. Go get ready for bed with your nanny, and I’ll come for you in a little while, alright?”
“Okay!” Felix beamed, flashing Derek a sly grin. His eyes sparkled with mischief, almost daring Derek to challenge him. The message was clear-“I get to sleep with Mommy. You can’t have her!”
Renee poured Derek a glass of water. When she turned back, he was staring at her with wide, innocent eyes.
“What’s bothering you?” she asked.
Derek dropped his gaze. Following it, she spotted a large patch of dye staining his pant leg–a messy, colorful
blotch.
“This… sorry about that. Felix probably left his things scattered around again. You should head to the bathroom and clean up. I’ll grab you something to wear.”
She remembered setting out clothes for William once, but he never showed up. At first, the army kept him busy. Eventually, she simply stopped asking altogether.
Michael had also stayed here for a while, so his room probably had clothes, too. But she didn’t bother checking. Instead, she grabbed a fresh set for Derek.
“Here, these are brand new,” she said, handing them over.
Derek smiled. “Thanks, I appreciate it.”
He went to the bathroom to change. Just then, Renee’s phone rang. Ryder’s name flashed on the screen.
“Have you eaten yet?” he asked casually when she picked up.
Before she could reply, Derek stopped and turned to her. “Do you have scissors? There’s a tag I need to cut.”
She turned to looked at him, surprised.
“Never mind. It’s just a clasp and I’ve got it,” Derek said, turning back into the bathroom.
She stood there, speechless.
Ryder’s tone shifted, becoming noticeably colder. “Got company, huh?”
