Chapter 155 Felix Needs A
Father
That evening, as Renee entered her dimly lit home, she found the living room engulfed in shadows, the usual bustle of the day having subsided into a quiet calm. The nanny emerged from her quarters at the sound of the front door creaking open.
“Ms. Carter, welcome home.” She greeted warmly, her voice echoing slightly in the spacious room. “Let me warm up some dinner for you.”
“There’s no need,” Renee replied, her voice carrying a gentle firmness. “Please, go get some rest.”
Yet, undeterred and with a knowing smile, the nanny continued her path toward the kitchen. “It’s hardly late, and I’m not tired just yet. Besides, Mr. Chadwick made sure your favorite roasted ribs were prepared tonight. Why not try just a little?” she insisted, her tone both coaxing and cheerful.
Renee paused, a look of surprise crossing her features. Her eyes flicked towards the staircase as she inquired softly, “Is Felix asleep yet?”
“Not quite,” the nanny responded, her expression turning a tad solemn. “He developed a fever last night…”
Renee’s brow furrowed with concern, her maternal instincts kicking into high gear at the mention of her son’s illness. Before she could voice her worry, the nanny quickly reassured her. “Mr. Chadwick had a doctor come by this afternoon. The fever’s gone down now, so there’s no need for alarm. Felix is just feeling a bit restless and isn’t ready to sleep yet. He’s been asking for bedtime stories from Mr. Chadwick.”
Comforted by the presence of Ryder, Renee allowed herself a small portion of the ribs, which were, indeed, delicious, although not particularly her
favorite–they were William’s. It was during a mission after their separation that she had been injured and, while unconscious, had dreamt of the years. spent mastering the art of making those very ribs for William. She had even mumbled about them in her sleep, which Ryder had overheard, mistakenly concluding they were her preferred dish.
Ironically, roasted ribs were the only recipe Renee had perfected. William, however, had remained oblivious, always assuming they were a takeout
treat from a restaurant.
“Daddy, when will Mommy be back?”
As Renee approached the door, she caught Felix’s question through a yawn, the tone heavy with fatigue–a sure sign he had missed her presence deeply.
She tapped softly on the wooden surface with a gentle knock.
From the other side, Felix’s youthful, curious voice emerged, slightly
muffled. “Who is it?”
“It’s me, Felix. May I come in?” Renee’s voice was a comforting murmur through the door.
A moment of silence passed, filled only by the sound of hurried footsteps approaching. Then, the door swung open, revealing Felix who barreled into her arms with uncontained joy.
“Mommy! Mommy!”
“Felix, slow down!” Ryder’s voice called out from further inside, a touch of amusement warming his tone.
Cradled in Renee’s arms, Felix tilted his head to gaze up at her with a look that tugged at her heartstrings. “Mommy, my head hurts…” His voice was small, his large eyes shimmering with discomfort.
The sight squeezed Renee’s heart. She ran her fingers soothingly over Felix’s forehead; the fever had subsided, but his cheeks were still pallid, his energy drained.
“He had an IV drip this afternoon and took a nap. He’s feeling a bit better now,” Ryder informed her from behind them, his voice carrying a reassuring note.
“What about you? Has everything been taken care of?” Ryder’s question hung in the air, hinting at Renee’s recent entanglements with William.
Caught off guard, Renee hesitated, her eyes dropping to Felix nestled against her.
She missed Ryder’s gaze, which flickered with a glint of disappointment, fading as quickly as it appeared.
Renee glanced down at Felix, her voice tinged with concern. “Felix needs a father,” she murmured, the words heavy with unspoken meanings. “Even though he may not realize Felix is his son…”
Felix’s voice suddenly cut through, innocent and fragile. “Mommy, Daddy, can you sleep with me tonight?” he pleaded, his eyes wide and earnest.
Caught off guard, Renee paused, her eyes widening in surprise.
Ryder’s gaze locked onto hers, intense and searching, as if urging her to make a decision.
Turning towards Felix, who was now looking up at her with those big, hopeful eyes, Renee felt a sharp twinge of guilt.
She hesitated, but then still replied gently, yet firmly, “Felix, you’re a big boy now. You should try sleeping on your own.”
“But I don’t feel well today,” Felix whimpered, his voice quivering. The tears brimming in his eyes made him look utterly pitiful.
Renee’s guilt intensified, overwhelming her resolve. She shot a helpless look at Ryder, whose steady gaze seemed to offer her silent support, leaving the decision entirely in her hands.
Clearing her throat, which suddenly felt tight, Renee softened her tone.
“Alright, I’ll stay with you tonight,” she conceded with a gentle smile. “Mr. Chadwick has work to do, though, so we should let him be, okay?”
To her astonishment, Felix then turned towards Ryder, his small hand reaching out to grasp Ryder’s. With watery eyes and a trembling voice, he murmured, “Daddy, will you stay with me tonight? You can do your work tomorrow, can’t you?”
Renee stood there, words failing her as she witnessed the tender yet weird
moment.
