Tabitha's POV
I couldn't get any information from Derek's tranquil eyes. But thinking of Ivonne's cocky attitude, I guessed this Kelsey might be hostile to me, too.
Derek seemed worried I'd overthink things.
He crouched down and held my hand in his palm. I could actually see the top of his head while sitting in a chair.
He then lifted his head to look me in the eye, appearing serious and earnest. "Tabitha, I lived with my aunt, the so-called Mrs. Gutierrez, for some days when I was a child. Kelsey's family and the Gutierrez family are close. So, we played together a few times during parties. That's all."
Seeing him so serious, I felt a bit embarrassed, whispering, "I wasn't questioning you or anything."
Derek held my hand tighter and explained, "But I don't want you feeling uncomfortable because of some unimportant people. If you do, please let me know, okay?"
I knew he was doing it to give me a sense of security, so I nodded.
Just then, a staff member exclaimed, "Oh, God! What a perfect man he is!"
Hearing the stylists talking about how lucky I was, I blushed and pushed him away.
Derek's love for me was so evident that even a blind person could feel it, so I wasn't doubting him at all.
I was just curious. But anyway, getting that reassurance warmed my heart.
Night fell, and I had done dressing up. Right now, I was standing in front of the mirror in a nightgown, checking out myself.
I had never put on any makeup since I came around. Thus, seeing myself all dolled up surprised me a little.
No wonder everyone around had been showering compliments. After all, even I myself couldn't find a single flaw.
When I walked out of the room, Derek froze upon seeing me.
After a few seconds, he praised, "Sweetie, you're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen."
All night long, he kept tight-lipped, not spilling a word about where we were headed.
I noticed he'd tidied up his hair and changed into another suit. The color of his tie and pocket square matched that of my dress. So, I guessed we were about to attend an important banquet or something.
Probably sensing how nervous I was, Derek reached out and entwined his fingers with mine.
His wedding ring brushed against my skin, which somehow made me feel secure.
"Don't be afraid. I'm here with you," he soothed me in his deep and magnetic voice.
The car entered through the VIP lane, and besides those guards, I didn't see anyone else.
Curious, I followed Derek into the hotel.
Staring at the fancy decor, I felt that something big awaited us ahead. And sweat started pooling in my palms.
"I need to use the lady's room," I whispered to Derek.
"Okay." He nodded.
Then, he gave Alvin a signal, and I was allowed in only after Alvin took some guys there to confirm there was no danger.
I didn't know what had happened to me in the past, but I could feel that Derek treated me with great caution, as if I were some priceless and fragile treasure.
Perhaps it was because we were mates, I guessed.
After I finished washing my hands, I adjusted my breathing and applied some hand cream. Then, I straightened up and walked out confidently.
Derek was waiting for me not far down the hallway. Just as I was about to go over, however, a woman in a white dress rushed toward him.
"Derek! Long time no see," she exclaimed in a sweet voice.
But due to her fast pace and high heels, she tripped over the hem of her dress and fell straight towards Derek.
Just then, two journalists appeared out of nowhere and aimed their cameras at Derek.
When I saw this scene, my steps toward Derek halted, and an inexplicable emotion surged in my heart, like an alarm bell going off when someone sensed her territory being invaded.
The smile died on my lips.