Third person's POV
Derek knew Tabitha's character like the back of his hand. He was well aware that after what had happened, she would never allow him to stay by her side any longer.
He had foreseen this day would come, and his deliberate avoidance in recent days was nothing more than a small struggle deep within, hoping to delay that moment for just a little longer.
Tabitha poured him a glass of water first, then slowly sat down on the chair beside him.
"Speaking of which, you've taken care of us for so long, and this is the first time I've poured water for you."
Derek used his fist to press against his lips, coughed slightly, and said softly, "Thank you."
"Do you want some medicine?" Tabitha asked with concern.
"No, I just have a bit of a cough. It's much better than before."
"Throughout this journey, I've been very grateful to you. You're a very good person, hardworking and capable. It's a waste to have you take care of the children. You're still so young. You should be out there making a name for yourself."
Her words were spoken tactfully.
Derek held the cup with both hands, his fingers slowly stroking the smooth surface of the glass.
His eyes lowered, his long eyelashes concealing the emotions in his eyes, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking at the moment.
After a long silence, he finally broke the silence, "Is it because I like you that's causing you trouble?"
His straightforwardness about the matter caught Tabitha off guard.
She had thought that, with Wilmot's somewhat awkward nature, he would do as she would, treat that night as if it never happened, and let it quietly pass.
But unexpectedly, he tore open this seemingly decent facade, forcing her to respond directly.
Tabitha subconsciously licked her lips, her left hand unconsciously clasping her right, her eyes fixed on her fingers, as if she could find an answer there.
"It's only one of the reasons. Even without this, I had planned to part ways after arriving in Seattle."
"Ayla likes me," Derek said softly.
"I know."
"So... can't you give me a chance?" There was a hint of almost pleading in Derek's voice. "I won't hurt you like your ex-husband did. I only want to care for and protect you. If it's about money, I can work hard to earn it. I have many ways to make money. I can definitely support you and Ayla."
"Don't get me wrong. I don't have any ulterior motives. I just care about you. You're not well yet, and you're not fully recovered. It's dangerous for you to be alone with a child. If it's about my feelings for you, I can go back to my old position, not get close to you, not disturb you, just silently protect you from behind."
"Ms. Hartley, please. Don't drive me away."
Tabitha's emotions became somewhat disordered.
She had to admit that sincerity was indeed the most powerful weapon sometimes.
Derek spoke so frankly and straightforwardly, blocking every retreat she wanted to refuse.
"I..."
"At least wait until I've settled you and your daughter, and made sure there's no danger, then you can drive me away," Derek added, seeing that she was already wavering. "You've always been smart. Would you drive me away just because of my feelings for you? What would you do if you and the child were in danger? And didn't you say that person's influence is in Seattle? Without some special means to help you hide, he might find you as soon as you go back. Do you want to go back to the life you had before?"
Each of the reasons he threw out was like a bomb, indeed something Tabitha could not easily refuse.
"You can stay, but I hope you keep a certain distance from us in the future."
Although Derek felt a bit disappointed, he was relieved that he could stay in the end.
"Yes, I understand."
Seeing his lowered face, Tabitha couldn't help but feel a trace of reluctance.
"Wilmot, as I said that night, I don't despise you. I just don't have those feelings for any man. I'm not targeting you. You're really a good person, and you will definitely find a girl suitable for you in the future."
Derek looked up, his gaze fixed directly on her eyes, and said firmly, "In my heart, there is no one better than you."