Derek packed up the fish they caught last night, which would serve as provisions for the next stop.
With their gear sorted, Derek stood at the cave entrance, backpack on, casting a glance back as if reluctant to leave.
Tabitha, ahead, said coldly, "Aren't we going?"
Derek snapped back, "Let's go."
He knew he'd never forget this place.
On the second night, with no shelter in sight, Derek made do with a vine-woven hammock. The two squeezed into a sleeping bag, gazing up at the star-filled sky—an experience entirely new to both.
"Tabitha, I've realized this is the life I truly want," Derek said.
He was tired of his chaotic past and craved a more intimate, peaceful life.
But Tabitha stayed silent; this wasn't what she wanted.
For Derek, just being able to hold her was enough.
He kissed her forehead. "No more fuss tonight. Sleep, honey."
Tabitha was a treasure he'd worked hard to regain, and he vowed never to hurt her again.
The journey ahead was smooth. Derek noticed Tabitha's stamina had improved.
She hiked over ten kilometers a day in the jungle, showing no signs of fatigue.
It seemed she'd adapted well to this lifestyle over the years.
They emerged at a small fishing village at the mountain's foot, where electricity and internet access were available.
Derek contacted Alvin, but due to the distance, he wouldn't arrive until the next day.
For the night, they stayed with a warm-hearted family—the elderly couple kind, the son and his wife lovingly devoted to each other.
"The moment I saw you two, I knew you were a couple out camping. The mountains aren't safe at night. I've prepared a room for you; please make do for the night," the host said.
"Thank you," Tabitha replied.
As evening fell, Tabitha enjoyed a hot bath, feeling thoroughly refreshed.
Though the bed in their room was nothing fancy, it was a far cry from sleeping in the wild.
But when Derek came in after his bath, he found Tabitha comfortably sprawled on the bed, legs crossed, chatting on her phone.
He grabbed her ankle. "Who're you talking to?"
Tabitha had already hung up. "No one. Just updating a friend."
Derek's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint in them.
His hand slowly traveled up her leg. "Was it Lucian?"
"No," Tabitha answered firmly.
"Then who..." Derek persisted.
Tabitha caught his wandering hand. "Our relationship isn't at a level where I have to account for everything to you."
Over the years apart, she'd built her own world.
Derek squatted by the bed, humbly asking, "What is our relationship to you?"
Tabitha bent down, her fingers grazing his stubbly chin.
"If I have to define it, we're just lovers. I don't want others touching me; I just want your body. Does that make it clear?"
She braced for his anger, but Derek simply sighed.
"Got it. So you just want to be a heartless woman."
Used to being restricted, she no longer wanted to tie herself down in any relationship.
As lovers, there was no responsibility, no need to report to him, and she could leave anytime she wanted.
No need to complicate things with past or future.
It turned out that with no responsibility, any relationship could be harmonious.
Derek recalled how Daphne had once forced him to marry her, but he couldn't let go of Tabitha and had proposed the idea of her being his lover.
Now, years later, he was eager to give her a title, even if it was just the title of a lover.
Only by getting closer to Tabitha could he eventually win her heart again.
Tabitha's fingers toyed with his bristly chin. "So, do you accept this arrangement or not?"
Their relationship was already unequal.
Derek knelt on one knee, kissing her hand.
"Tabitha, from now on, I'm yours, body and soul. You can do anything, but don't leave me."
Tabitha played with his stubble. "But Derek, I can't give you a title. I won't report my life to you, nor will I explain who I meet or call. We live our separate lives without interfering. Are you okay with that?"
How could Derek, with his strong possessive desires, agree to such terms?
"Tabitha, I won't meddle in your life, but I have one condition."
"What?"
"No other men. If you need someone, call me."
This was his only condition and the line he wouldn't cross.