Reborn To Change My Fate

Chapter 353 - Three Hundred And Fifty Two

The large dining room of the Thompson estate felt completely different tonight. The heavy, cold shadows that had filled the corners of the room for the past thirty days were totally gone.

Derek sat at the very head of the table. He was not looking at his silver plate. He was looking at his family.

To his right, Ryan was sitting in his tall wooden chair with thick cushion. The young boy was practically vibrating with happiness. He had a massive, bright smile on his face, and he kept talking endlessly about his wooden toys, his reading lessons, and the new brown horses in the stable.

Marissa sat in her usual chair next to Ryan. She looked beautiful and completely healthy. She wore a simple, elegant green evening dress. Her dark, curly hair was pinned back loosely, framing her warm face. She smiled brightly at Ryan, listening closely to every single word the boy said.

She picked up a small silver knife and a fork. With gentle, careful movements, Marissa helped Ryan cut his large piece of roasted meat. She sliced it into tiny, perfect squares so the boy could eat it easily without choking.

"There you go, my sweet boy," Marissa said softly. She pushed the silver plate back toward him.

Ryan grinned widely. "Thank you, Mother!" He quickly picked up his small fork and started eating his dinner hungrily.

Derek watched them in silence. He watched the way Marissa’s dark eyes sparkled with life. He watched the gentle, natural curve of her smile as she took care of the boy.

Sitting there, Derek felt a deep, overwhelming warmth spreading through his entire chest. He felt complete. For a whole month, he had sat at this massive table alone. He had eaten in total silence, surrounded only by his own fear and terrible grief. But tonight, the nightmare was over. His family was whole again. His family was happy again. He took a slow, deep breath, thanking the stars for giving him this second chance at life.

After the long, happy meal was finally over, Marissa stood up from the wooden table. She picked up a clean white cloth napkin and gently wiped a spot of gravy from Ryan’s chin.

"Come along, Ryan," Marissa said, holding out her warm hand. "It is time for your bath and bed."

Ryan did not argue or complain. He was too full and sleepy. He happily took her hand and walked out of the dining room with her.

Marissa took Ryan upstairs to his bedroom. She walked him into his washroom and drew a warm bath for him. She added sweet-smelling soap to the water, making thick white bubbles. She washed his messy hair and scrubbed the dirt from his knees. Ryan splashed in the warm water, playing with a small boat and laughing loudly.

When she was finally done washing him, she lifted him out of the tub. She wrapped him in a thick, dry towel and rubbed his hair dry. She helped him put on his soft cotton nightclothes.

Marissa felt a sudden wave of exhaustion wash over her own body. She had just woken up from a month-long magical sleep that morning. The day had been very long and highly emotional. Her muscles felt slightly heavy.

She stepped out into the hallway for a brief moment. She looked around and saw her maid walking by with a stack of folded linens, going to he to room.

"Lily," Marissa called out softly.

Lily stopped immediately. She turned around and bowed her head in deep respect. "Yes, Your Grace."

Marissa let out a quiet, tired sigh. She replied, "Draw me a bath in my washroom, please. Make the water very warm. I’m tired."

Lily nodded quickly. "Right away, Your Grace." The maid hurried off down the hall to prepare the master washroom.

Marissa went back into Ryan’s bedroom. She guided the sleepy boy to his small bed. She tucked Ryan in, pulling the thick, warm blankets right up to his chin to keep him cozy.

She sat on the soft edge of the mattress. She gently stroked his damp hair and spoke to him in a low, soothing voice. She stayed sitting right there with him, watching his breathing slow down, until he fell completely asleep.

Once she was sure Ryan was resting deeply, Marissa quietly stood up. She walked out of his room and carefully closed the wooden door behind her.

She walked down the long, carpeted corridor toward the master bedroom. She opened the door and entered inside. The main bedroom was empty, but she could see bright, warm light coming from the open door of the attached washroom. She could hear the soft sound of water splashing.

Marissa walked toward the light. She stepped into the large bathing area.

The room was filled with thick, warm steam. The relaxing smell of cedarwood and clean soap hung heavily in the air. In the center of the stone room sat a massive, deep copper bathtub, large enough to easily fit two people.

Entering inside, she met Derek. He was completely naked. His broad, highly muscular back was turned to her as he was just entering the tub. He stepped down into the steaming water, letting out a low breath as the heat eased the tired, tense muscles of his back and legs. He sank down until the warm water reached the middle of his chest.

Marissa stood quietly in the doorway. A slow, warm smile spread across her lips. Seeing her husband, strong and relaxed, stirred a deep, familiar heat in her stomach. She wanted to be close to him. She wanted to feel his skin against hers.

Without making a sound, she reached up to her shoulders. She unfastened the buttons of her green dress. She stripped herself, letting the heavy fabric slide off her body and pool on the floor. She took off her undergarments until she was completely bare.

She walked slowly into the bathing area. Her bare feet padded softly against the warm stone floor tiles. She walked around the side of the large copper tub.

She stood in front of Derek.

Derek heard her footsteps. He opened his eyes and looked up. He saw her standing there, completely naked, looking down at him with dark, desiring eyes. The warm steam curled around her soft skin.

His breath hitched sharply in his throat. His eyes widened slightly in surprise and sudden tension.

"Mari..."