Chapter 101 Courting Rebecca
For the next few days, Derek did not slow down.
If anything, his efforts became more consistent, more deliberate, like a man who had finally made up his mind and was not willing to go back on it. He didn’t overwhelm Rebecca with grand speeches or dramatic confessions. Instead, he chose small, steady actions that spoke louder than words.
Every morning followed almost the same quiet pattern.
He would wake up early, make breakfast some days for her, get dressed for work, and before leaving the room, he would pause for a moment to look at her sleeping figure. Sometimes, he would gently pull the duvet over her shoulders if she had kicked it away in her sleep. Other times, he would simply stand there for a few seconds, as if reminding himself why he was doing all of this.
By the time Rebecca woke up, he would already be gone.
But then, mid-morning, a knock would come from downstairs.
At first, she thought it was just coincidence. The house staff would bring in a bouquet of fresh flowers, different each day. On Tuesday, it was soft pink roses arranged neatly with a small white card that read, "Have a peaceful day." On Wednesday, a box from an expensive boutique arrived, containing a beautiful dress in her favorite shade, along with another short note, "Saw this and thought of you."
Rebecca would sit quietly on the couch, staring at the gifts, unsure whether to smile, feel shy, or worry.
They were not celebrating anything. There was no special event she could remember. Yet Derek kept sending things as if every day with her was worth celebrating on its own.
Sometimes, she would hold the card for a long time, her fingers tracing the simple handwriting. It wasn’t overly romantic or dramatic. Just simple words. But somehow, those simple words carried weight.
In the evenings, Derek would return home tired from work, but he never forgot to check on her. He would ask if she ate well, if she rested enough, or if she needed anything. Occasionally, he would hand her a small shopping bag on his way in.
"I passed by the store," he would say casually. "I thought you might like it."
Inside would be something thoughtful, a novel from an author she casually mentioned liking, or her favorite snacks he had memorized without her realizing.
Rebecca began to notice that these weren’t random gestures.
He was paying attention.
And that realization stirred something warm and unfamiliar in her chest, though she didn’t fully know how to respond to it yet.
By Thursday night, she found herself unconsciously expecting something the next day.
She didn’t admit it to anyone, not even to herself, but she was waiting.
Friday arrived quietly.
At the office, Derek finished his meetings earlier than usual. He closed his laptop, leaned back in his chair, and allowed himself a slow breath. For the first time in years, work wasn’t the only thing occupying his mind. Rebecca’s surprised expressions throughout the week kept replaying in his thoughts, and each memory made a faint smile appear on his face.
He checked the time, then stood up decisively.
Instead of heading home, he instructed his driver to take him to one of the most luxurious restaurants in the city. The moment his car stopped in front of the grand entrance, the manager, who had been informed beforehand, rushed out to receive him personally.
"Good evening, sir," the manager greeted respectfully. "Everything has been prepared just as you requested."
Derek gave a calm nod and stepped inside.
The restaurant looked completely different from its usual lively atmosphere. Tonight, it was entirely empty. No guests. No background chatter. Just soft instrumental music playing faintly in the air.
The entire hall had been transformed.
Elegant flower arrangements lined the walkway, leading toward a single table placed at the center of the room. Roses, orchids, and lilies were arranged tastefully around the space, their fragrance subtle yet enchanting. Crystal chandeliers above cast a warm golden glow across the polished floor, while tall candles on each table flickered gently, creating a soft romantic ambience.
The long dining table was covered with a pristine white cloth, set with fine china, crystal glasses, and polished silverware. Everything looked perfect, expensive, and carefully planned.
It was clear that this was not just about wealth.
It was about intention.
Derek slowly walked around the hall, inspecting every detail quietly. He adjusted a flower vase slightly and straightened one of the candles that was slightly tilted. Only when he was fully satisfied did he step back.
He then turned to his driver, who had been waiting near the entrance. "Go home," Derek said calmly. "Bring my Wife here."
"Yes, sir," the driver replied with a respectful nod before leaving immediately.
Back at the mansion, Rebecca was seated in the living room, flipping through a magazine absentmindedly when the driver arrived and informed her that Derek had asked him to pick her up.
She blinked in confusion. "Pick me up? Where is he?"
"At the restaurant, ma’am," the driver answered politely.
Her brows furrowed. "Restaurant?"
She felt a small flutter of curiosity, mixed with nervous anticipation she couldn’t quite explain. Slowly, she went upstairs to get ready. She opened her wardrobe and her eyes fell on one of the elegant dresses Derek had bought earlier in the week. After hesitating for a moment, she picked it. The dress was a long wine colored gown, with slit running from the hem to the top of her thigh, it hugged her waist perfectly before flowing at the down.
As she dressed, her heart beat a little faster than usual. She kept wondering what exactly was going on and why he had suddenly become so attentive these past few days, after wearing the gown, she paired it with a black heel, and minimal jewelry, she unpacked her hair, taking a look at the mirror, she felt satisfied with her look. She carried her purse, before walking out of the room.
When the car finally stopped in front of the grand restaurant, Rebecca stepped out slowly. The entrance was unusually quiet, and for a moment she wondered if the place was closed.
But the doors opened immediately for her.
She walked in.
And froze.
The entire restaurant was empty.
Only one table was arranged. Only one man was standing there, waiting.
Derek.
He stood near the table, dressed in a perfectly tailored dark suit, his posture straight yet relaxed. The soft candlelight reflected gently in his eyes as he watched her walk toward him. For a brief second, even he seemed to forget the words he had planned.
Rebecca’s steps slowed as her gaze moved around the beautifully decorated hall filled with flowers and warm lights. It looked like something out of a movie scene, grand yet intimate at the same time.
"You… did all this?" she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Derek pulled out the chair for her with calm elegance. "I told you," he replied gently, "I want to court my wife the right way."
Her breath caught slightly at his words.
She sat down slowly, still trying to process everything, the luxury, the privacy, the effort. This wasn’t just about spending money. It was about the thought behind it, the effort he put into making her feel special, chosen… important.
As Derek took his seat across from her, he studied her reaction carefully. There was surprise in her eyes, confusion too, but also something softer beginning to form.
For the first time since all this started, Rebecca felt it clearly.
He wasn’t just giving her gifts.
He was trying to win her heart, properly, patiently, and sincerely.