Chapter 818

　　Third person's POV 　　Having seen Derek's body countless times before, Tabitha steeled herself and swiftly untied the sash of his bathrobe, letting it slip off. 　　His broad back, scarred from rescuing her years ago, was laid bare. 　　She remembered the gruesome scene of that day all too well. 　　Time, she mused, was truly a terrifying force. 　　With a clean towel, she gently dabbed at the water droplets on his face and body. Derek stood docile, like a compliant dog, allowing her every action. 　　Such a sight was rare—Derek, the man of unyielding pride, had always insisted on self-sufficiency. 　　To be honest, in the early days of their relationship, Derek had hidden his true self. 　　Despite their closeness, she felt a distance, only catching fleeting glimpses of the real him during intimate moments. 　　Now, however, he laid bare his heart and soul before her, only to be met with her indifference. 　　In the past few days, with no one to shave for him, stubble had sprouted on his jaw, and his