Chapter 7: What do they taste like

"Where were you?" Renee’s voice was sharp as Tyler walked into the bedroom. "The doctor told you to stay inside for six months, Tyler. Six months. Do you even care what could happen if you don’t listen?"

He could see the worry turning into frustration, and then, a tremble in her voice. "I don’t know why you’re pushing yourself like this," she whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Are am my not enough for you to stay safe?"

A wave of guilt crashed over him. "Renee, I’m sorry. It’s just… I’m losing it being cooped up in here. Not even a glimpse of my work files? I’m going crazy. How am I supposed to survive six months of this?"

Renee slipped off her skirt with a knowing smile, having learned how Tyler liked to be surprised. He had always wanted this closeness between them.

“I have a few ideas if you’re up for it,” she murmured, her voice low as she knelt and reached for his belt, slowly tugging down the zipper.

“Come to bed…”

She moved onto the bed, leaning back as she extended one leg, inviting him with a sly smile. Her gaze held his, full of promise.

Tyler felt a quiet relief as Renee’s attention drifted, letting him lose himself in her taste. He savored her, each moment drawing him deeper, until a hint of something made him pause, pulling back with a curious frown.

Renee’s eyes fluttered open, her face flushed, caught mid-breath. She looked down at him, her gaze soft and inviting. “Is everything alright, love?” she whispered.

He nodded, a slow smile curving his lips as he kissed her inner thigh, his breath warm against her skin. “Do you have any idea,” he murmured, voice low and teasing, “just how good you taste?”

He waited, expecting her usual playful answer.

“Vanilla,” she would always say with a smirk.

But this time, she said the wrong answer. Instead, a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes as she dipped her fingers in a touch of shimmering oil, trailing it down to her parted, sensitive skin, inviting Tyler’s warm kisses to follow.

Tyler shifted closer, resting his head beside hers, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips as he lightly traced his fingers along her chin. Renee turned to him, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“Hmm, I don’t know. What do they taste like? Tell me,” she said, her voice teasingly seductive.

“Why? Don’t you already have a taste in mind?” he replied, raising an eyebrow playfully. Before she could respond, he began to tickle her belly, enjoying the sound of her delighted laughter echoing in the room.

As her giggles filled the air, an idea struck him. He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Orange. It’s always been oranges. That sweet burst of flavor mixed with a tangy twist—just like you.”

He anticipated her playful protest that it was always vanilla and never oranges, but she simply teased his lips, offering no argument.

Something felt off, but he couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was. Renee had always been there for him. Three years ago, when he met the ancient, she had stayed by his side at the hospital around the clock.

She had kissed him fiercely in the hospital room when their parents first mentioned the wedding. Her fingers laced through his as they exchanged vows during the ceremony.

Afterward, he worried that his lack of a social life might confine her to their home. Yet, she never voiced a complaint, embracing the changes with grace.

He was pulled from his thoughts as Renee playfully teased him with her lips. That night, they made love, their passion igniting a connection that felt both electric and profound.

As she drifted off to sleep, he lay in the dark, his mind racing with thought.

No! As a husband, he had to trust his wife completely. He wouldn’t allow anyone to speak ill of Renee. Tomorrow, when he returned to see Dr. Victoria Quinn, he would bring along a senior lawyer from the court to ensure everything was in order.

He remembered a moment when Renee had accidentally let slip that Dr. Quinn wasn’t just her gynecologist; she was also a close friend.

Determined to prepare for the meeting, he grabbed his phone and texted his friend Wilson: “Can you meet me at my office tomorrow?”

Wilson’s response was almost immediate: “Tyler, my friend! How have you been? Are you even allowed to use your phone? Your wife and mom haven’t let me see you in three years. They’re way too protective!”

Tyler and Wilson had only communicated over the phone for years. Ms. Julia had simply said, “As soon as you're well, you can go wherever you like."

With a smile, Tyler closed his eyes, reassured that his mother would never betray his trust. For reasons he couldn’t quite grasp, she had always disapproved of Marissa, and he had learned to trust her instincts without question.

Was Marissa really as selfish and greedy as he suspected?

There were still unanswered questions lingering in his mind, and he needed to seek clarity from Victoria Quinn.

******

Renee, who had been sleeping beside Tyler, stirred as her hand glided across the bed, searching for him. To her dismay, she found the space beside her empty.

She quickly threw off the covers and, still in her nightwear, hurried downstairs to find out where he had gone.

“Where are you up so early?” Victoria asked sleepily when she noticed Tyler’s absence from the bed.

Tyler stood in the dining room, adjusting his tie in front of the mirror.

After three years, Tyler felt a strange sense of unfamiliarity as he looked at himself in the suit.

“Tyler, you shouldn’t—” Renee began, but he cut her off.

“Don’t worry about me, Renee. My assistants will handle everything. I promise I’ll be careful.”

He pressed a quick kiss to her forehead before stepping out of the room.

As he made his way outside, he instructed his staff to let Renee sleep undisturbed. Just like the evening before, the driver took him to the hospital, where he met with Victoria.

His lawyer friend and a high-ranking official were already waiting for him in the parking lot. Tyler exchanged greetings with them before heading inside.

The receptionist recognized him immediately, her face paling as she recalled that he was the same man who had been waiting for Dr. Michael Kim. He certainly appeared to be someone of influence.

“Please let Ms. Victoria Quinn know we’ve arrived,” Tyler instructed the receptionist, his impatience evident.

He knew that once he reviewed the file records, he could finally find some peace and sleep soundly at night.

“I trust my wife, and this investigation is for my own peace of mind,” he reassured himself.

“Sir, Dr. Victoria Quinn hasn’t arrived yet.”

His forehead furrowed with concern.

“She hasn’t arrived? Is she often this late, or…?” He trailed off as he noticed the receptionist shaking her head.

“No, sir. I’m not too familiar with her schedule. That very day was actually her first day here after her promotion. I just learned this morning that the management will be contacting her regarding her resignation. Our clinic is looking for someone to fill the position left by Dr. Michael Kim, whose whereabouts are currently unknown. However, I can arrange for you to meet with another gynecologist who specializes in…”

Tyler had already turned on his heels when he asked impatiently, “Did she leave any files behind?”

“No, her office was empty!” she replied.

The high-ranking official displayed his badge to the receptionist. “Give me the address for Victoria Quinn. Now!”

The receptionist quickly grabbed a notepad and scribbled down the address.

“Are we heading to her place?” Tyler inquired, his impatience growing once they were outside.