Not A Small Town Girl (Danielle and David) novel Chapter 133

Chapter 133

Ruby hurried back to her apartment after leaving the Dixon family estate. This place, though modest, was the sanctuary she had hastily arranged upon returning from abroad.

As she opened the door, a soft, tiny figure wobbled toward her.

"Sweetheart, slow down! Careful not to trip!" Ruby’s voice softened as she knelt to scoop up her little girl, Belle. Deciding to keep Belle had been the best decision of her life-this angel was her most precious gift. From the moment Belle was born, she had been a remarkably gentle baby who rarely cried and was easy to soothe.

"Mommy, hug, hug!" Belle’s chubby hands reached up eagerly. "Miss Dixon, welcome back," Carla, the nanny, greeted warmly, stepping out of the kitchen.

"I’m back, Carla. You can head home early today," Ruby replied, setting Belle down for a moment.Carla Hurst

"Thank you, Miss Dixon. Have a good evening," Carla said before leaving.

With Belle securely in her lap, Ruby fed her daughter some baby food while her mind raced. The recording device she had secretly used at the Dixon family home was useless-Emily’s precautions had turned it into a garbled mess of interference.

Emily was just as cautious as ever, even after all these years. Ruby clenched her jaw. Rescuing her mother was her priority, and for that, she’d have to play along with Emily’s demands-for now. "Ba... ba... ba..." Belle babbled, her tiny voice breaking Ruby’s dark thoughts.

"What’s that, sweetie? Are you trying to say something?" Ruby asked, her tone suddenly light and cheerful.

"Ba... ba..." Belle waved her little hands excitedly.

Ruby checked Belle’s diaper, puzzled. "No stinky diaper. Hmm... Are you saying ’papa’?"

Belle laughed joyfully, clapping her hands. "Ba-ba!"

Ruby’s heart sank as realization hit. Her daughter, so small yet so perceptive, was asking for a father. A pang of guilt tightened in her chest.

"Sweetheart," Ruby whispered, her voice barely steady, "you don’t need anyone else. I can protect you, always." 

But deep down, she wondered if that was true. ’What if Belle grows older and feels the absence of a father more acutely? What if...

Ruby shook her head, her resolve hardening. After rescuing Mom, we’ll leave. There’s no need to linger in this city or near... him.

Back on Moreno University campus, Toby, who had been humiliated in front of everyone, simmered with anger. His face was dark as he plotted ways to get back at Danielle.

Unaware of his brewing resentment, Danielle had already returned to her dorm. A message from David popped up on her phone.

David: [I’m outside your school. Brought you something delicious.]

Danielle: [Give me a minute. Just need to wash up.] After a quick rinse and a change of clothes, Danielle made her way to the campus gates.

Outside the gates, Audrey, who had just finished class, spotted David’s car parked by the curb. Her face lit up with excitement.

Turning to her friends, she said, "You guys go on ahead. Someone’s waiting for me."

Her friends, noticing the luxury car, teased her. "Is it your fiancé, Audrey? Wow, he must really miss you to show up like this!"

"So romantic. We’re so jealous of how much he loves you!"

Audrey blushed, her tone coy. "Don’t be silly. You guys go ahead!"

Meanwhile, David sat in the car, scrolling through his phone, waiting for Danielle. His thoughts were filled with her-just a few days apart, and he missed her terribly.

"A knock on the car window snapped him out of his thoughts.

David lowered the window, only to be greeted by a suffocating wave of overly sweet perfume.