Derek's POV
As the wheels whirled through the night, I drove away from Black Thorn Pack and headed for 32 Seaside Avenue.Leo was not at all quiet. He roared with discontent in my mind."Why did we leave her?" he asked. There was an obvious complaint in his tone."She needed time," I said, trying my best to sound calm."Time? We almost finished marking her!" he retorted. "She's the mate we chose. We can't leave her alone there!"I tightly gripped the steering wheel and didn't respond.I knew Leo was right.When Daphne called, I didn't wanna go.But she threatened me that if I didn't come to see her, she'd ask the Amber's Eye Pack's Alpha to talk to me.I didn't give a damn about Daphne, but the Amber's Eye Pack was one powerful pack.Mark had already left the Amber's Eye Pack because of Holly.But I knew the Amber's Eye Pack's Alpha never really gave up on Mark. After all, Mark was his son.So, I had to say yes to DaphDerek's POVI came back after dealing with Daphne, thinking Tabitha would be waiting for me in the living room.It was always like this. No matter how late I came home, I could always see her in the living room, sleeping on the sofa.She always kept a light on for me.But today was an exception. When I pushed open the front door, the room was dark, and Tabitha wasn't on the sofa.In the past, Tabitha would have met me by this time, grumbling and helping me with my clothes.She would nag and nag non-stop, but I liked her like this the most.Yet now, though the room was filled with warm air, I still felt cold.As I pushed open the door, through the light outside the bedroom, I could vaguely see a lump on the bed.Tabitha had already slept.I walked to the bedside and gently lay down beside her.Her unique scent lingered on the tip of my nose.I couldn't help but reach out and hold her in my arms.When I heard her wake up
Tabitha's POVUpon hearing Derek's words, I closed my eyes quickly.The next morning, I woke up in his arms.It had been ages since we slept together while hugging each other. The second I opened my eyes, I saw his handsome sleeping face.I suddenly felt that time had gone back three years when I could see him whenever I opened my eyes.He closed his eyes tightly. With a few strands of hair softly resting on his usually smooth forehead, he no longer looked that cold and aloof.There was a faint stubble on his tightly clenched jaw, and even in his sleep, he was still frowning tightly.I instinctively raised my hand to smooth his furrowed eyebrows.Yet after I lifted my hand, I realized that we were no longer mates. I was about to retract my hand when he opened his eyes at that moment.Our eyes met, and I saw fine dust flying in the air.My hand froze in mid-air. Either putting it back or leaving it there seemed a bit awkward.Whi
Tabitha's POV"Shut up!" Derek shouted angrily.My words pissed him off."Leo's in pain," Crystal said in my mind.I didn't have time to dwell on her words.Out of anger, I blurted out, "Derek, my family was ruined, Silver Moon Pack is on the verge of dissolution, and my dad has been in a coma. Everything happened because of you! Who gave you the balls to make me such an offer?"Derek pulled me out of the wardrobe with one hand, and I took the chance to punch and kick him hard."You think I'm gonna give in just because it's the second chance? No! And I won't be marked by you! Forget it!"After I finished speaking, I felt Crystal let out a painful whimper in my head.I knew the feeling well.Meanwhile, I saw a hint of pain flash across Derek's eyes.In the next second, he became even angrier. His face turned red, his eyes were filled with anger, and he raised his hand, about to hit me.I roared with fury, "Hit me! Better yet
Tabitha's POVWhen I pushed open the door to Derek's office, he was sitting in front of the desk, all zoned into his work on the computer.I scoped out his office setup, a hint of irony crossing my face. Who would have thought my first visit here would be as his ex-wife?After placing the lunchbox on the coffee table, I then fixed my gaze on him, who seemed too caught up in his work to even notice me.The night had fallen, and the city lights started to twinkle like a bunch of stars.Derek's handsome profile looked even more chiseled under the light, his jaw all clenched up.Neither of us spoke, and the room was dead silent.I couldn't read his mind, but I guessed he wouldn't blow up at me.After all, he didn't lose his temper after I went off on him this morning.With that thought in mind, I mustered up the courage and walked over, feeling his intense vibe the closer I got, even though he hadn't said a word.I had planned to suppres
Tabitha's POVThe purpose of the person who'd been lurking in the shadows was to tear me and Derek apart.Guessed he or she wouldn't be too thrilled about me and Derek being so close.Shame that I couldn't catch any vibe off the secretary's face to tell if she was the spy working for that mastermind.I piped up, trying to sound casual, "That secretary's got some nerve, barging in without giving you a heads-up."My voice carried a hint of jealousy.Derek wasn't mad, though. He just smiled and said, "Well, I won't fuss over the formalities when swamped with work."I hopped off his lap and wandered over to the huge French window.Staring out at the sea of lights, I couldn't help feeling lonely.Before I noticed it, Derek walked up behind me, asking in a low voice, "What's on your mind?"I said calmly, "Just imagining your engagement party with Daphne. Heard she picked the Magnolia Garden. It's definitely gonna be stunning."I knew
Tabitha's POV"Daphne probably won't be cool with it," I said.Knowing how Derek used to take her side unconditionally, I worried that she'd mess up my whole plan simply by a word of complaint.Derek ran his hand over my head, his eyes flashing a chill. "Just ignore her. It's not her call. I'm the one calling the shots," he snapped.Feeling reassured by his promise, I snuggled closer into his arms."Can I start work tomorrow?" I piped up."What position are you aiming for?" he wondered."Assistant." I looked up at him with an expectant look.Derek's eyes drilled into mine, like he was trying to read my mind through my face."What are you really after?" he grilled.I knew I was throwing him off by fawning on him today.But we were each other's second chance mate, and I figured he couldn't resist me getting close to him, even though he suspected me.I locked eyes with him, trying to earn his trust. "I've told you, I wanna sta
Tabitha's POV"I just thought your necklace was very beautiful, so I took a few more glances. Where did you buy it?" I had a smile on my face, trying to lighten the mood.Elizabeth's necklace was her only adornment, a small but delicate rose with a sparkling diamond at its center."This was the year-end bonus that Mr. Greenwood had custom-made two years ago," Elizabeth replied calmly."Oh, I see. I will work hard to earn this year's bonus then," I said with a smile.She just glanced at me before leaving with her bag.Charlie, who had been silent until now, spoke up, "Don't take it personally. She has always been like that."I asked, "So you mean Elizabeth has always been this cold?""Well, I haven't seen her smile since she started working here. Although cold, she's efficient at her job," he replied.We chatted for a while, and then I was the last one to leave the office.I didn't go far but waited in the underground parking lot.
Tabitha's POVI opened my mouth, and at that moment, I had the urge to let everything out.The thought flashed through my mind, and soon I remembered Derek's contemptuous face.He had mocked me countless times in the past, playing tricks and manipulating me. If I spoke up now, he might just dismiss it and think I was just exonerating my father.Moreover, before I could uncover the truth, revealing my suspicions too soon could tip them off and make things worse.So I swallowed my words again.Regardless of any mastermind, the relationship between me and Derek wouldn't be affected. His infidelity was a fact.I remained calm and responded with a muffled sound.With his answer, all the things became even clearer to me.I tightened my grip on his clothes, determined to uncover the truth. It became my only purpose for enduring."I knew it," I muttered."There's no need to dwell on things that have already passed, let's go to sleep," h
Third person's POVPhoebe was gagged, and she stared at Derek with wide eyes.Obviously, she found it hard to believe. After all, she was an elder!"Phoebe!" Ambrose quickly pulled the towel out of her mouth.Phoebe instinctively was about to continue crying, yet Derek's cold gaze silenced her at once. She then pointed at Zander on the ground and said, "Save Zander first."Ambrose knew that it
Third person's POVTabitha was already suffering from excruciating pain. And then she was aggravated and verbally insulted by Zander, which made her so pissed off.Derek's hug made her feel like an abandoned puppy finally seeing its owner.She reached out and hugged him, saying, feeling utterly aggrieved, "Finally, you're back."Derek gently caressed her face. Though she had makeup on her face, he could tell at a glance that something was off with her expression.
Third person's POVAt that moment, a group of people clad in suits and polished leather shoes made a sudden appearance at the entrance, swiftly drawing the crowd's gaze.Rolf and Alvin had noticeable cuts on their faces, but they stood behind Derek with solemn expressions and respectful attitudes.Derek stood tall and imposing, a fresh scar marring his brow, yet it did nothing to soften his icy demeanor. His commanding presence was as intense as a force of nature, crashing over like a tidal wave.
Third person's POVZander never expected that someone would actually record this scene and expose it without any regard for the prestige of the Greenwood family.Orson's recording ripped off his fig leaf right on the spot.The dreams of all the hopeful young ladies present were shattered. This seemingly virtuous man turned out to be such a beast behind the scenes.Andrea couldn't hold back anymore. Her short temper flared up instantly.
Third person's POV"Dad, there are so many people around. Don't make a scene, or we'll be a laughing stock."Zander chimed in at the right moment, "Grandpa, since you don't seem to like me much, my mom and I won't stay here to be a nuisance. Just hope you won't regret this later. Mom, let's go."This statement was obviously a threat.Ambrose grabbed both of their hands. "Today, as long as I'm here, I won't let you leave. Dad, the whole thing started because of her. Is it rea
Third person's POVZander's words made even the eloquent Ambrose turn to look at him. "What did you say?""Dad, Derek was caught in the explosion, and there's been no sign of him since. It's highly likely that he's passed away," Zander said, delivering the harsh truth in the gentlest tone possible.Everyone present was stunned. Although Derek had been based in Seattle for years, his status and position were unquestionable.If he were dead now, wouldn't all the family fortune
Third person's POVPhoebe was crying so hard she could barely catch her breath. Between sobs, she said, "Ambrose, I thought that once you divorced, if I raised Zander well and managed the household, your father would eventually see my sincerity. But after all these years, we're still outsiders. Let's just go. We're not welcome here."Ambrose was brimming with anger at Phoebe's instigation, even though Andrea hadn't said anything yet.As he helped Zander up, he blurted out, "Why are you leaving? If anyone should be leaving, it's them!"
Third person's POVThe dinner party was going pretty smoothly, but now the atmosphere had suddenly gotten tense.Tabitha was cramping so badly that she couldn't even speak.Her face was as pale as a sheet, and her body slightly trembled. She tightly clutched her stomach with one hand, trying to ease the excruciating pain.Andrea was sitting on the sidelines, planning to enjoy the spectacle, since she didn't have much fondness for Phoebe and Zander.
Tabitha's POVUpon hearing this familiar voice, I instinctively furrowed my brow.It was Zander again.I lifted my head and looked at him with annoyance. "What?"This guy was wearing a white suit today, and coupled with his handsome appearance, he appeared to be a charming gentleman in the eyes of others.But only I knew that beneath his seemingly glamorous appearance, there was a malicious he