Tabitha's POV
Holly paused for a sec, then she furrowed her brow, wearing a look of disappointment."Tabitha, I get you might be displeased with me. But please don't take it out on Daphne," she pleaded.With that, she bowed to me, rendering me slack-jawed.Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed, "I'll spend my whole life making it up to you. Just leave Daphne out of it. Let her be with Derek!"Just when I thought my symptoms had stabilized, Holly's words hit me like a freight train, sending me into a rage.I got so much to say, but the lump in my throat stopped the words from coming out.I gritted my teeth, trembling all over out of fury.With a bang, the door swung open, and a group of people came in.Mark, seeing the scene, immediately flared up and marched over, fixing his glare at me like he wanted to eat me alive."What the heck are you doing, Holly?" Mark sternly helped her up.Before I could get a word in, Mark blurteTabitha's POVMy eyes slowly focused, and the first thing I saw was the collar of a crisp white shirt.My gaze drifted up, settling on a man's strong jawline. Turned out it was Derek.Just like that, any hope I had fizzled out.Well, it made sense. Dad was still out cold in the hospital. How could he possibly show up here?"Why were you bleeding from your nose earlier?" Derek's voice snapped me back to reality.I didn't expect that of all things, he would start with that.Just when I was pondering how to reply, I caught a whiff of some unfamiliar shower gel on him.I couldn't help but think of what might have happened between him and Daphne last night. Feeling a tightness in my chest, I struggled out of his embrace."I bumped my nose before, and Holly hit it right on that old wound," I calmly replied.Derek gazed at me, like he was trying to catch me in a lie.I met his gaze head-on, asking, "What? You don't believe it? Didn't y
Tabitha's POVThanks to the Suttons, I could finally leave Derek's side.Though we were in the same company, as an ordinary employee in the Sales Department, I barely crossed paths with him.The only bummer was, after leaving the Secretary Department, I couldn't get close to those secretaries, which totally went against my reason for joining the company.Now, I had to count on Lucian, hoping his trip turned up more useful dirt.Just as I was deep in thought, a sigh reached my ears. "Damn, why's it always me handing in the planning proposal?"I turned around and found it was Emma, a colleague from Group C where I worked."What's wrong?" I wondered.With a frustrated look, she told me, "It's time to submit the planning proposal. But our group was at the bottom last month. I can't even bring myself to step into the Secretary Department. If I run into Alvin, I'll definitely be scared out of my wits.""Is Alvin that scary?" I asked, all curiou
Tabitha's POVI was so unlucky these days. Nothing went smoothly.I went to the Secretary Department, and when I came back, my colleagues mobbed me. They accused me with particularly harsh words.Trying my best to remain calm, I said, "I didn't even see Mr. Greenwood in person. All I did was hand the proposal to the Secretary Department. How could I possibly upset him?""Nothing ever happened when any of us submitted the proposals. Yet he's upset this time. Drop the act. You can't get away with this," they kept blaming me. Obviously, they were gonna throw me under the bus.So, this was the so-called workplace, where scheming phonies gathered.Sonia said with a stern face, "Tabitha, your probation period is three months. If you want my signature, you know what to do. Right?""Yeah." I knew what she meant; they wanted me to take the blame.The elevator doors opened, and Alvin walked out.Upon seeing him, Sonia turned nervous at once.A
Tabitha's POVIn fact, deep down, everyone knew I had nothing to do with the failure of the proposal.Yet I refused to cooperate, which annoyed Sonia.She'd give me a hard time if I didn't quit.I was just a newcomer, whereas my colleague had worked here for years. Of course, they wouldn't offend Sonia because of me. So, they tacitly isolated me.They wanted to force me to quit in this way.Since they weren't gonna treat me as a friend, of course, they wouldn't be nice to me."My, my. Tabitha, still water runs deep indeed. You're so good at pretending. I thought you were meek, yet it turns out you've got some balls to mess with Ms. Mendoza.""Think about it. She gets to be part of us by pulling strings. Of course, someone's backing her up. We're nothing in her eyes."I looked at Emma slowly. "You know that? Then who gave you the nerve to disrespect me? Aren't you worried there'll be consequences?"In the next second, everyone in the
Tabitha's POVI stood in the stall, continuing to listen to their conversation."We'll trade Tabitha for the collaboration. As long as we sign the contract, we get to surpass Group B.""If I were Tabitha, I would stay invisible. She's just a newcomer. She shouldn't have shown off at all. We all used to be newcomers, and none of us were like her. The second she arrived, she talked back to Ms. Mendoza. Does she think she's better than us?""Maybe there is someone backing her up.""Yeah, right. Ms. Mendoza has already looked into her. Alvin doesn't have a girlfriend at all. In fact, no woman ever gets to be near him. Who could possibly back her up?"Their laughter gradually faded away, and only then did I come out of the stall.Sonia wanted to trade me? Yeah, she wished.Sneering, I washed my hands in the sink.As I was wiping my hands, I saw a janitor next to me sorting through the trash.I approached her and asked friendly, "Excuse me
Tabitha's POV"Mr. Watson, I'm so sorry. We invited you for dinner, yet you arrived earlier than us. To show how sincere I am, I'm gonna make sure tonight's dinner satisfies you," Sonia said.Harry smiled, "It's my honor to wait for you, elegant ladies. Well, this one looks unfamiliar. Could you introduce her?"Sonia quickly smiled fawningly, "My bad. Mr. Watson, this is Tabitha. She has joined us only recently. Tabitha, what are you waiting for? Why don't you say hello to Mr. Watson?"Harry was probably in his forties. Similar to many middle-aged men, he was with a greasy appearance and a big belly.He squinted his eyes and sized me up from head to toe.His gaze bugged me a lot."Mr. Watson," I greeted casually.He immediately reached out, wanting to pull me over. "Tabitha, come sit here."I sat down in a seat that was relatively far from the main seat before he could touch my hand.Seeing his awkwardly extended hand in mid-air and
Tabitha's POVWidening her eyes, Sonia stared at me, finding my words hard to believe. "Tabitha, are you here to work or to study? You're kinda pretty, which is why I'm still standing here teaching you instead of leaving. We're in sales, and flexibility is what we need. You despise the chance? You know what? Countless people would fight for it. I'll be straight with you. Mr. Watson came here because of you tonight. Spend the night with him and get us the contract. If so, we get to surpass Group B, and you don't have to quit. It'll be a win-win situation."I found her words ridiculous. "Selling my body out in exchange for an achievement? Yeah, I don't think so.""Fine. You think this is below you? Tell you what? If you can't please Mr. Watson today, by the end of the month, we'll both be doomed. Different from you, I'll be scolded at most. You? You can kiss your job goodbye.""Whatever." I didn't even bother to argue.Sonia grabbed my hand, looking disappoint
Tabitha's POV"I already gave you plenty of time today." Derek's voice was deep and a bit unfathomable.I could feel his eyes on me, just like all those countless nights we used to share.Panicking, I watched him take off his clothes till only a shirt was left.Slowly and unhurriedly, he unbuttoned his shirt.The lights of the room lit up, and I saw his bare chest, which was nothing but familiar to me.His chest once fascinated me. I knew better than anyone how good his figure was.It had been a long time since I enjoyed such a view, and still, it managed to take my breath away.Derek used his fingers to brush across my face. "You said yourself. Even if I stand in front of you showing my eight-pack, you still won't give a shit."Utterly embarrassed, I bit my lip. Sure enough, he heard what I said. I hastily turned my head away, trying not to look at him, yet my body betrayed me. My gaze fell on his chest uncontrollably."Don't you wa
Third person's POVAs soon as Tabitha stepped out of the house, the biting winter wind hit her face like a knife, stinging her skin.Just as Derek had said, everything had been arranged."Tabitha, the helicopter is ready. You can leave now.""Thank you.""However, the helipad is a bit far. You'll need to walk there.""That's fine," Tabitha waved it off.Wrapped in a thick down jacket, she buried her face in the hood. She felt as though someone was watching her, but she didn't dare look back.She was afraid that if she turned around, she wouldn't be able to leave. In her heart, she kept repeating, Don't look back. Just keep walking.Behind the curtains, Derek held Kyrian, who was crying silently. Kyrian reached out toward the empty air, as if trying to grab the hem of Tabitha's coat."Dad, I don't want Mom to leave. Will she abandon me?""No, she loves you. How could she abandon you? She's just leaving for a
Third person's POVThough he was just a child and didn't fully understand what had happened between Tabitha and Derek, he knew one thing—he loved Tabitha and wanted her to be happy."If this makes you happy, I don't mind. I'm just scared... scared you'll leave me," Kyrian said, his voice trembling slightly."Silly boy, didn't I tell you? You and your siblings are my most precious treasures. I love you so much, and I'll visit you often," Tabitha said gently.Then, she noticed the cord around Kyrian's neck and gently pulled it out. It was the small lock she'd designed for him years ago."I made this for you. It's engraved with my hopes for you, 'May you grow up happy and healthy every day.'"Kyrian reached out his hand. "Mom, you can't lie to me. You have to come see me again."Their fingers hooked together in a pinky promise, and Tabitha smiled softly."Okay, I promise. When you're a little older, we'll live together, alri
Third person's POVIn such a short time, Kyrian had already figured out his place in Tabitha's heart. He knew exactly where her soft spots were and used his natural childlike tears as a "weapon" to try to keep her from leaving.Though this might not make Tabitha happy, she couldn't bring herself to refuse him.What parent could say no to a child crying for candy?Especially when that child was the one she owed so much to, the one she wanted to give the entire world to.But he didn't want the world. He just wanted Tabitha to stay."I..." Tabitha started to speak, but Kyrian cut her off."Mom, I love you so much, and you love me, and my siblings too. I already don't have a complete family. Do you want my siblings to grow up without a dad, only imagining what he looks like, envying other kids' happy families? Mom, haven't you heard? A happy, complete childhood can heal a person for life, but an incomplete one takes a lifetime to heal."
Third person's POV"Back then was back then. Now is now. But I promise you, no matter what happens, I'll always love you," Tabitha said softly, gently stroking Kyrian's head. Her hand brushed through his soft fur, the warmth of a mother's love flowing through her touch.Kyrian's voice was small, tinged with hope. "Mom, can you spare a little love for Dad? He's actually kind of pitiful."His eyes showed sympathy for Derek. In his heart, both his parents were his greatest loves, and he longed for a complete family."There are plenty of people in this world who love your dad. He doesn't need mine," Tabitha replied, her tone carrying a hint of stubbornness. Despite her lingering feelings for Derek, the pain of the past made it hard for her to forgive."But to Dad, you're like oxygen to a fish. A fish can't live without oxygen," Kyrian said, snuggling closer to Tabitha.He pressed his body against hers, as if clinging to her love would make it st
Third person's POVKyrian obediently climbed over and was immediately pulled into Tabitha's embrace.From here, they could see the beautiful scenery outside. Kyrian realized that the training grounds looked completely different from this angle—probably because his mother was by his side.Tabitha smiled softly, her voice warm. "I chose your name. You were born with all my love.""Mom, you must have loved Dad a lot back then," Kyrian said, looking up with curious eyes."Yes, very much," Tabitha admitted honestly. "No matter how I feel about your dad now, you are my precious child, born after seven months of carrying you. Your dad took you away, and I didn't even know you existed. That's why I missed so many years of your life. But you need to know, I thought about you every single day. There wasn't a moment when I didn't miss you or wonder about you. I love you more than anyone in the world."Kyrian's mood brightened, a happy smile sprea
Third person's POVKyrian watched nervously as Tabitha cleaned and dressed his wounds.He didn't dare breathe too loudly, his eyes glued to her every move. His gaze was filled with dependence and longing.Every now and then, he'd glance quickly at Derek, his eyes questioning, desperate for reassurance that this wasn't a dream."Dad, is Mom really back?" His voice trembled, carrying the fragility and hope unique to a child.Derek reached out and gently tapped his nose. "Silly boy, she's really here."Kyrian's tense body relaxed slightly, and a shy smile crept onto his face.When Tabitha applied the ointment a little too firmly, he winced but stayed silent.His hands gripped the hem of his shirt, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. He was afraid that if he cried out in pain, Tabitha might leave.In his heart, he thought, As long as Mom stays, this pain is nothing.Kyrian had always been well-behaved, but n
Third person's POVAzazel was furious.To be honest, he hadn't planned to take things this far with Kyrian.He showed Kyrian some respect, but deep down, he knew most of the children here were orphans with no one to rely on.He'd been provoking Kyrian because he refused to fall in line. After all this time, Kyrian still wouldn't listen to him.Azazel had wanted to teach him a lesson and assert his dominance in front of the others.But Kyrian was tougher than he'd expected. Instead of backing down, he even fought back with a fierce determination that burned in his eyes.What's wrong with him? Why won't he give up?"You're dead, brat," Azazel snarled, raising his fist to deliver a crushing blow to Kyrian's head."Stop!"Kyrian closed his eyes, bracing for the impact his small body couldn't possibly withstand. But the blow never came.A hand shot out, gripping Azazel's wrist.Everyone turned to see Tabitha, breathless from running.Thankfully, she'd made it in time.What she didn't know
Third person's POVKyrian had barely taken a few bites when a tall boy walked over and flipped his tray onto the floor, sneering, "Go on, eat that."Tabitha's fists clenched in anger. "How can they bully him like this? He's already struggling!"Derek held her back. "Tabitha, don't act rashly. This place isn't just about physical training for him."Tabitha frowned. "Then what else is he here for?"Derek explained, "For people like us, growing up means training alongside peers who'll become your most trusted allies—like Alvin and Rolf. These are the people who'd take a bullet for you on the battlefield. If Kyrian grows up sheltered, handed a team of strangers, do you think they'd truly respect or protect him? One wrong move, and he could end up dead."Tabitha's anger began to fade. "What are you saying?"Derek's tone grew serious. "He's not just training his body. He's learning to lead, to earn the loyalty of these kids. They'll b
Third person's POVThe car slowly emerged from the underground garage, breaking through the darkness into the open air.The streets were adorned with mistletoe trees, people bustling about in preparation for Christmas."It's been years since we celebrated together," Derek said suddenly, his voice tinged with nostalgia."Yeah." In those days when survival was all that mattered, Tabitha hadn't had the luxury of thinking about holidays."It's the last day of the year. Where are you taking me?" Tabitha glanced at Derek."You'll see."The car wound its way out of the city, into the countryside. Snowflakes danced in the air, painting the world in white.The road grew steeper, the landscape wilder. Soon, there were no buildings in sight—just endless trees and snow.Tabitha gripped the armrest as the car jolted over uneven terrain. After what felt like hours, they reached a remote valley deep in the mountains. Even their p