Tabitha's POV
After I got home, I checked the trackers again. The one at the garbage disposal center was already gone, and the rest were still right where they had been.Lucian's phone was still turned off. I sighed.I was getting closer and closer to the truth, yet there was always something blocking my sight. I had no idea how to get rid of it.One good thing, though. The project went well. My plan passed the screening, and the company and I set a meeting time.I dressed up in a suit specifically. When I entered the door, I felt that my palms were perspiring.Pushing open the door, I smiled gracefully, "Hi there. I'm Tabitha Hartley, from the Greenwood Group."The good-looking young man wearing a white suit sitting smiled, too, "Hi, Tabitha. We meet again."I was stunned. "Jasper?"Only then did I realize. "The general manager of Austin Group is you actually?""Yeah." Jasper shrugged helplessly.Then I immediately asked, "DidTabitha's POV"Sure." I gave Jasper all of Dad's reports, and he examined them carefully.Time passed by slowly. After quite a while, he looked up at me.There was something different in his gaze."Tabitha, perhaps there's still hope for John. If Matthew's doing the surgery, chances are, John's gonna make it."I sighed, "Yeah. If Matthew is doing the surgery. Too bad that I've tried almost everything, but he's still nowhere to be found.""Don't worry. I'll help with my connections."Standing by the bed, I wiped Dad's body with a warm towel. "I don't know if Dad can wait that long.""I'm sure he can."I turned and met Jasper's eyes shimmering with an inexplicable determination.After we came out of the hospital, he was energetic and bubbly again. "Why don't you buy me some dinner? I'm starving.""Sure. What's in your mind?"I grew up wishing I had a sibling. To me, the sweet Jasper was like my little brother."There's a
Tabitha's POVI smiled when I heard Derek's words. Seeing him frown, I knew my smile must have been very ironic.I broke his fingers one by one. "Alpha Derek, I've never asked you for anything. That so-called position of the Black Thorn Pack's Luna? Now that I've let go, it means nothing to me."His eyes flickered while I continued extremely calmly, "You know, in the past, I thought you were the best thing that happened to me, and nothing in this world beat the second you smiled at me. But when I walked alone with a tired body, I realized that I was wrong. In fact, everything in this world is better than you."I gently raised my hand and used my slender fingers to gently caress his face in front of me that I had once loved with all my heart."Derek, to say that I've already forgotten you completely would be a lie. I still have feelings for you, and perhaps I still will for a long time. You'll still affect my mood. But ... I'm running outta energy to think ab
Tabitha's POV"He didn't do it, but the photos indeed came from him. Everyone knows he's a lecher, and any pretty woman can lure him easily. You know what? Maybe some woman used his phone to send them to Ms. Mendoza," Emma analyzed."You're right."The last thing the mastermind behind the scenes wanted was for me to know about his or her identity.The person was certain that I'd pin it on Henry and look into him.I had to say that the person was quite scheming.But this happened to give me a direction to work on. I'd know the whole truth as long as I knew who had approached Henry.Great! I was one step closer to the truth. Instantly, I was in a much better mood. After all, it was the only good news I had heard these few days.Yet in the next second, someone I was familiar with entered Group C's office.She was dressed decently with delicate makeup. Seeing that, the receptionist greeted her nicely."Ma'am, who are you here for?"
Tabitha's POVDerek's overwhelming Alpha aura filled the entire office.Holly swallowed and said, "I did it for your sake. I know Tabitha's been pestering you. Now that you're about to get engaged to Daphne, I wanna be of help."I was just about to open my mouth when Derek beat me to it. He said, "I think you've got one thing wrong."He placed the cup in front of her and continued, "I've been the one pestering Tabitha."His words were like a slap in Holly's face.She failed to come back to her senses even after quite a while. Then she stammered, "What? How ... could it be? You... You and Tabitha have been on bad terms, right? Besides, you've already gone through the rejection ceremony. And you have kids with Daphne already. So, I figured...""Seeing isn't always believing, not to mention it's all rumors. It's your family's affairs, so I wasn't in a place to say anything, but I'd like to remind you something. Tabitha is your daughter, and Daphne is
Tabitha's POVMy words made Holly blush.After finishing speaking, I looked back at Derek and said, "I didn't do anything wrong. Why are you firing me?"He looked at me indifferently. "You've only come here for just a few days, yet you've already caused great trouble. I don't want you to ruin my company's image. I'll have HR pay you three times your contract. You can go down to get your money now."I was so reluctant to give up. Shit! Of all times, he wanted to see me gone right now? Right before I was about to find out the truth?Unfortunately, I had just made a clean break with him, so I couldn't play soft right now at all.Derek said meaningfully, "Isn't this exactly what you want?"I clenched my fists tighter and tighter. In the end, I unclenched them."Yes. I see."Holly got her way and became gentle again."Tabitha, tell me if you need money. You know, the Amber's Eye Pack has many industries, too. Mark can get you anything you
Tabitha's POVThe one walking towards me wasn't Derek. It was Jasper.He extended his hand towards me, asking, "I saw you on my way by. What happened? You sprained your ankle?"I waved my hand to politely refuse his kindness and got up on my own.Smiling helplessly, I said, "I was lost in thought. I didn't even realize I stopped here.""The Dawn Vanguard Pack is around. If you want to, you may go check on Tucker. He misses you so much."Of course I wouldn'tsay no to such an offer. So I nodded and followed Jasper into his car.It was very warm inside, in stark contrast to the outside. Jasper handed me a hot latte."I went out to get coffee from this place. It's nice. Give it a go."I nodded and took the latte. "Thanks.""You're thanking me? For real? Come on, Tabitha," he smiled and turned the steering wheel with one hand.I felt a bit strange. All of a sudden, a voice in my head rang out, telling me the latte was meant for me to
Derek's POVI knew why Holly made a scene at my company. It was all for Daphne.I didn't fire Tabitha because I wasn't afraid of Holly. I just didn't want Tabitha to become a thorn in the side of the Amber's Eye Pack, or she might be in danger.It was also my way of punishing her.After all, she had been trying to draw a line between us.A few months ago, all I wanted was to get rid of her. Yet now that she had actually stopped bothering me, I ended up the one having trouble letting go.Whenever her distant expression emerged in my mind, I felt inexplicably restless.Tugging at my tie, I said to Rolf, "Go to Mark's place."Daphne was over the moon when seeing me. She even prepared a large table of food.Meanwhile, though Holly still pulled a long face, she kept pouring me drinks.I was polite but distant, focused on dandling Kyrian.Yet no matter how I tried, Kyrian barely laughed. Most of the time, he'd just stare out of the wi
Derek's POVTabitha reached out and pulled my fingers away from her wrist one by one. "Remember? You said I'd be the only love of your life. And you failed to keep your promise.""I..."She pulled my last finger away.Then she turned around, leaving me nothing but her back. "Derek, don't come to me again. Whether I'm alive or not has nothing to do with you anymore."After saying that, she ran off into the distance.The cherry blossom petals were so many that it was like rain, engulfing her body bit by bit.I wanted to go after her, but all of a sudden, I realized that I wasn't even qualified to do so.So what if I caught up with her? What could I say?Or maybe the more pressing question was, what could I change? The end was already written.I covered my chest. Inside, my heart was beating violently. Weird. Why was I still this uneasy?Tabitha's POVI ran into the elevator, pressed the floor button, and gasped for breath.
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