Tabitha's POV
I 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 abTabitha'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.
Tabitha's POVInside the gift box was a phone watch in the shape of a bear.I didn't need it now.More than a decade ago, I asked Holly to buy me the most popular phone watch in the shape of a bear if I topped the final exam.The day my results came out, however, I saw her leaving with that man.It had been years. I didn't know exactly how I felt when I saw the late gift.I charged it up and wore it on my wrist.That night, I fell asleep while stroking the watch, happy as a kid who had finally received the candy she had been yearning for.It was dawn, and a new day began.I had to go to the hospital early in the morning for various checkups.It was sunny today. I looked out and silently cheered myself on.I'd be fine. Definitely.I packed my things and was just about to go out when I saw a familiar number flashing on my phone screen.It was Albert. Seeing that, I paused.During this time, I had thought about invit
Tabitha's POV"Sure. I'm about to be at the entranceto your neighborhood shortly, in fact. Just a minute away," Jasper said."I'll go downstairs now," I said.After checking the surveillance to make sure it was safe outside, I went out with my things and quickly got into the elevator.There were people all the way from the elevator to the entrance of the neighborhood. I didn't think anyone would be that bold to make a move.As the elevator descended, I became more and more nervous.The eighth floor, the seventh floor, and the sixth floor...I clutched my phone tightly. Jasper texted me, telling me that he was waiting for me at the entrance.He even sent me a smiley face, saying that I could take my time. There was no need to rush.The cute emoji made me less nervous. I smiled, feeling better.However, when I looked up, I realized that the elevator didn't stop on the first floor. It was still descending.I felt utterly uneasy aga
Third person's POV"Tabitha, how long have you known Lucian? Do you understand his background? Or rather, since he is neither a relative nor an acquaintance, why would he help you? There is no such thing as unselfish kindness in this world. Most of it is mixed with interests. Do you think he has ulterior motives towards you?"Tabitha was taken aback by Derek's series of questions and didn't know how to answer for a moment, only able to stammer, "I...""Tabitha, we have known each other for many years and understand each other well. Lucian helped us take care of the children, and we should be grateful to him. But if you want to leave with him, are you sure this is the right path? Think not only for yourself but also for the children. What they really want is a stable life or a wandering one?"Derek's ability to control people's hearts was too strong. With just a few words, he hit Tabitha's soft spot - the children."If it's because of me that you've come to t
Third person's POVBoth of them avoided discussing heavy topics during the meal. It wasn't until after finishing eating that Tabitha picked up a napkin, wiped the corners of her mouth, and then broached the main subject."What are your plans?" Tabitha asked."Tabitha, I've already found some clues about Jasper, but with the news of you being alive spreading, it's not safe to stay in Seattle anymore. I won't insist on you staying by my side, but at least you need to protect yourself and the children's safety. How about going to Hawaii? It's very safe there," Derek said sincerely."Do you want me to hide there for the rest of my life?" Tabitha frowned and questioned."At least for now, until I find out her identity..." Derek explained."As long as I don't show up, she will never reveal herself. Am I supposed to hide forever?" Tabitha interrupted him.Tabitha put down the small spoon in her hand, looked at Derek seriously, and said, "Derek, let's be f
Third person's POVTabitha closed her eyes and took a deep breath, as if trying to calm her emotions. After a while, she opened her eyes again and asked, "Were you also involved that night on the boat?""Yes," Derek replied without hesitation."Is Wilmot your man?" Tabitha's voice carried a hint of doubt.Derek paused for a moment, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes, before slowly answering, "Yes, I was just too worried about you, so I had him go to protect you.""Then do you know what we..." Tabitha's words were cut short as Derek suddenly slammed on the brakes, bringing the car to a stop on the side of the road.He turned to look at Tabitha, his eyes filled with sincerity and urgency, and said, "Tabitha, I am very clear about what happened that night. He was there to help you."Tabitha did not believe Derek's words. Her eyes were filled with anger and disappointment as she shouted, "Wilmot disappeared as soon as he came back. Forrest told me last night that he was dying. Was that y
Third person's POVDerek never expected that as soon as Tabitha returned, he would receive a call from Gloria.On the other end of the line, Gloria's voice came through, "Tabitha wants to see you."Hearing this, Derek's heart sank, and he sighed, thinking to himself, 'I knew it. I couldn't hide it from her.'On an evening with snowflakes drifting down, the sky was shrouded in gloom, and the snow fell gently, covering the entire world in a silver-white veil.Tabitha wrapped her coat tightly and saw Derek again.Since her staged death, Tabitha had only seen Derek through news reports.Now, as she approached him, she was surprised to find that he had become much thinner, his figure appearing particularly frail.Derek was dressed in a black coat, leaning quietly against the car. In just a minute, snowflakes began to fall on his head, accumulating a thin layer of white snow.Tabitha took a deep breath, calming her emotions, and then walked towards Derek.Looking at Derek, her eyes carried
Third person's POVGloria held Helios on her lap, skillfully peeling a grape and feeding it to him, her experience with children evident."Feeling better now that it's out," she said, watching the child play quietly nearby.Tabitha casually inquired, "Why did you hold back on the day we met, only to tell me today?"Gloria had her excuse ready, responding, "You had just returned to the States, and I didn't know your situation. I was afraid it would cause you trouble."Tabitha peeled a few more grapes before setting them aside when Helios indicated he'd had enough.She then looked at Gloria and said slowly, "You weren't afraid of causing me trouble. You were afraid I would leave, weren't you?"Gloria was taken aback, about to argue, but Tabitha saw through her, "Every time you lie, you subconsciously avert your gaze, fearing I'll see through you."Gloria, in a fit of exasperation, covered her face with a blanket, "You two are tru
Third person's POVDerek's face contorted with pain as he continued, "After Tabitha faked her death, I suspected what had happened. I was torn at the time, wanting to bring her back, but I also understood that doing so would only repeat past mistakes. So, I protected her within my control and waited silently. Gloria, I swear, I won't hurt her again."A hint of pleading appeared on Derek's face as he went on, "I'm asking for your help not out of selfishness. Tabitha's illness isn't fully healed, her body hasn't recovered, and with two children in tow, she wouldn't be able to protect herself if danger arises."Gloria had never seen Derek so humble.She remembered how Derek had always approached her with a condescending attitude four years ago.Derek continued, "You are Tabitha's friend, and your starting point should be considering her safety, right? If I wanted to harm her, I could just bring her back directly, so why would I go through the trouble
Third person's POVThe two children were a blend of their parents. The girl resembled Derek, while the boy took after Tabitha, which was quite different from their brother, Kyrian.Derek thought to himself that if Kyrian knew he had two younger siblings, he would be thrilled.But when he considered his relationship with Tabitha, he sighed deeply, filled with regret for his past actions.At that moment, Alvin approached swiftly and reported, "Just received news from the island. Noah is taking Ayla away, and Lucian's direction also leads to the island. He plans to take Tabitha away."Derek, with his hands behind his back and a furrowed brow, spoke with a melancholic expression, "Lucian intends to take more than just Ayla—Tabitha as well. She has always sought opportunities to leave me, and this presents her with an excellent chance.""What should we do? Should we stop him now? Otherwise, with his capabilities, if he truly takes Tabitha a
Third person's POVPlans... Tabitha's original goal had been to find her two children and Jasper.The children were found, but Jasper was without a trace.However, she couldn't search aimlessly without a target.Thinking of Derek's anxious appearance last night, it was clear he still had feelings for her.Gloria's text warning Tabitha to be careful of Derek came to Tabitha's mind again.Tabitha felt she had overlooked some subtle details. What exactly had she missed?It seemed a key point was missing, and once found, it would connect all the events."I don't know. I just wanted to find the children, but I didn't expect to court death. And Derek's attitude towards me is ambiguous. Outside this cabin, I don't know what awaits me," Tabitha said, her face full of entanglement.Seeing her struggle, Lucian took a big gulp of mineral water and mustered the courage to say, "Have you severed ties with him?"Tabitha nodded,
Third person's POVDerek had painstakingly built up Tabitha's trust by posing as Wilmot.He knew that if she ever discovered his true identity, her anger would be immense, and the trust he had spent half a year constructing would crumble entirely.Derek continued, "Send someone to discreetly protect her without revealing themselves. Ayla is still on the island. Tabitha will go to see her."Rolf nodded in agreement, "Understood."Derek added with caution, "Remember, Lucian has a strong ability to detect surveillance, so do not get too close."Rolf responded, "Yes, Alpha Derek. We will handle it immediately."Turning to Alvin, Derek instructed, "Investigate the identities of those deceased men thoroughly."Derek pondered whether Tabitha's survival had been leaked, perhaps when she was seen on the boat.The assailants had been ruthless, and if not for Lucian's timely arrival, Tabitha could have been in grave danger. He had