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.
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
Tabitha's POVI was right all along. Dad was kindness personified. He would never commit such an appalling crime.As such a thought hit me, I burst into tears.'Dad's been nice to everyone. He doesn't deserve this!'"Elena was Derek's childhood sweetheart. If he finds out about it, you're dead meat!"Albert sneered disdainfully, "Use your brain. Why would you end up here if he found out about it?"He was right.Elena had always been Derek's taboo. Bringing her up was just like tearing his old wound open. So he surely wouldn't want to look into her death again."Why? Why did you do this?" I sobbed, lowering my head helplessly."You have only yourself to blame."Me? What did I do?"Your very existence is wrong."With that, Albert lifted me up, put me on his shoulder as if I were a sack, and started walking.Having been locked up for quite some time, I felt sick already.Being lifted all of a sudden made it even worse. My stomach churned.The sound of the sea breeze died down. I guessed
Third person's POVAlvin froze, panic rising. "Sorry, Alpha Derek's delirious," he blurted, terrified of offending Doctor Venessa."Get his clothes off and put him in the tub," Tabitha instructed, turning away to sort herbs."Fully?" Alvin asked, unsure."Fully," Tabitha confirmed, her voice flat.Alvin hesitated, then stripped Derek bare.Tabitha's mind flashed with memories of Derek's body—the same one she'd once known intimately.Compared to when she'd left, Derek's physique was more muscular.When she'd gripped his waist earlier, she'd distinctly felt the elasticity and definition of his muscles.Now, with his clothes removed, several new scars were visible across his chest.She'd watched him from afar over the years, always avoiding contact, always ensuring she remained invisible to him.Several times over the years, Derek had nearly crossed paths with Tabitha during missions. Each time, she deli
Third person's POVTabitha was used to Alvin calling her by name. Hearing him call her "doctor" made her wince."Use a different name," she said."May I know your name, Doctor?""Vanessa."Wait, what?Alvin nearly choked. "You're Vanessa? The all-around physician?"An "all-around physician" was a rarity—doctors usually specialized.But Vanessa wasn't just rare. She was legendary.Alvin had first heard her name last year when she became one of the few surgeons capable of performing interdental artificial cornea surgery.The procedure was so complex it required collaboration across dental, ophthalmological, and radiological fields.Yet Vanessa, a twenty-something newcomer, pulled it off.Media swarmed, patients flocked—but she vanished.Then came a high-risk heart surgery, again under her name.Another worldwide sensation.Reporters chased shadows. She remained elusive,
Third person's POVA cold female voice cut through the tension, "One more tear and you're out. You're deafening."Misha's open mouth froze mid-sob, the comical expression plastered on her face.She glanced around, finally noticing the unfamiliar woman in the room. "Who is she?" she demanded."This is the miracle doctor who can save Alpha Derek. Show some respect," Rolf warned, wary of Misha's infamous temper flaring up again.Despite her pride, Misha's love for Derek was genuine.She quickly composed herself. "Of course, Doctor. I entrust my Derek to you," she said, the possessive words slipping out before she could catch them.Rolf's eyebrow twitched. Since when was Derek "hers"?Alma appeared in the doorway. "You're back.""Yes," the woman replied, her tone neutral."Let me introduce everyone. These folks are here for treatment. The young man's poisoned—Nine-Heart Wolfsbane, nearly dead. The hysterical one
Third person's POVRolf's eyes were red and puffy from crying. "What's Alpha Derek trying to do?" he blubbered."Let him have this one last moment of freedom," Alvin said, holding Rolf back.The mountain wind chilled their tears, but Derek couldn't feel it anymore.His knees shook with every movement, each step draining what little strength he had left.Still, he didn't give up, gritting his teeth and forcing one foot in front of the other.The child stood bathed in sunlight—just a few steps away, and he could hold her.What should've been a quick stride took dozens of seconds, maybe longer.Hedwig stood with her back to him, pigeons swirling around her. A speckled one landed on her finger, cooing.Hedwig's eyes lit up—her mom was back!She spun around to see Derek lurching toward her, unsteady and lifeless yet driven by sheer will.He reached out, fingers trembling, when his body swayed dangero
Third person's POVWhy did it have to be Derek?Alvin's fists tightened as he stared at the horizon. Derek had lived with a clear conscience—except for Tabitha. He didn't deserve this end.But Alvin wasn't a healer. All he could do was watch as Derek's breaths grew shallower, his skin paler.The bell tinkled again—Hedwig had followed them here.When they finally stopped, Alvin eased Derek against a gnarled pine, its needles pricking Derek's back like needles of ice."This spot's good," Alvin said, voice cracking. "You'll see the sunrise."Derek nodded weakly. "Good."The mountain wind bit through Derek's coat, but it cleared his head a little."Alvin... my biggest regret was letting Daphne's demands tear Tabitha and me apart. If I hadn't blamed her for Silver Moon Pack's problems... none of this would've happened.""Alpha Derek, you had your reasons," Alvin said, though the words felt hollow."R
Third person's POVHedwig couldn't speak, but she was wise beyond her years—quiet, helpful, and already versed in basic healing.Derek wished he could play with her, but time was slipping through his fingers. After eating the fruit she'd given him, he picked up his pen again.All night, he didn't rest.He could feel the life Hedwig had breathed into him fading. His senses were dulling again.But the will was done. Now, he only wanted to write letters—to Tabitha, to his kids, Kyrian, Helios and Ayla.The poison was moving faster than it should've. Every letter cost him energy, accelerating the venom's grip.First, he wrote to Kyrian. "Be a good man. Lead the pack with your heart, not just your claws."Derek's chest ached. He'd failed Kyrian, leaving him to shoulder the pack's weight alone.But love? That never faded.Next, his mother.The letter was short—"Take care of Kyrian. If Tabitha ev
Third person's POVAt the mention of the word "will," Rolf's face, which had been tense for days, crumpled. His eyes instantly reddened."Alpha Derek, you don't need a will! You're gonna be fine, you hear me?!"But at this moment, Derek became calm. "I don't have much time left. It took me a lot of effort to get to this camp. Even if I leave, it would take a day. What's the point of leaving if she comes back right after I go? It's better to stay here. If she doesn't come back in the end, I at least need to settle things, I can't just die without any explanation.""Alpha Derek...""Alvin, go get it," Derek said.Alvin's eyes welled up. "Alright."Alban, with red eyes, said, "I'm sorry, kid. I couldn't help you this time.""Dr. Weaver, I'm already grateful to you. You're right, there are some things beyond our control. I guess this is just my fate."In just two days, Derek had gone from a healthy man to someone whose organ
Third person's POVAlma felt a bit awkward. "I'm not sure about that."After all, Hedwig was Derek's spitting image, but she wasn't certain about Hedwig's father."Regardless, he already has other women by his side. He might have forgotten your mother and could build a future with someone else. Even so, do you still want to save him?"Hedwig pursed her lips and didn't respond. Alma stroked her hair, "Poor child, you should know how hard your mother worked to escape him. If he discovers you two are still alive, he'll imprison her again. Do you want that?"Hedwig shook her head gently."Then pretend you don't know him. Your mother and the others aren't in the village. Whether he survives is up to luck," Alma sighed, "Your mother suffered too much. She was barely alive when she gave birth to you. Cherish the life you have now."Hedwig nodded.Strangely, after Derek drank Hedwig's blood, about half an hour later, his vision and hea
Third person's POVThe door swung open.Misha stared at Alma with wide eyes, thinking her sincerity had finally moved her.But the next moment, Alma unhesitatingly lifted a basin of water and splashed it over her, drenching her from head to toe. "Stop making a fuss here! Don't try to coerce me with such theatrics. Whether you stay or do something more extreme, it has nothing to do with me. If you're looking for trouble, take it elsewhere, not here!"Misha stood there, stunned. How could Mrs. Atkinson act so unreasonably?"Why are you staring at me like that? Do you think this is a soap opera?" Alma sneered, "Now leave before you soil my place."As she spoke, she shielded Hedwig's eyes, "Don't look, or it might ruin your mood."Misha returned, drenched and furious, cursing under her breath, "Why is this old woman so difficult? She didn't have to help, but did she have to throw urine at me?"Rolf pinched his nose and stepped back