Tabitha's POV
Inside 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 invitTabitha'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
Tabitha's POVI had no idea what had happened between Ethan and Vilda.Judging from his reaction, he seemed to know her well."Where's her kid?""What the hell are you talking about?" he snapped."We examined her body. She had stretch marks, and her vagina showed signs of labor."Ethan shouted at me, "So what? She's dead already. She..."I was just about to find out more about Vilda when I heard Albert rush over. Sounded like he had put his arms around Ethan.Then he said, "Calm down. It's all over. What's the point of wasting time with her?"It was all over?Was Vilda's death a huge blow for Ethan?Why?If he was dying to see her dead, why would he be this troubled and distressed?Then Albert seemed to have taken him away. My world fell once again deadly silent.It was so quiet that my heartbeat was the only sound I could hear.I tried hard to call out to Crystal, yet she gave no response.The floor where my face touched was uneven, notwood or tile. Seemed I was in a shell house rath
Tabitha's POVI thought I'd be alone in here for a long time.Surprisingly, I heard something after a short while.Several people rushed in, dropped something, and left.Listening to the quiet breathing, I knew that another person had been brought here.Soon, the person woke up."What the hell is this place? Do you have any idea who I am? I am Luna of the Black Thorn Pack! You've got some balls kidnapping me! Derek ain't gonna let this slide!"Hearing Daphne's screechy voice, I couldn't help but frown.I didn't expect she would be kidnapped, too."Help! Someone! Help!""Save your strength. If shouting works, there'll be no kidnappers in the world," I couldn't help but say.Daphne instantly snapped, "Tabitha! You bitch! I knew it was you! You're jealous that I'm marrying Derek, so you pull this dirty trick to..."Her rant got me chuckling. "Seriously, are you delusional or just stupid? Till this point, you still don't have a
Tabitha's POVThough I was lying on the ground in a totally embarrassing pose, I tried my best to hold my chin up."Why would you wanna play such a boring game? You really think it's fun?" I snapped.The person chuckled, "Of course. There's nothing more interesting to me than watching him kill his loved one with his choices."The thought of wriggling free crossed my mind several times. Yet I knew it wasn't the right time. If I did it now, I'd die on the spot."If you like him, play fair. Don't you feel ashamed by pulling such dirty tricks?" I snorted in a scornful tone.Even though the person did a good job at disguising, my gut told me it was a woman.If it was a man who bore a grudge against Derek, he'd be more direct and violent.No way he would spend so much time cooking up such an elaborate scheme and go all out to get Daphne and me here just to force Derek to choose between us.Only a woman would do such things, a ruthless psycho no
Derek's POVThe next second, the scene cut to a stunning view. Above the clear blue sea, seagulls were hovering. Everything seemed so peaceful.Well, except for those two women hanging by ropes.Daphne was in an expensive gown. Even though she was blindfolded, I could see tears streaming down her face. Obviously, she was freaked out.Next to her was Tabitha. She was blindfolded, too, only revealing her delicate chin and pale lips.Leo began to roar in my head.Though Daphne couldn't see anything, she seemed to sense everyone's gaze on her.She screamed her lungs out, "Derek! Dad! Help! Please! I don't wanna die!"Tabitha wasn't doing good. Her forehead was covered in beads of sweat.Unlike Daphne, she was too weak to shout.Seemed she was suffocating because of the rope around her waist.Tabitha's POVDerek chose Daphne a year ago. I didn't think he'd choose differently now.This time, I wouldn't wait for an answer tha
Derek's POVI'd never been so uneasy in my whole life. 'Could it be those guys?' I wondered.If it was them, I guessed neither Tabitha nor Daphne would make it out alive today. Chances were, they might die horribly.I'd been in all kinds of danger, yet now, I found myself trembling.Each of my fingers shook uncontrollably.I had witnessed the terrible deaths of many, and I was prepared for the day that I, too, would die the same way.Yet I didn't want it to happen to my loved one.It took me years to keep my identity under wraps. Finally, I reached where I was today, becoming that formidable Alpha Derek in everyone's eyes. What gave me away?Did my trip to the island attract someone's attention?I shook my head, getting those thoughts out of my mind, as it was pointless to dwell on these things.I didn't even dare to show the slightest hint of worry.If money was the only thing the person was after, I'd be relieved.Both th
Derek's POVAs soon as the person finished, everyone looked at me.Daphne kept shouting. Meanwhile, Justin said coldly, "Isn't the answer obvious? Tell the person you'll choose Daphne."Mark patted my shoulder. "Decide it yourself. I won't blame you whoever you choose."The person in the black cloak took out an hourglass out of the blue. "You've got one minute. If the time's up, and you still can't make a choice, then I'll decide it for you."The sand in the hourglass fell as fast as time flew now.I looked at Daphne and Tabitha quietly.Daphne kept pleading for help, whereas Tabitha remained silent.When Holly was faced with the dilemma, at least Tabitha said something to make Holly pick her. Yet when it came to me, she zipped her lips.I guessed she had been totally disappointed in me.As I gave a bitter smile, what happened on the cold snowy night a year ago came sweeping back.At that time, Tabitha and Daphne both felt unwel
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