Derek's POV
I heard Tabitha's words and immediately arranged for someone to quickly bring her some food.Tabitha drank some water, and then slowly ate some food. After a while, she finally calmed down.I saw that she was feeling better, so I said, "Are you having a stomachache? Let's go for a check-up. You're not even three months pregnant yet. Even if you hate me, don't put your health or your babies' lives at risk."Daphne, who had come behind my back, overheard these words."What ... what have you done behind my back!" Her sharp voice echoed in the hallway.Tabitha had been very tired, and when Daphne started to make a fuss, she frowned unhappily."We're in a hospital. Please lower your voice.""Bitch, how dare you seduce my husband? I'll kill you."Furious, Daphne went crazy.She hurriedly got up and was about to fall down to the ground.I saw that and immediately caught hold of Daphne, preventing her from falling.DaphDaphne's POV"You are John's daughter? Then who are Tabitha's parents?" Derek asked.I was very dissatisfied with him when he mentioned Tabitha. "How was I supposed to know about that? I only found out about all of this after my mother passed away."Of course, it was not the time to find out Tabitha's birth parents now. Regardless of whether John was my father or not, I considered him the closest person in my heart."Since you knew he was your father, why did you still treat him like that? He had suffered head injuries long ago."With deep grievance, I said, "I didn't mean to. We haven't met in years, and I only recently discovered the truth. I wanted to find him, but I heard he disappeared after becoming a vegetable."I've seen photos of him, but he looks so different now that I didn't recognize him at first. Derek, I didn't want this either! I've already hurt my mom. How can I bear to hurt my biological father?"Derek saw me torn by grief but sho
Derek's POVTabitha learned about John's situation from the doctor, and I didn't know what she felt like.The good news was that John was fine, but the bad news was that he fell into a coma again.Tabitha sighed heavily. I knew that she and the unborn children were John's last hope in this world. If it weren't for Tabitha, John would have been dead by now.I strode in, casting a tall shadow over Tabitha. "Tabitha," I said.As soon as Tabitha saw me, her face was filled with desolation, and her voice was tinged with hatred. She said, "What are you here for? To see if I'm dead?"Once upon a time, those eyes used to be filled with love and gentleness when she looked at me. Now there was only contempt and hatred left.My mind was filled with her adorable image when she deeply loved me in the past. How could I have expected that the two of us would gradually end up like this today?Now, she would feel annoyed even with just one glance at me.I
Tabitha's POVAs much as I hated Derek, I had to admit that his words made sense.For my babies, I needed his help.It had nothing to do with feelings. I just wanted to find a safe place where I could successfully give birth.I moved again. This time, Derek stressed to me over and over again not to tell anyone. He said caution was the best strategy.My new house was by the sea. When I stepped out, I could see the blue sea, and behind me was the mountain.It was such a beautiful place which could relax me and cleanse my mind.But Dad was no longer around. At sunrise, I could no longer see his busy figure in the courtyard. I missed the way he gently taught me to carve so badly.He was brought over after he stabilized and was accompanied by paramedics 24/7.I watched as he lay quietly on the bed. After such a long time, he finally looked better, and his face was utterly calm.His eyes were gently closed. Those who didn't know would thin
Tabitha's POVJoanna hugged me tightly. Even though we were the same age, she comforted me like an elder."Tabitha, don't cry. I'm here for you. I'll take care of you, OK? John is already out of danger, and I'm sure he'll be fine. Maybe he'll come around in a few days. Everything will be just fine."I used to believe in that, too. But what happened was like a slap in my face, and fate told me life could only get worse.One wouldn't know how unlucky one could be till things really happened.It was said that every dog had its day, and one wouldn't be unlucky forever. But I couldn't even see the slightest hope!I woke up every day in fear. Perhaps in the next second, someone would tell me Dad was dead.Perhaps something would happen to my babies, or perhaps they would develop poorly.Or perhaps I'd be killed by wolfsbane.I said, my voice trembling, "Joanna, I'm so scared. I'm afraid it's gonna be me and my babies next. I'm not afraid of dea
Tabitha's POVMy babies were playing freely. Their movements were not very strong, as they were only over four months old.I simply had a vague feeling. It wasn't as strong as in the late stage of pregnancy.I gently stroked my belly, and they gradually calmed down.They had been good these days. I had vomited a lot in the early stages of pregnancy, but now, I didn't feel sick anymore.My babies were so sweet. They didn't wanna see me suffer."It doesn't matter. I just want them to be healthy."Joanna cupped her chin and said, "You're right. I now get it. Health beats everything, including money and power."I sighed, "It's only after you've lost so much that you realize there's nothing better than having your loved ones around and healthy."She said, "Look at you. You're such a glowing, energetic pregnant woman, not to mention you're getting prettier every day. And your babies are both so sweet. I'm so jealous."I joked, which was a
Tabitha's POVI was both nervous and excited for tomorrow's prenatal check-up.Compared to the last pregnancy, I was more nervous and concerned this time.I'd see the growth of my babies in four dimensions tomorrow. How could I not be excited?I walked into Dad's room as usual.He had been asleep for three months without any signs of waking up.He was with me physically, but his soul had gone somewhere else. It was like he was making a compromise with me.But as long as he was breathing, he was still here with me, and I wasn't some homeless kid.After wiping his body as usual, I took a book, read for a few minutes, and then started talking to him."Dad, I'll know the babies' gender tomorrow. If you can hear me, come around, OK? I want you to be there with me for every happy moment."I'm due in a few months. I've got all those toys you made stored away for the babies to play with. They're gonna love them."I said a lot. When I tu
Tabitha's POVIt took us a long time before we finally saw the baby's face. Apparently, its features were more delicate compared to those of the other one."Tabitha, she looks exactly like you. How nice! You're having a baby boy and a baby girl."I kept wiping my tears. "The gender doesn't matter. I just want to see them healthy.""Don't worry. They're both developing perfectly. I don't see any abnormalities at all. And I'm sure you can tell that they have different personalities, one being calm and the other being active. I'll export the video and send it to your phone later, so you can watch it whenever you want."I nodded and said, "Thanks, Doctor.""Don't say that. It's what I should do. Relax, Tabitha. You'll get to meet them soon.""OK." After going through all the checks, I felt much relieved.I showed Joanna the video, and she said happily, "Gosh! What a pair of cutie pies! I look forward so much to the day they're born."I stroke
Tabitha's POVEarly in the morning, I woke up from a nightmare.The awful dream was still fresh in my mind, and I could feel the sweat dripping down my back.These days, I had been having a peaceful mind. This was the first time I had such a horrifying dream.After taking a few deep breaths, I got out of bed and went to the bathroom to wash myself.Standing under the shower, I placed my hand on my bulging belly, feeling my pups kicking me. I guessed they both loved shower time, as they were always quite active when I was in here.The water wasn't too hot, just gentle droplets splashing on my body.Weird enough, most pregnant women ended up with rough skin and more hair on their faces, but my skin remained fine and smooth.I stroked my belly, soothing the babies inside me with a smile. Having them around just gave me hope for brighter days ahead.As soon as I stepped out of the bathroom, my spirits drooped—the empty room was deadly s
Third person's POVDerek hadn't expected Kyrian to react so strongly. He'd only wanted Tabitha to know about Kyrian's existence, but he'd overlooked the fact that Kyrian was no longer a clueless toddler like his younger siblings.At this age, children understood everything and had developed their own complex emotions."I'm sorry."Derek carried Kyrian step by step back to the house. Kyrian was wrapped tightly in the military coat, while Derek was left exposed to the snow and wind.Although Kyrian had spent more time with Derek growing up, Derek had been chasing after Tabitha these past two years, and Kyrian rarely got to see his father.When Kyrian saw Derek covered in snow, his crying gradually subsided.He wasn't the only one hurting. Derek must have been suffering too.Kyrian sniffled softly, and Derek looked into his eyes, speaking earnestly, "I promise you, one day I'll bring Mom back, okay?"Kyrian's nose was red f
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