Tabitha's POV
As 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 thinTabitha'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
Tabitha's POVIn the past couple of days, Joanna had been noticeably more excited. She was never a fan of skincare, yet now, she even started putting on face masks.Obviously, her Prince Charming meant the world to her.Anyone in this house could tell she looked so forward to the upcoming short meet-up.Finally, it was the big day. She looked thrilled but also kinda fidgety."Tabitha, this outfit looks a bit cheugy, doesn't it? Will he think of me as a hillbilly?"I wanted to lend her some of my clothes, but even the cheapest ones cost at least tens of thousands of dollars.Since they might develop a romantic relationship, I hoped Joanna would show her true self so things wouldn't get complicated between them."Not at all! If he really likes you, even if you're wearing a potato sack, he'll still think you look amazing. Chill, girl. Just take it easy and go pick him up confidently. You don't have to be stressed out," I reassured her.Then
Tabitha's POVBefore they kicked the door open, I opened it.Standing at the doorway, I saw Spike with one of his cheeks red and another guard rushing over to protect me.As Derek's subordinates, they were just like him—cold, silent, and low-key.They never stirred up trouble or threw their weight around.Since their job was to protect me, they had been patient and tolerant from the very beginning, lest drawing any attention.But even so, the lady and her guards weren't backing down. Instead, they went so far as to slap Spike.I assumed she was the so-called Miss Gutierrez. Her face seemed unfamiliar, and her accent didn't sound very Seattle to me. She was decked out in luxury brands, looking like a walking fashion show. A typical spoiled girl.Before I could say anything, she sized me up and finally fixed her gaze on my belly."I thought some big shot was inside. Turns out it's just a pregnant woman."With a snort, she pulled
Tabitha's POVAmidst the crowd, my eyes locked with Klein's.A whirlwind of complicated feelings rushed through me, finally settling on guilt.I had agreed to give him my kidney, and that day, he was all prepped and ready for surgery. But at the last minute, Derek swooped in and took me away.I didn't even get to say I was sorry before leaving.After I was brought back to Seattle, my number got changed, so I couldn't reach Klein, let alone apologize to him.I never expected to run into him here.Didn't he return to his home country? Why was he back in Seattle?Unlike me, who was feeling incredibly sorry, Klein seemed pretty chill.Instead of being upset, he just gave me a gentle smile and nodded as if to say hi.Ivonne, who had been cursing me the whole time, suddenly realized I wasn't even glancing her way.She grew even angrier, yelling to draw my attention, "Hey! Who the hell are you looking at? You're pregnant, OK? Stop flir
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