Tabitha's POV
I covered myself with a blanket, and the thunder outside was driving me nuts.I pressed my ears shut, desperate to fall asleep as soon as possible. However, the more I tried, the harder it got, and I always felt a chill down my back.Suddenly, Crystal woke up in my head, constantly reminding me, "Run, Tabitha! Get out of here!""What's going on?" I couldn't help but ask her.But she didn't give me a clear response.Run? But where could I go? And why should I run?I had already called Spike, and he told me everything was fine. Besides, there were so many people patrolling around the villa 24/7. If something was off, they'd catch it right away.Shaking my head, I figured I must have been overthinking, as I even started to hear things that weren't there.After tossing and turning for a while, I still couldn't fall asleep. So, I reached for the gun that Lucian had left me six months ago.This thing should keep me safe, righTabitha's POVSomeone came charging at me. Even though he was wearing a waterproof suit and goggles, I could totally recognize him from just his jawline.It was Austin!I wanted to shout out and ask him what the hell he was doing and who he really was.But before I could say anything, he raised a gun and aimed it directly at me.No chit-chat, no warning—he was coming straight for me.At that moment, he seemed like a grim reaper crawling out from hell, totally different from the decent man Joanna had told me about.He was soaked by the heavy rain from head to toe, and rainwater dripped off his slick outfit, soaking into the wool carpet in the hallway.As he pulled the trigger, Joanna suddenly jumped in front of me.I heard a dull thud as the bullet hit flesh.Blood sprayed from Joanna's body like a horror movie scene. The next second, Joanna, who had been blocking in front of me, crumpled to the ground."Joanna!"But A
Tabitha's POVMy gut-wrenching wails echoed through the whole villa.Spike ran over here as fast as he could after taking out a guy who bolted from my room, but he was still too late.When he saw the blood gushing from Joanna's chest, he howled in pain.Yet, being professionally trained, he couldn't stop his mission however devastated he felt.Seeing Austin totally unscathed, Spike lunged at him, and they were locked in a brutal brawl.I dropped my gun, my head buzzing like crazy, and everything around me blurred into a sea of red.Joanna weakly collapsed beside me, blood slowly soaking into the bracelet on her wrist.The pendant that I once praised was now stained crimson, lying forever on the ground with her.I knelt there, tears streaming down my face like a waterfall. I wanted to press my hands against her wound, but blood kept pouring out uncontrollably."Joanna, hang in there! The doctor is coming!"Joanna, please stay wit
Tabitha's POVI know very well that crying was bad for my pups. Yet, after everything that just went down, how could I possibly chill out?Alice was patting my back, trying to calm me down while saying softly, "Don't worry. John's been transferred, and he's fine. You're fine too, and that's a stroke of luck."A stroke of luck? But I just lost a good friend!The car was zooming down the mountain. At this speed, we'd hit the highway in a dozen minutes.The rain was pouring like crazy. The wipers were working overtime, but still, it couldn't keep up with the deluge.The fog in the mountains was thick as soup, and with such heavy rain and strong winds, driving was a total nightmare.Everyone's heart was racing. Even my pups had been kicking up a storm in my belly for a while now.I repeatedly rubbed my belly to soothe them, whispering through my tears, "Pups, you have to be good. Don't make a fuss. I'm here. I'll protect you."Under my consta
Tabitha's POVAs soon as those words left my mouth, even Alice behind me panicked. "Tabitha, seriously? You sure?""I had a premature birth before, and it feels just like this.""Tabitha, hold me tight."Spencer didn't dare slack off for a second and quickly swam us to the shore.After struggling to drag me up, he pulled out an emergency light from his pocket.I was soaked through, and even I couldn't tell if it was seawater or amniotic fluid.Alice had a serious look on her face as she said, "Let me take a look."Her face went pale as soon as she took a glance at my private part. "Oh no, Tabitha, your water broke, and there's blood!"If it's just the water breaking, it means you're going into premature labor. And I can handle that just fine. But now, there's blood. Things are getting tricky."I'm not sure if it's ruptured capillaries causing the bleeding or if it's the pups' blood. If it's the latter, we are in deep trouble."M
Tabitha's POVAfter I finished saying so, I threw the phone aside and did what Alice told me to do."Tabitha, in this situation, I can't do the surgery for you. You have to rely on yourself and give birth to the pups as soon as possible. Otherwise, they will die due to lacking oxygen. Just push hard, your cervix is dilated."I felt a baby's head descending. Without the protection of amniotic fluid, both babies were moving around in my belly.They were like stranded fish on the beach, struggling, just like me."Babies, you must hold on. Daddy will come soon. Everything will be fine. I'm here with you. I'll never give up on you, and you can't give up either."I had been through this once, but now again, I felt even more fear and pain.My whole body was trembling crazily. I wasn't sure if it was because of fear or my low body temperature.It was the worst delivery condition for any pregnant woman. I was in so much pain and I felt suffocated.
Third person's POV"What... What did you say?""Maybe they were suffocated when they came out. Tabitha, don't be sad. You are only six months pregnant, even if you delivered them successfully, it was unlikely for them to survive."Now the most important thing is your health. You're still young. You will have other children.""No, I don't believe it. They won't just die like this. I've carried them for so long and went through so much difficulty, I...""Tabitha, the killers are coming. We must leave now.""No, no way! I won't leave my babies behind."Alice couldn't care less about that. Her job was to protect Tabitha and then her babies.If they were all in danger at the same time, she must save Tabitha first."Tabitha, I'm sorry."Alice quickly carried Tabitha on her back. Tabitha looked at her babies lying on the clothes without signs of life. Mixed with rain, her tears streamed down uncontrollably."No! My babies!"Alice
Tabitha's POV"Tabitha, don't overthink it. Just hold on a little longer. Alpha Derek will be here soon. This is our mission. No matter what happens, we will protect you!""Thank you, Dr. Evans. I really appreciate your care over the past few months."Alice appeared very uneasy after hearing my words."Tabitha, don't give up. We will get out. I promise.""Get out? Where can we possibly go?"I looked up at the dark sky, and the cold rain mercilessly pattered on my face."Actually, I know that my dad can't live much longer. He lives until now thanks to instruments and medication. He has long lost the will to live.""Tabitha...""Dr. Evans, my friend used to say that I was like the sun, shining in brightness. But later, the light on me gradually faded, and I was enveloped by darkness. I walked a long time in the mud."Back then, I rolled and crawled, struggling desperately. I refused to give up and didn't believe in fate. Even a faint g
Tabitha's POVI plunged into darkness, running frantically alone."Where are my children?" I couldn't help wondering.I had only one thought in my mind. That was, to find my children quickly so that they wouldn't be afraid.I ran tirelessly for a long, long time, and suddenly a light appeared before my eyes. I found myself standing in a meadow.At the end of the meadow, there was a rainbow bridge, and the other side was enveloped in clouds and mist. Would my children be there?Gradually, a figure appeared on the other side of the rainbow bridge. That was Joanna.She was wearing the dress she wore when she went to pick up her crush at the airport that day, looking very beautiful. As usual, she waved at me."Joanna!"I was overjoyed and ran towards the rainbow bridge without hesitation. Just as my foot was about to step on it, I suddenly heard two baby voices."Mom!"I turned around and saw two adorable kids. The boy looked like D
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
Third person's POVForrest's voice was laced with worry, "Ms. Hartley, where are you now?"Tabitha had already settled her wages with Forrest before sending the children to the island. She couldn't fathom why he would contact her at this juncture.She couldn't help but feel puzzled.Tabitha inquired, "What's wrong?"Forrest replied, "Wilmot's had an accident. You need to come see him."Tabitha was still trying to make sense of Derek's appearance at the bar when she heard about Wilmot's predicament, and her heart immediately filled with worry.She quickly asked, "What happened to him?"Forrest explained, "Wilmot was already ill recently, and he drank a lot tonight. He's suffered from alcohol poisoning and has been taken to the hospital. He keeps asking to see you, Ms. Hartley. Where are you? Can you come to see him?"Tabitha thought to herself that even if she knew her current location, she couldn't just tell anyone.
Third person's POVTwo more gunshots rang out, the shooter's aim dead on as two more men fell to the ground.Tabitha saw a tall figure standing deep in the alley, shrouded in a cloak, making it impossible to discern who it was.Tabitha's mind raced with questions. Was he a friend or foe?The man removed his hat, revealing the distinctive totem mask beneath.Tabitha stared in disbelief and uttered, "Lucian, why are you here?""Long story. Come with me," Lucian said, grabbing Tabitha's hand and leading her away.They didn't get far before Tabitha glanced back to see Derek and Leopold rushing out of a bar together.Surprise washed over Tabitha. How could Derek be here?Her blood seemed to freeze. 'When did he return?'Lucian pulled Tabitha into a dilapidated black car that passed right in front of Derek.Leaning against the car window, Tabitha gazed at Derek, lost in thought.'If Leopold had arranged to
Third person's POVLeopold carefully compared the photos. Although the person in the photos was dressed differently and had a different appearance, the body shape and the action of holding things with the left hand were identical.Derek became alert, thinking to himself, "People like us are more sensitive than ordinary people. Such photos wouldn't catch the attention of most, but I've noticed something.""Where's the negative?" Derek asked."I'll have it sent over right away," Leopold replied."And Tabitha?" Derek inquired again."Don't worry, she followed me to the bar. She's in the lobby outside. I have my bodyguards keeping an eye on her," Leopold said.Tabitha had been following Leopold for several days, and Derek, concerned about his own people being exposed, asked Leopold's men to watch her.She maintained a simple daily routine without any issues.However, the photos now revealed to Derek that someone was tracking
The next day, Tabitha began to investigate Leopold's movements meticulously.For several days, she did not dare to slack off. Gloria, who had recently suffered a miscarriage, had been recuperating in Leopold's home, not venturing out.A tight-lipped woman handled the daily tasks of shopping, cooking, and cleaning.Despite Tabitha's attempts to get close to her, she couldn't extract any information.As a week passed, it had been half a month since Gloria's miscarriage, and by her nature, she should soon be able to go out.On the sixth day of tracking Leopold, he called Derek out for drinks.He rubbed his temple, looking troubled, "Your mate, doesn't she think she's disguising herself well?"With that, Leopold threw out a stack of photos, all of which were taken while Tabitha was following him.Tabitha's curious little head appeared adorable in the photos."Or do you think I'm so idle that I play house with her every day?"