Derek's POVI glanced at her with some surprise and said, "I thought you weren't interested in us, but I didn't expect you to be well-informed."Andrea had to tilt her head up slightly to meet my gaze, and after hearing my words, she seemed to have a lot on her mind.In my memory, she was still an unfamiliar presence to me, but I never expected that so many years would pass in the blink of an eye.She lifted her hand as if to touch my face, but stopped just short of making contact.Her feelings toward me seemed to have always been complicated.I knew from the start that she had hoped my birth would make that man change his mind, but instead, she received his heartlessness, which in turn made Andrea harbor resentment toward me.She had never fulfilled the responsibilities of being a mother, to the extent that now, standing in front of her, I felt like she was a stranger.Andrea reluctantly withdrew her hand, her expression somewhat crestfallen. "I suppose Elena and you must have a low
Derek's POVIf this statement were spoken by someone else, it might seem a bit heartless, but for a heartless mother who once threw a three-year-old child from upstairs, it was all too typical.She didn't even care about her own child, let alone other people's children.From a certain perspective, Andrea and Ambrose were the same kind of people.They were both extreme egoists. In their world, there was no existence of others except for love.Andrea elegantly brushed a strand of hair away from her ear."She's been coming around here since two years ago, sometimes to keep me company, sometimes to give me a leg massage. I didn't stop her because I saw she was bored."I said helplessly, "I think it was because you were bored."My mom was never known for being the epitome of a virtuous wife and mother. Instead, she was more like an antagonist straight out of a story.In order to make Ambrose change his mind, she did a lot of things that hurt his crush back then.In the end, she pushed Ambr
Andrea's POVDerek's gaze became sharper. "What else do you know?"I looked at him and said earnestly, "Given your reaction, it seems I've hit the nail on the head. I didn't mean anything by it. I was just purely to see you this time. But I have to tell you something. Our family has many flaws, such as being obsessive and single-minded. Once we fall in love with someone, it's for life. It's a double-edged sword. Your father and I never taught you how to love. I don't want you to repeat our mistakes. Love is never one-sided wishful thinking. The thing I regret most in my life is what I did to your father, which caused you irreparable pain."I looked at Derek, with a whirlwind of emotions in my heart. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would one day say such words to him."I will take good care of her," Derek paused and spoke again. "Since you know Madam Rose, can you help me find out about Tabitha's background?""Oh?" I was somewhat surprised."She was not John's daughter, and th
Tabitha's POVBefore meeting Andrea, I had imagined her in my mind as a crazy woman like a devil.After we actually met, I realized that I was wrong.Andrea was a sorrowful woman who had never experienced love throughout her life."You are too persistent." I might have forgotten the past, but I could empathize with Andrea as if I had also done similar things before.Andrea said, "The meaning is similar. The past me was not really a qualified mother. At this stage in life, I've gained some insights. You are happier than me as you have received his complete love. You are the one that deserves to wear this bracelet the most."I looked at her in surprise and asked, "So you don't oppose us being together?""Why oppose it? You two are such a good match. Nevertheless, I feel compelled to offer you a word of caution. While Derek is undoubtedly gifted, being raised in a family like ours has imprinted some significant flaws in his personality. Ordinary people may not notice it, but it's evident
Tabitha's POVThe encounter with my mother-in-law went unexpectedly smoothly.After sending Andrea away, I kept staring at that beautiful bracelet.Witnessing the passage of time, it became more beautiful.I did not wear it on my hand. Instead, I just examined it closely. Deep down, I had a faint feeling that it should not be mine."Do you like it?" Derek's voice suddenly came from behind, startling me.I was so engrossed that I didn't even hear his footsteps."Well, it looks pretty good," I replied.Derek picked up the bracelet and gently said, "Let me put it on for you."I instinctively avoided it. "Maybe next time. Such precious items are usually worn on important occasions, and I'm not used to wearing jewelry in daily life. It just feels so inconvenient."Derek hesitated for a moment. In the end, he didn't say anything."Alright, it's your call.."Although I spent every day with Derek, I only had a good impression of him. I didn't have feelings for him at all.I even felt like I w
Tabitha's POVA new day dawned, and I was awakened by the sound of birds outside.The warm sunlight streamed onto the soft bed, and I rubbed my eyes. Several colorful birds were perched on the terrace pillars outside.Some were chirping with their mouths open; some were preening their feathers. Their presence set off the distant blue sky and white clouds, and the whole world became very gentle.I rubbed my eyes and for a few seconds, my mind was in a daze. It was only then that I realized I had already been in another country.The climate here was mild, characterized by year-round humidity and lush vegetation, in contrast to Seattle's typically dry and chilly weather.I quite liked it here, getting up from the bed to wash up. Every time I faced this mansion, I always had a feeling that I was living like a princess in a castle. Thunder Pack was indeed wealthy.As I walked out of the room, I opened the door and was greeted by many smiling faces. "Good morning, Luna Tabitha."I was start
Derek's POVI came to my grandfather Elliott's yard and found him holding Tabitha and saying something."Grandpa, what are you talking about?" I approached.Tabitha looked surprised and said, "So, you are Alpha Elliott."Tabitha continued to explain, "Alpha Elliott, please wake up. I am Tabitha, not Shana."Elliott stared at her for a while, his fingers tightening around her wrist."It's impossible. You are clearly Shana. You can't deceive me. What are you talking about?"Tabitha was a little helpless.Just when Tabitha didn't know what to do, I took a few steps forward and pulled Elliott's hand, "Grandpa, this is my wife. You have mistaken.""It's pure nonsense. How can Shana be your wife? And you, you little brat, why are you calling me grandpa? I don't even have a son, let alone a grandson!"I looked at Elliott, feeling sorry for him. After all, from my childhood to adulthood, despite his strictness, he always gave me enough love.Elliott was the most important person to me. It was
Derek's POVIt would be the best thing if I could know Shana's whereabouts from my grandfather, so I wouldn't have to search for answers like finding a needle in a haystack.Elliott huffed and puffed, "What Shana? My beloved woman is always Erin. Don't slander me! If she ever finds out I'm talking about some Shana, she'll climb out of her grave tonight to give me a piece of her mind.""Grandpa, I wasn't joking with you. You really did just grab Tabitha's hand and call her Shana."Elliott snorted, "Are you out of your mind? You actually believed my words when I was not quite right in the head. Then would you believe me if I told you I'd met Ultraman?"I was helpless. This old man really left me with no choice.Elliott had really lightened up compared to when he was younger. He was so lively now. It made me a bit overwhelmed. He talked and acted like a mischievous old kid.He soon ignored me and reached out to hold Tabitha's hand."I told you to come back ages ago. What's so good about
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?"