Third person's POV
After hearing those words, Tabitha's grip on her phone loosened.
Her phone fell to the ground with a loud "thud," startling Theodora, who was in the middle of a phone call with Orson.
She quickly ended the call and looked at Tabitha with concern, "Tabitha, are you alright?"
Tabitha's face had turned pale. "I'm fine," she replied.
Theodora picked up the phone for her, and the screen was frozen on Derek's face.
Thedora wiped the phone and handed it back to Tabitha, comforting her, "Tabitha, you don't have to worry. He doesn't know you're still alive. You need to step out of his shadow."
Theodora wondered what Derek had done to Tabitha that still frightened her so much until today.
Tabitha nodded. But she was still afraid, feeling that Derek was saying those words to her.
"No need to worry. He can't possibly know I'm still alive," Tabitha murmured to herself.
She also tried to convince herself that
Third person's POVTabitha looked into the faces of the two people in front of her. Their sincerity and kindness warmed her heart.Throughout her life, she had faced many setbacks and villains, but fate had also sent some lovely people to help her. She wasn't entirely unlucky.At least this time, the Moon Goddess sent these two friends to help her."Okay, but I'm much better now. Dora can go back to work now. You don't need to take care of me anymore," Tabitha said."But..." Theodora started to object."It's settled. I can't let you waste any more time on me. Besides, this is the house you're preparing for your wedding. How could I stay here for that long? I can move to a smaller apartment and I can hire a housekeeper. I can also go downstairs for a walk by myself," Tabitha insisted.Orson didn't want her to worry about such trivial matters and immediately agreed."Alright, I'll do it for you right away."Orson was effic
Third person's POVTabitha, still with a composed expression, asked, "Are you in dire need of money? Are there any other people in your family?"Wilmot scratched the back of his head, "Yes, I have a mother back home who runs a small farm.""Are you married?" she inquired further."As a security, there's hardly any time to maintain a personal life. If I had a wife, she would often be left alone in an empty house. It would be unfair and cruel to her, so it's better to be alone," Wilmot explained.Tabitha continued her questioning, "Where did you work before?""My life has been one of constant turmoil. I grew up in poverty, and later became a mercenary. After my discharge, I've worked everywhere, in casinos, nightclubs, as a private bodyguard, an enforcer. Anything dirty or grueling that could earn me a paycheck.""Who was your previous employer?"Tabitha was no longer the once kind, cheerful, and lively girl she used to be.
Third person's POVTwo uneventful weeks passed by in a quiet and unremarkable manner.Tabitha was quite satisfied with Wilmot. The man was like a shadow, almost non-existent.Normally, when Tabitha was inside the house, he would be guarding the yard outside.He never stepped into the bedroom and rarely entered the living room.He would only return to his room after Tabitha had fallen asleep at night.By the time Tabitha woke up in the morning, he was already in the yard exercising.If Tabitha planned to go out, she would let him know.He would push her wheelchair, occasionally taking her to the supermarket for daily necessities or strolling leisurely around the neighborhood.Apart from necessary communication, he spoke very little. Often, people would overlook his presence.One day, he suddenly knocked gently on the glass door outside the living room.Tabitha got up and opened the door, looking at him with
Third person's POVWhen Wilmot finished speaking, the first thought that crossed Tabitha's mind was not Tucker but Derek's face.She shuddered at the thought. Wilmot calmly added, "Perhaps this is the dog coming back to find you. Animals in this world have a certain spirituality. Maybe it's reappearing in your world in a different way."Tabitha's brows unfurled at this. Thinking this way made her feel a little better.Everyone is reborn in new ways.Tucker was, and so was she.At the vet's office, the doctor carefully examined the puppy. Tabitha was anxious the entire time.She feared the puppy's poor resistance. If it had contracted something like distemper while wandering, it would be hard to save.Fortunately, the doctor removed his gloves and reassured her, "Don't worry, it is very healthy, just a bit dirty. It doesn't even have ear mites. It can have a bath and be vaccinated on schedule."Tabitha finally let out a s
Third person's POVTabitha couldn't help but wonder why she had ever associated this honest and straightforward man with Derek."Do you like dogs?" she asked."I do. When I was a kid back home, I had a dog. But we didn't raise dogs as meticulously as you. we fed them whatever leftovers we had," Wilmot replied.For the first time in days, a faint smile appeared on Tabitha's face."If you like it, you can spend more time with it. Puppies are full of energy. My health isn't great, so I can't play with him for too long."Her legs were still not agile. She couldn't squat down. Any significant physical movement would leave her feeling dizzy.Fortunately, Tucker was always well-behaved around her, snuggling up on her lap and keeping her company.Wilmot scratched his head again and said, "If you don't mind, I can take care of Tucker.""I appreciate that," Tabitha responded."It's my pleasure. Will you be sitting here for
Third person's POV"Have you ever seen a cave brimming with fireflies? It's breathtakingly beautiful inside, with fireflies twinkling like a starry sky. There's this place called the Earth's Eye, a colossal pool of vibrant colors that looks like an eye from above. Have you heard of the Valley of Death? In Antarctica, glaciers on the mountains flow down into the valley, forming ice waterfalls. When these waterfalls reach the sides of the valley, they vanish, creating a spectacular sight," Wilmot described, his voice painting vivid pictures.Tabitha's eyes sparkled with longing."I'd love to see those with my own eyes. Don't laugh, but I've been to so few places in my life," she admitted."It's okay, Ms. Hartley, you'll be safe. I've seen many terminally ill patients make astonishing recoveries. Once you're better, if you're willing to pay me, I'll take you to see those places. How does that sound?" Wilmot offered, his tone earnest.A night breeze bl
Tabitha's POVI gently traced my fingertips over the glass of lime water, feeling its cool chill.Tiny beads of ice clung to the packaging, the cold seeping through my palm.Instead of answering Wilmot's question directly, I threw the question back at him, "What about you? You're not young anymore, there must be someone in your heart, right?"Wilmot's face lit up with a simple, honest smile."Well, a long time ago, I met a little girl. I was dirt poor and badly injured, but she didn't look down on me at all. She even saved me. I was deeply attracted to her from the first moment I saw her. It was love at first sight.""What happened next?" I pressed on.Other people's stories always carried a sense of beauty. Listening to them didn't make my heart ache."There was no 'next.' She was born into a great family, while I was just a poor kid willing to do anything for money. How could I be worthy of her? She was like the moon hanging
Tabitha's POVWilmot quickly responded, "The 22nd, why do you ask?"I almost forgot about it. In a few days, it would be John's anniversary of passing.Having been here recuperating for so long, my sense of time had become blurred."Could you help me prepare some mourning items, like flowers and candles?" I said softly.In the U.S., people often use flowers and candles to remember the deceased. Flowers symbolize the beauty and continuation of life, while candles represent the enduring light of remembrance for the departed."Sure, Ms. Hartley."I couldn't go back to Seattle. This was the first year since John's departure. I wanted to pay my respects.Wilmot was not only obedient but also very efficient.He not only prepared the offerings but even brought back a small toy for the dog.I noticed that every time he went out, he would bring me a little trinket—sometimes a glass of lemon water, sometimes a donut,
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
Third person's POVThe car slowly emerged from the underground garage, breaking through the darkness into the open air.The streets were adorned with mistletoe trees, people bustling about in preparation for Christmas."It's been years since we celebrated together," Derek said suddenly, his voice tinged with nostalgia."Yeah." In those days when survival was all that mattered, Tabitha hadn't had the luxury of thinking about holidays."It's the last day of the year. Where are you taking me?" Tabitha glanced at Derek."You'll see."The car wound its way out of the city, into the countryside. Snowflakes danced in the air, painting the world in white.The road grew steeper, the landscape wilder. Soon, there were no buildings in sight—just endless trees and snow.Tabitha gripped the armrest as the car jolted over uneven terrain. After what felt like hours, they reached a remote valley deep in the mountains. Even their p