Third person's POV
Tabitha 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,
Tabitha's POV"Boom! Boom!"As the fireworks burst in the sky one after another, the splendid spectacle reminded me of the last grand and beautiful firework display, which was at Kyrian's birthday party. Daphne had spared no expense to hire a professional team to create it.But I wasn't in the mood to appreciate it back then.In my memory, the most beautiful fireworks in my life date back to when I was fifteen. John had specially prepared a fireworks evening for me.Fifteen, an age of carefree innocence. I was like a princess, untouched by any pain, full of longing and fantasy for the future.John was elegant and gentle, the man who doted on me the most.I still remember that many guests from the Silver Moon Pack came that day, all there to celebrate for me.Tucker was lazily lying under the cherry blossom tree, looking up at the fireworks.John said softly, "If you like it, I will hold it for you every year."But
Tabitha's POVI whipped my head towards the door and called out, "What's up?"Wilmot's always been the picture of propriety. Why would he barge in on my rest time?"Uh... Ms. Hartley, did you already hit the hay? Sorry to bug you."I figured I hadn't dozed off yet, so I got up, threw on a jacket, and shuffled to the door in my slippers.I yanked the door open and started, "I..."But my words died in my throat when I saw what was in front of me.There was Wilmot, holding a cake with candles sticking out.The candlelight bathed his honest face, the flame twinkling in his eyes."Ms. Hartley, it's a bit late, I know, but birthdays? They're pretty darn important. Can't let 'em slip by."It was exactly eleven fifty-nine.The cake looked like it was made by him.There was still flour and cream smeared on his face and clothes, not quite cleaned up yet."Thanks," I said, feeling a warmth in my chest th
Tabitha's POVI looked at him, my face etched with confusion, and asked, "Is there more?"Wilmot fidgeted a bit, pulling something from his pocket with a hint of shyness. "A birthday without a gift? That's not right. I found this in an ancient church when I was wandering around. There's a mysterious vein of ore nearby the church, and this moonstone was mined from there. It was then blessed with holy water in the church, considered a sacred item that brings peace and good fortune. I've had several close calls with death, yet I survived as if reborn from the brink. So, I thought I'd give it to you, Ms. Hartley."In his dark palm rested a crescent moon pendant.The pendant was hollowed out, with a moonstone inside that emitted a soft glow, dreamlike and enchanting under the light."No, this is your lucky charm. How could I accept it?" I quickly declined.But Wilmot insisted, shoving it into my hand. "Take it. I'm not doing those dangerous thing
Tabitha's POVOrson agreed to my request and promised to take care of all the arrangements.I was deeply grateful to him.On this day, I asked the housekeeper to cook a full table of delicious dishes and made an exception to invite Wilmot to the dining table.Wilmot stood there, looking extremely uneasy, clearly sensing something was off.I said to him softly, "Sit down and eat with us."He responded with some hesitation, "But Ms. Hartley, you had set certain rules..."I spoke again, "Just sit."So Wilmot stopped insisting, sat up straight, and held himself rigid.However, he didn't immediately pick up his knife and fork. Instead, he asked first, "Ms. Hartley, do you no longer need me to serve you?"In the past week or so, I've been able to move around on my own, no longer needing a wheelchair.Each time I go out, he only follows me at a certain distance and helps carry things.In fact, I've noticed
Tabitha's POVI had half-hoped Wilmot would bring Tucker back to me, but as night fell, there was no sign of him.Oh well, I had already planned to leave Tucker in Theodora's care before my departure.My own life has been one of constant wandering, unable to provide long-term care for him.Moreover, I always felt like a harbinger of misfortune, with those around me often suffering because of me. It was better for everyone to keep their distance.That was also why I wanted to distance myself from Orson and Theodora as soon as possible.I truly didn't want anyone else to get hurt because of me.John, Joanna, and Tucker were all clear examples, weren't they?The housekeeper had to leave early due to a family matter.Now, I was left alone in the vast yard.The solar-powered lights in the yard turned on automatically, casting light on my face. Inside the house, the lights were off, and I sat at the boundary of the ligh
Third person's POV"Tabitha, how long have you known Lucian? Do you understand his background? Or rather, since he is neither a relative nor an acquaintance, why would he help you? There is no such thing as unselfish kindness in this world. Most of it is mixed with interests. Do you think he has ulterior motives towards you?"Tabitha was taken aback by Derek's series of questions and didn't know how to answer for a moment, only able to stammer, "I...""Tabitha, we have known each other for many years and understand each other well. Lucian helped us take care of the children, and we should be grateful to him. But if you want to leave with him, are you sure this is the right path? Think not only for yourself but also for the children. What they really want is a stable life or a wandering one?"Derek's ability to control people's hearts was too strong. With just a few words, he hit Tabitha's soft spot - the children."If it's because of me that you've come to t
Third person's POVBoth of them avoided discussing heavy topics during the meal. It wasn't until after finishing eating that Tabitha picked up a napkin, wiped the corners of her mouth, and then broached the main subject."What are your plans?" Tabitha asked."Tabitha, I've already found some clues about Jasper, but with the news of you being alive spreading, it's not safe to stay in Seattle anymore. I won't insist on you staying by my side, but at least you need to protect yourself and the children's safety. How about going to Hawaii? It's very safe there," Derek said sincerely."Do you want me to hide there for the rest of my life?" Tabitha frowned and questioned."At least for now, until I find out her identity..." Derek explained."As long as I don't show up, she will never reveal herself. Am I supposed to hide forever?" Tabitha interrupted him.Tabitha put down the small spoon in her hand, looked at Derek seriously, and said, "Derek, let's be f
Third person's POVTabitha closed her eyes and took a deep breath, as if trying to calm her emotions. After a while, she opened her eyes again and asked, "Were you also involved that night on the boat?""Yes," Derek replied without hesitation."Is Wilmot your man?" Tabitha's voice carried a hint of doubt.Derek paused for a moment, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes, before slowly answering, "Yes, I was just too worried about you, so I had him go to protect you.""Then do you know what we..." Tabitha's words were cut short as Derek suddenly slammed on the brakes, bringing the car to a stop on the side of the road.He turned to look at Tabitha, his eyes filled with sincerity and urgency, and said, "Tabitha, I am very clear about what happened that night. He was there to help you."Tabitha did not believe Derek's words. Her eyes were filled with anger and disappointment as she shouted, "Wilmot disappeared as soon as he came back. Forrest told me last night that he was dying. Was that y
Third person's POVDerek never expected that as soon as Tabitha returned, he would receive a call from Gloria.On the other end of the line, Gloria's voice came through, "Tabitha wants to see you."Hearing this, Derek's heart sank, and he sighed, thinking to himself, 'I knew it. I couldn't hide it from her.'On an evening with snowflakes drifting down, the sky was shrouded in gloom, and the snow fell gently, covering the entire world in a silver-white veil.Tabitha wrapped her coat tightly and saw Derek again.Since her staged death, Tabitha had only seen Derek through news reports.Now, as she approached him, she was surprised to find that he had become much thinner, his figure appearing particularly frail.Derek was dressed in a black coat, leaning quietly against the car. In just a minute, snowflakes began to fall on his head, accumulating a thin layer of white snow.Tabitha took a deep breath, calming her emotions, and then walked towards Derek.Looking at Derek, her eyes carried
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