Third person's POV
Tabitha raised her head, ignoring the indifferent gaze around her, straightened her spine and said, "No. I'll wait here."After speaking, she touched her swollen face and silently vowed in her heart that she would definitely return this slap.Tonight's events were too sudden, and Alvin hurriedly dealt with the follow-up matters.In this way, Tabitha was left with only Rolf.Earlier in the car, Tabitha took off her thick jacket, and now she was only wearing a thin sweater.The hospital corridor had no heating, and the piercing cold wind blew in, making people feel chilly.Tabitha stood there, and her thoughts involuntarily drifted back to that night a few years ago. She was also like this at that time, standing alone in the cold wind, anxiously waiting for Derek.Rolf looked at Tabitha's back and felt an inexplicable sense of pity in his heart.Although he was not particularly delicate, seeing Tabitha standing there alonThird person's POVThese hours felt like an eternity to Derek, as if he were trapped in a living hell.Every second was a fierce battle against the searing pain, yet he gritted his teeth and remained conscious despite it all. His mind was filled with the hope of seeing Tabitha the moment the surgery ended.The operating room door slowly creaked open, and Misha rushed forward like a gust of wind, anxiously shouting, "Derek, are you okay?"At this moment, Derek's chin weakly rested on his crossed hands, as if all his strength had been drained in the struggle against the pain.He was drenched in cold sweat from the agony and was on the verge of collapse.But the moment the door opened, he still mustered up his spirit, and his eyes eagerly looked towards the door.The first person he saw was not the concerned Misha but the Tabitha he had always been thinking about.Derek ignored Misha's greeting and said in a weak but affectionate voice, "Tabitha.
Third person's POVTabitha bent down, removing her shoes and socks. She planned to take a rest.This scene didn't escape Misha's notice. Her face turned pale with rage, her features twisting in anger.Inside Misha's chest, a fire of jealousy and resentment burned fiercely.She couldn't stand the sight of Tabitha sharing a bed with Derek."What do you think you're doing, you shameless b*tch?" Misha shouted, her voice sharp.Tabitha blinked slowly, her face a picture of innocence.She tilted her head and replied, "As you can see, I'm tired. I'm going to rest.""How can you sleep in the same bed as Derek?" Misha stomped her feet, fists clenched, as if she were about to yank Tabitha off the bed at any moment.Her eyes burned with hatred and frustration. In her mind, Tabitha had no right to be so close to Derek.Tabitha sighed, her expression growing even more helpless. She spread her hands and said, "It's not like I want to, but he won't let me go."As she spoke, Tabitha carefully lay dow
Third person's POVMisha sat stubbornly on the couch across the room, her eyes fixed unblinkingly on the two figures on the bed.Her heart burned with resentment and jealousy. She wished Tabitha would just vanish from Derek's side.But Tabitha paid no attention to Misha's glare. Her focus was entirely on Derek.She stayed by his side, wide awake, watching over him.She knew that with injuries like his, the biggest risk was infection and a high fever that wouldn't break. Every so often, she reached out to check his temperature, her eyes filled with worry and care.The night was quiet. The hospital was surrounded by tall trees, their shadows bending under the weight of the snow and wind.With no skyscrapers in sight, the area felt vast and empty.In this peaceful atmosphere, Tabitha's mind began to settle, but her thoughts raced.She started recalling the people who had tried to assassinate her in the past. They had always
Third person's POVFinally, the room was just the two of them.Even though the wound on his back burned like fire, Derek's heart was filled with joy.He gazed at Tabitha, thinking to himself, "My Tabitha. No matter how many times looking at her, it was never enough."It was true that Tabitha had saved his life all those years ago, but he couldn't deny that her beauty had also deeply attracted him.Even as a young girl, her features had been strikingly delicate, as if she'd stepped out of a comic book.Now, he had the rare chance to stare at her without restraint.As if sensing Derek's intense gaze, Tabitha slowly woke from her light sleep.The moment she opened her eyes, she was met with a pair of affectionate eyes that seemed to drown her in their depth."You're awake," Derek said, his voice soft and filled with concern. "Are you hurt anywhere?"Tabitha's dry lips moved slightly as she instinctively explained, "N
Third person's POVTabitha wasn't longing to rekindle the intimacy she once shared with Derek. She just couldn't help feeling that her past self had been foolish.She had loved him so deeply, given up everything for him, and stayed by his side. He knew everything about her, yet she knew almost nothing about him."Tabitha, some things are better left unknown. I'm doing this for your own good," Derek said, his voice tinged with helplessness and concern.But his words only made Tabitha's expression darken.Her eyes widened, filled with anger and disappointment, as she stared at him."How long are you going to keep hiding behind the excuse of doing what's 'best for me' while being utterly selfish?" Tabitha couldn't hold back her frustration any longer. All the emotions she'd bottled up came pouring out."I loved you so much back then. I gave up everything for you. Your work was always so mysterious, and I never asked questions. Wherever y
Third person's POVAlvin's expression turned grave. "Alpha Derek's identity has been exposed. Every faction that ever held a grudge against him will come at him like starving wolves. What happened last night—those attackers were core members from Wintertown ten years ago. They sent suicide squads. Those people aren't afraid to die. They just want to drag Alpha Derek down with them."Tabitha's heart raced with fear. Her eyes filled with worry as she asked urgently, "So he's in even more danger now?""He's safe here in the military zone, but stepping outside means walking into a minefield. I also found an anonymous bounty on the dark web—$15 million for Alpha Derek's head. That kind of money will lure private assassins and mercenaries. Greed makes people reckless," Alvin explained.Despite the danger, Derek remained calm. He looked at Tabitha. "I kept you by my side before because I could protect you. But now, staying near me is the most dangero
Third person's POVDerek lay face down, unable to see Tabitha's expression.His heart was a mess of anxiety, unsure of what she was thinking.He wrestled with himself—part of him desperately wanted to tell her the truth, while another part feared it would only hurt her more.But he knew he couldn't keep hiding it."Tabitha, I think it's time I explain everything about Daphne and me. There's no point in keeping secrets now," Derek said, taking a deep breath.Tabitha was cleaning Derek's wounds, her hands steady but slow.When Derek brought up the topic, she felt no relief—only a deep, gnawing fear.She was terrified he'd say something dismissive, like it was a moment of weakness or that he'd been drugged.Her hands trembled slightly, each movement deliberate, as if she were bracing herself for what was coming.Derek didn't wait for her reaction. "I've wanted to tell you the truth for a long time. But ba
Third person's POVDerek kept talking, his voice low. "Daphne begged me to give her a family, saying she didn't want her child to grow up without a father. She asked if I could give her a home."Hearing this, Tabitha felt a sourness welling up inside her. Her eyes reddened slightly as she asked, "So you gave her one?""She used Randall's life as leverage. I couldn't refuse. That's why I asked for a divorce. But later, I realized her ambitions went far beyond that. The hospital, the gown, 32 Seaside Avenue—everything I prepared for you, she tried to steal." Derek's voice hardened with anger and regret.Memories of that agonizing time flooded back.Tabitha bit her lip, fighting tears. "So you knew… when she pushed me into the sea?""From the beginning, I knew both of your personalities well. How could I not guess what she had done? When you both fell into the water, my instinct was to save you. But thinking of Randall's death and
Third person's POVDerek didn't mock Leopold's current arrogance because he knew fate was fair. What was meant to happen would happen.Moreover, Derek had noticed that Leopold's feelings for Gloria were special—far more than just a casual lover, despite what he claimed.It didn't matter. Love had a way of humbling even the most stubborn people.As Leopold spoke, he glanced at the surveillance footage again. Gloria was sitting by the sea, staring at the ocean, her emotions much calmer than before.It seemed Derek's suggestion had been right. Gloria needed the company of friends and children to heal her inner wounds."My family situation isn't great right now. Let her stay on the island for three months, and then I'll bring her back."The incident with Gloria's miscarriage had infuriated Leopold. He'd acted impulsively for her sake, and her former fiancé was still in intensive care.The other family was also wealthy
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