Tabitha's POV
I sent Derek a message, laying out all the chaos that'd been going down.
Derek texted me back at once.
Staring at his reply, I couldn't help but give a wry smile.
I kept all of our chat history, and as I slid my finger up, I saw that most of the texts came from me, while he barely replied.
Looking at all those desperate messages begging him to come back home, I felt like it was ages ago—even though it had only been six months.
Shaking my head, I put away my phone and returned to Holly's ward.
She was silently shedding tears, probably lost in her thoughts.
Seeing me, she quickly dried her face and forced a smile. "Tabitha, I thought you'd left. Why are you back?"
"Mark seems a bit unwell. Guess he's exhausted.So I'll take care of you tonight in his stead."
Holly waved her hand. "No need. Just go home. I've got a carer. I'm fine here."
"Mark said you would be scared, so he's been staying with you at night. I gotta admit, he's really nice to you."
A look of embarrassment flickered across her face. "I'm sorry, Tabitha."
"I used to blame you and even hated you for choosing Daphne over me. But now seeing you like this makes me realize that I've already let go. And since I'm not your daughter, I can't blame you for what you've done. Anyway, just think of me as a junior."
Holly burst into tears.
She sighed, "I envy your mom, whoever that is. She's lucky to have a wonderful girl like you."
Holly was staying in a VIP ward, so the bed was rather large. It was getting late, so she asked me to share the bed with her.
It felt kinda unreal, actually. I had been waiting for this moment for over a decade, yet my dream came true only after I learned she wasn't my mom.
Holly grabbed my hand and said tenderly, "Tabitha, no matter who my daughter is, I feel bad about how I've treated you. These days as I've been in bed, I've recalled a lot of things.
"I was so unfair to you and John back then, so I guess my illness is the punishment from the Moon Goddess. I'm ready to accept my fate. I've been loved and cherished by Mark, and that's enough. I have no regrets."
As she spoke, the light from outside highlighted a faint, happy smile on her face.
"Tabitha, you may hate me and don't want me as your mom, but I'll always think of you as my daughter. I wasn't there when you got married and I failed to help you when you faced rejection. I'm so sorry.
"You know what? I've saved a little cash in a fund over the years. When I heard John was in a coma, I set the paperwork in motion. I've asked Mark to put the money in a card."
As she spoke, she took out a card from under the pillow and placed it in my palm. "It's yours now. It's not a lot, but it is something I want you to have."
At that moment, all my bitterness and hatred for herfaded away.
I fought back my tears, replying, "I'm good on cash, but I really appreciate it."
"Just take it. At least it can make me feel better. Tabitha, can I ask you for a favor?"
"Sure, what is it?"
Holly bit her lip before saying slowly, "Can you ... call me Mom again?"
I paused for a second but finally called out, "Mom."
"Good girl." Holly pulled me in for a hug, and I remained still, feeling a bit awkward.
"I'm sorry for abandoning you for so long. I love you."
"That's all I need," I replied, hugging her back.
That night, I didn't have nightmares like before.
In my dream, I found myself in a little alley from my childhood, where I used to get shoved around.
Despite being bruised, I struggled to my feet and shouted to everyone word by word, "I have a Mom! She loves me very much!"
When I woke up, Holly was looking at me lovingly, her fingers caressing my cheek. "You're so beautiful, sweetie."
I put on a sheepish smile. "Mom, I promise I'll find your real daughter for you."
"No matter what, you'll always be my daughter. I used to be a fool, neglecting you and mistreating you. I just wanna make things right in whatever time I have left."
Holly kissed my forehead gently. "Tabitha, just stay safe and happy."
Tears blurred my vision.
After coming back, I went to visit a werewolf doctor.
After some tests, he told me the wolfsbane was now in my bloodstream.
Without an antidote, it'dkill Crystal, and I'd die along with her.
But I couldn't tell Holly about it, of course, as I didn't wanna add to her worries. So I just smiled, "Got it."
I got out of bed and helped Holly wash up, reassuring her that she'd be fine.
"What would you like to eat? I'll go get it for you now. And how about I cook for you tonight? You've never tried my cooking before."
"I'm sure it's tasty." Holly's eyes lit up. "I've been craving Cannelés. It's been ages since I had them. I wonder if the pastry shop is still there."
"I bet. After all, they've been around for twenty years. Just wait here. I'll go get them."
After saying that, I left.
I headed to the alley not far from the Silver Moon Pack. It was an old street, and many shops here had become landmarks. It was crowded with people, very hustle and bustle.
As soon as the owner spotted me, she greeted me warmly. "It's been a while, Ms. Hartley."
"Indeed. And your place is as popular as ever."
"Thanks. Same order as usual?"
"Yeah. Two to go."
"Sure. Just a sec."
When I hurried back to the hospital with bags in my hands, I bumped into someone.
"Sorry," I apologized at once.
Yet when I looked up, I saw a handsome face. "It's you, sir!" I exclaimed.