Derek's POV
When I received Joanna's phone call, I was sitting in my office.
Even though I hadn't swung by to check on Tabitha during this period, I was well-informed about her situation through various channels.
Joanna had no idea what I was planning to do.
She probably thought I was just being the perfect ex-mate, silently watching Tabitha from a distance like a guardian angel.
"Alpha Derek, Ms. Hartley wants to go for a prenatal check-up," Joanna's voice came through the phone.
There was a pair of wedding rings on my desk. As I listened, I absentmindedly ran my fingers over the big diamond on one of them.
"Okay, I'll arrange that," I replied, my tone totally neutral.
Joanna sighed in relief upon hearing it, "I knew it! Alpha Derek, you're always looking out for Ms. Hartley. I just don't get why she's so wary of you. She didn't even tell you about her pregnancy!"
I smirked, hung up the phone, and put the rings back into the box.
Then, I strolled over to the huge floor-to-ceiling window. The sky looked all gray and gloomy like it was about to rain.
I could feel the moisture in the air and the impending downpour.
It was time to clock off, so the streets were bustling with people and cars zooming past.
Lights gradually lit up in the distant high-rise buildings, while my reflection stretched long across the window.
Raindrops started slamming against the window, leaving streaks that snaked down the glass.
Staring at the rain, I felt so lonely.
Tabitha, you once said that as I gained more power, I would become more lonely, but you'd stick by me.
But right now, we were separated by an invisible wall, just like the window and this downpour.
After a long while, I pulled out my phone and dialed a number, my voice gravelly as I said, "Yes, it's me."
Tabitha's POV
I should've been stoked to receive Derek's permission, but for some reason, a sense of annoyance inexplicably arose within me.
Everything seemed to be going too smoothly to be true, giving me the creeps.
Joanna, seeing me pacing back and forth in the room, asked with a puzzled expression on her face, "Tabitha, since Alpha Derek agreed, why aren't you so anxious?"
I wanted to say something but in the end, I didn't. Instead, I unconsciously placed my fingers on my chest, struggling to put my feelings into words.
"What else did he say?" I asked, hoping to get more information from Joanna.
Joanna blinked her clear eyes and shook her head. "Nope, actually, Alpha Derek loves you more than you think, and he cares a lot about you. I believe he only married Miss Sutton out of duty. You're the only one on his mind."
She continued to talk about how Derek carefully remembered my preferences and how he spared no expense to airship ingredients from their place of origin just to bring me the freshest delicacies.
According to her, his love was silent and profound. He never burdened me with it, not even allowing Joanna to reveal a single bit.
I couldn't quite read Derek's mind.
And I didn't want to argue with Joanna about if he loved me or not. As long as he didn't have any doubts, it was enough.
I shook my head, dismissing those pointless thoughts. "Well then, let's stick with the original plan."
"Got it." Joanna nodded.
I then decided to check in on Dad. As I pushed the door open and stepped out, a strong wind whipped through the hallway, sending the white curtains fluttering like crazy.
The wisteria petals scattered in the wind and rain, and after getting soaked, they fell to the ground.
It was another rainy day. The rain in Seattle always carried a hint of melancholy.
I knocked on Dad's door with my brows furrowed.
After the door opened, he was decked out in a crisp white suit, looking sharp and lively. I could hardly tell that he was unwell.
His atrophied calf was still recovering, so he could only walk at a very slow pace. He still needed time to fully heal up.
"Hey, Dad, I thought you were asleep." I walked over and supported him.
Dad smiled, "Not so soon. Why did you come at this hour?"
I answered, "I napped too long this afternoon, so I can't sleep now. I figured I'd just come talk to you."
His gaze fell on my hand. "Any progress so far? You still can't feel anything after all these sessions?"
I forced a bitter smile, replying, "No, I think that's it. It's maimed."
"Don't be discouraged. Even I've recovered. You are way younger than me, so I'm sure you'll heal sooner or later." Dad sounded quite optimistic.
We chatted for quite a while, and he made the same request again. "Tabitha, I've been feeling good these days, and I think I can have my cellphone back."
I hesitated, worried he might see stuff he shouldn't. So I came up with an excuse. "Dad, using the phone is bad for the eyes. I just thought maybe we could wait a little longer..."
"That's how Derek told me, too. Tabitha, are you two afraid that I'll stumble upon something I shouldn't on my phone? If so, forget about what I said."