Joanna's POV
After what happened at the hospital, Tabitha seemed to become a total zombie, looking lifeless and dejected.
Looking at her, I felt so worried.
The spark in her eyes brought about by her pregnancy had vanished. Even though the swelling on her face had gone down a bit, she looked pale as a ghost.
She just sat quietly by the window, staring blankly at the rain outside, completely zoned out.
"Tabitha, you must be starving. The kitchen just made spaghetti with meat sauce. You told me you wanted it a few days ago, didn't you? Why don't you give it a try and see if it's what you're craving?" I asked softly.
"Just leave it there. I'm not hungry," she replied flatly, no emotion in her voice.
"You've gotta eat something—even if it's just for the kids."
I knew that it was the only topic that could persuade her to do something.
Seeing her nod, I quickly handed her the fork and knife.
"Eat while it's hot! I snuck a taste earlier—it's pretty good," I told her with a blush.
"Sorry about that, but it's Alpha Derek's order. He insisted everything you eat gets checked in advance, and someone has to taste-test it."
As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I regretted saying them. Thinking about what had happened not long ago, I swallowed back the words I was about to say.
Several times, I wanted to ask Tabitha what went down between her and Alpha Derek, but I felt too humble to pry into their business, so I stopped myself from doing it.
The only sound in the room was Tabitha slurping up spaghetti, almost inaudible, except for when she bit into some crunchy veggies.
Even though she was digging in gracefully, I felt so sad.
It felt like she was living for her pups and John instead of herself.
Several times she looked like she might throw up but pushed through anyway, shoving food into her mouth like some soulless robot.
"Just stop it," I piped up, finally unable to take it anymore.
I then snatched the fork from her hand, adding, "I'll bring you something else. It's not like the Black Thorn Pack is going bankrupt or anything. You can have whatever you want. Just tell me."
Tabitha, however, just smiled faintly. "It doesn't matter what I eat. All I need is to fill my stomach."
"Tabitha, c'mon. It breaks my heart to see you like this! Can't we go back to being happy like before?" I blurted out.
"Happy?" She gave a bitter smile. "Someone like me doesn't deserve that."
Then, she set down her utensils and wiped her mouth. "I'm full. Sleepiness kicks in. I'll go have a rest."
"Tabitha, please cheer up a bit, okay?" I stepped in front of her path, my voice gentle as I persuaded, "I may not know what happened between you and Alpha Derek, but if you're feeling down about something, just tell me. Maybe I can help you."
She just shook her head. "Thank you for your kindness, but if I can't even help myself, no one else can. Tell him that I'll take good care of my twins. But it's because they are mine, not for his sake."
"The twins? What about yourself? Don't you have any hopes besides your babies?" I wondered, my voice desperate.
Her gaze drifted back to the pouring rain outside again. She was like a waxwork with zero expression on her face.
"No. It's because of my kids and my dad that I'm alive."
"But Alpha Derek loves you so much. Don't you love him even just a little bit?" I pressed on stubbornly.
"Love him?" she scoffed. "I used to be."
"And what about now?"
"I dared not do it again. It hurts so much."
After that, Tabitha walked slowly towards her bedroom, looking extremely pitiful.
I opened my mouth but ended up saying nothing at all.
In the world of werewolves, love seemed way more complicated and tough than ever.
While staring at Tabitha's retreating figure, I silently prayed she'd find a way out of this darkness soon and rediscover happiness meant for herself.