Tabitha's POV
I stood at the entrance of Hope Ranch, and a flood of emotions surged through my heart.
Though Hope Ranch had been redeemed, I found it disgusting and have never been back because it was once owned by Derek and Daphne.
I walked in and saw the hydrangeas blooming in a vibrant array of colors, flourishing beautifully without any apparent pruning.
Some roses climbed up and around the fence.
A gust of wind made the flowers sway gracefully in the breeze.
Although the scene was stunning, I couldn't bring myself to step forward.
"Tabitha, please go in. Alpha Derek is waiting for you," Rolf urged.
I felt like just as the saying went, "The closer you get to a place familiar to you, the more restless you become."
I hadn't pushed the door yet when I heard a sound and a white dog running towards me.
Tucker, who had been brought back by Derek, circled around my feet.
Curious about what Derek might be up to before his grand wedding, I walked in.
As soon as I entered, a sweet floral scent filled the air. I noticed that the cobblestone path was covered with rose petals, creating a romantic flower carpet.
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground, while a gentle breeze carried a hint of warmth.
The surrounding flowers swayed gently in the breeze as if telling romantic stories.
I frowned with some displeasure, asking, "What is he up to?"
Rolf scratched the back of his head and said, "Tabitha, you will find out once you get in."
Confused, I was suddenly pulled into the room by several people who immediately began bustling around me.
When I saw myself dressed in a long wedding gown, I understood what was happening.
The makeup artist and stylist showered me with compliments about how beautiful I looked, but I wasn't interested in hearing it. I asked coldly, "Where is Derek?"
The people who had been praising me looked taken aback as if they hadn't expected me to be so impatient at such a special moment.
"Well..."
"You won't tell me, will you? I'll go find him myself." I quickly got up, holding my gown with one hand, and walked as fast as I could out of the room.
"Ms. Hartley, watch your step!"
As the door opened, I immediately spotted Derek amidst the colorful flowers.
He was dressed in a groom's suit with his hair perfectly styled, holding a bouquet, and his handsome face was visibly nervous.
When he saw me, his nervous expression gradually transformed into a smile.
I was moving too quickly, holding up my gown with one hand, and I stumbled after a few steps.
"Ah! Watch out!"
"Ms. Hartley!"
Everyone's expressions shifted to worry as they looked at me anxiously.
I had once been agile, known for my skill in school, but now I felt like a bird with a broken wing.
Without my right hand, I could only cling to my dress with my left hand.
I could have prevented myself from falling if I had just used my right hand to support myself, but now I could only watch helplessly as I fell to the ground.
My children! My back was covered in cold sweat. I closed my eyes, bracing for impact.
Instead of the pain I anticipated, I felt Derek catch me just in time.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
I had been so furious and determined to make trouble for him, but the unexpected embarrassment left me flustered and unable to remember the words I had planned to say.
Derek held me by the waist with one hand, his eyes full of affection. "Tabitha, you look absolutely beautiful today, just as I imagined."
I heard the joyful voices from others, saying, "Look here."
I instinctively turned my head. With a click, someone took a photo of us.