Tabitha's POV
I looked up and saw a tall, lanky young man limping towards me. His facial features reminded me of Joanna.
They had similar faces but different vibes. Joanna was lively and cheerful, while he was cold and brooding.
Noticing my gaze, he nodded at me, saying, "Ms. Hartley, I'm sorry if my mother has disturbed you. She had no idea what was going on."
Alvin leaned in close to Derek and whispered, "I already filled him in on everything. He asked me not to tell Mrs. Foster about it, worrying it might upset her. I guess he didn't expect she would come here."
I looked at the young man and said softly, "You must be Joanna's brother. She often mentioned you to me."
He looked haggard, the corners of his eyes a bit red from crying. Hearing my words, he limped over. Guessed he hadn't fully recovered from the car accident.
Before I knew it, he suddenly bowed to me. His head hung low like he was confessing some big sin.
"I know what happened, Ms. Hartley. It's all my fault that you and Joanna end up like this. If I had dodged the car, none of this would have happened."
I sighed and motioned for Alvin to help him up.
"Your leg hasn't recovered yet. You should have more rest. They had planned it out long ago, so even if you managed to dodge it, your parents would have become their targets. Don't beat yourself up. I'm the one who owes Joanna my life," I said to the young man.
He stared at my flat belly, a guilty look on his face.
Guessed he heard of my premature labor.
I then looked back at Joanna's mother and said, "Mrs. Foster, I'm really sorry about what happened with Joanna, and her death hits me hard too. I can understand how you feel, but it's what it is.
"We should live our best lives to honor her wishes. Even if you keep making a scene, it won't bring Joanna back to life. It will only bring more pain to us and please the enemy. Don't you think?"
Tears rolled down her face, and I reached out to gently wipe them away.
"I owe Joanna my life. From now on, I'll take good care of you for her. If you don't mind, can you let me be your goddaughter?" I ventured.
She waved her hand and replied, "No, no, I don't think I'm in a position to be your godmother. I..."
"Mrs. Foster, please just say yes. Joanna protected me with her life, and it is only fair for me to take care of her family now. She should be able to rest in peace if she knows about it," I insisted.
Eventually, she agreed after some hesitation. After comforting her, I returned to the ward to rest a bit.
Derek watched as I ate while sitting on the bed, piping up, "Though you seem more fragile than usual, there's a newfound resilience in you."
Sensing his gaze, I looked up to lock eyes with him. "You should go back and rest. I'll be staying here for recovery," I said, my voice calm.
Derek's eyes widened in surprise. I guessed he was probably expecting me to make a big fuss.
"Tabitha, aren't you sad anymore?" he asked.
"I've just come to terms with things. Being sad can't change anything, so why waste time on it? Derek, like I said, I won't try to end my life again," I told him.
Then, I smoothed out the wrinkles in his shirt while my voice turned steely.
"And besides," I added fiercely, "I want you to stay alive and strong too. Only in this way can you become my sharpest weapon when the time comes."
I gave him a crooked smile and continued in a bleak voice, "Derek, you owe me that."
Feeling my emotion, Crystal growled, "That's right, girl! I'll make those who hurt us pay."