Tabitha's POV
The incident was extremely intense, and the police arrived at the scene quickly.
By then, the crowd had grown tense and anxious, and many of the onlookers who had unwittingly become part of the disturbance were visibly terrified as they were escorted away by officers.
I needed urgent medical attention, so I couldn't provide my statement to the authorities right away.
Thankfully, the wound was minor, and with prompt first aid, a serious situation was averted.
At the hospital, the staff quickly assessed my condition and administered additional treatment. It was only after this that Zola, who had been anxiously waiting, finally relaxed. She let out a heavy sigh, her shoulders sagging with relief.
"Tabitha, thank goodness you reacted quickly this time; otherwise, it would have been serious," Zola said, her voice trembling with both relief and residual anxiety.
I patted Zola on the shoulder and said, "Don't be afraid. Everything is fine now, right? You shouldn't have jumped in front of me in such a dangerous situation. If you'd been hit with that sulfuric acid, the outcome could have been unthinkable."
Zola's face flushed with anger. "Who could have known that bastard would be so malicious? I thought it was just paint or varnish, not sulfuric acid."
"These people came prepared. We can't predict their intentions with just common sense. I'm sorry you were so scared today."
"Tabitha, don't blame yourself. It was my fault..." Zola's voice cracked slightly, her guilt palpable.
"Let's put this behind us and go home. Make me something delicious tonight. I need to eat a lot to calm my nerves," I joked.
"Mhm." Zola wiped her tears and said, "Even after all these years, thinking about what just happened still gives me chills. If anything had gone wrong today, your entire life could have been ruined."
As we stepped out of the hospital, the biting cold wind struck me from all directions, somewhat clearing my mind.
A figure approached swiftly, and I was enveloped in an embrace.
Derek's voice came from above. "Tabitha, are you okay?"
Being held tightly, I felt almost unable to breathe.
I could feel Derek's heartbeat racing and his body trembling slightly.
And his eyes were filled with worry.
To be honest, with so much happening suddenly, I was uneasy and tense deep inside.
However, these emotions quietly dissipated in Derek's embrace.
It was as if my world was pouring with heavy rain, but his arrival made everything bright again.
I thought about what Zola had shared about Derek's childhood. He must be the one who felt the least secure.
I gently patted Derek's back, comforting him as if he were a child.
"It's okay. Look, I am perfectly fine."
Derek's gaze shifted to the bandage on my hand, and his expression grew suddenly cold. I smiled and said, "It looks worse than it is. I was only splashed a little."
"Tabitha, I'm sorry."
“It's not your fault. You didn't want me to be bothered by the online rumors. I should have stayed home as you suggested." I wrapped my arms around his waist and nuzzled his neck. "It's all over and I'm fine now. Let's go home. It's freezing out here."
Only then did Derek's stern expression soften. "Okay, let's go home."
He carefully led me to the car and opened the door for me. "Wait a moment. I need to make a call."
"Hmm." As Derek closed the door and turned away, his demeanor grew grim. He took out his phone and stepped aside to make the call.
I couldn't hear his conversation but noticed his silhouette was particularly severe.
"I don't care how you do it. Just get the person for me. Yes, we won't pursue the charges."