Derek's POV
"Look at you guys, getting all lovey-dovey right under my nose."
Elliott appeared out of nowhere.
With a sudden blush, Tabitha leaped away, putting space between us as if she were a student unexpectedly caught in puppy love.
"Alright, alright. It's been so long since you tied the knot. Why are you still as shy as a little girl? I won't tease you anymore. Seeing how harmoniously you get along, Erin can rest in peace. Derek, come here and play a game of chess with me."
"Okay, Grandpa."
I separated from Tabitha and followed Elliott. When there was no one around, Elliott finally spoke up, "What exactly happened between you and Tabitha?"
"Nothing."
Just because I might have some brain issues doesn't mean my eyes are deceiving me. Why does she seem indifferent when I bring up certain topics? Why haven't you had a child for so long? I remember she was eager to have a child for you three years ago. What's changed since then?"
Despite occasional confusion, Elliott's clarity and sharpness remained unchanged.
I knew I couldn't hide it anymore, so I had to confess truthfully, "There was indeed a problem between us, but I have already resolved it."
Elliott's face no longer had the gentleness he had just shown in front of Tabitha. With a serious expression, he said, "Would you like to confess, or shall I uncover it myself? I've nurtured you from the very beginning. I'm well aware of your issues."
I had no choice but to recount the whole story. "Grandpa, anyway, we've made up and are back on good terms..."
Before I could finish my words, Elliott slapped me in the face.
Despite his old age, Elliott still had quite the strength, and that slap he gave wasn't a gentle one.
Although my wolf realized what was happening, I stood there, unmoving. The moment he slapped my face, it began to throb with pain right away.
"Absurd!" Elliott exclaimed angrily. "How could you agree to marry Daphne just because of Randall's request?"
"Grandpa, I didn't intend to touch her. I just wanted to give her and the child a home."
"Damn it. Do you even know what stupid thing you did? Do you think just not touching her is enough? The biggest taboo in marriage is suspicion. You're planning to marry someone else without letting her know. Have you ever considered how she must feel?"
"I..."
"Let me ask you this. I knew Elena interfered. Even if you were also in the dark at the time, you wanted revenge and went after John. Why did you involve your wife and kid? When they both fell into the water, did you lose your mind? You actually left her to save the person who pushed her in? I can't believe this. You're going to give me a heart attack."
Elliott touched his heart and said, "Go get my herbs. I have never seen someone as foolish as you."
I quickly helped Elliott sit down. "Grandpa, please calm down. It's all in the past now."
"Past? You really believe it's all in the past just because she's forgotten? After hurting her so many times and giving her medication, do you think that can just erase everything? There are so many misunderstandings between you two that haven't been cleared up. She doesn't even know her son is still alive. Don't you think that's too cruel for a mother?"
"Given the circumstances, it's too late for me to tell her now. I can't bear to disturb her with the past."
Elliott sighed, "You made the worst choice, and once she remembers the past, she will hate you even more. When that day comes, you will have no chance of redemption."
My wolf also sensed my helplessness and regret in my consciousness.
It seemed to remind me to seriously consider how to proceed on the path of the future.
I looked at Elliott, filled with guilt in my heart. I knew I had done many wrong things, but now I couldn't turn back.
I could only do my best to make amends, hoping Tabitha wouldn't remember the past, and that we could start anew.