Third person's POV
Alvin said, "Alpha Derek, you changed."
"Once, I always thought that the arrangements I made were the best choices for her. But the reality is that I hurt her over and over again. Moreover, Tabitha's fake death is not entirely a bad thing. If she can deceive me, she can deceive her enemies, which is actually the safest for her. She no longer needs to worry about being assassinated all the time."
"So, Alpha Derek, this play is not just for Tabitha, but also for the enemies."
"This gives us more time to investigate. This is when the enemy's guard is down. But before that, I need to deal with something."
"What is it?"
"Cleaning house."
The news of the Luna of the Black Thorn Pack and Mrs. Greenwood passing away spread like wildfire.
Tabitha's funeral was set for tonight. Almost half of the elite from the upper-class society came to mourn.
Andrea's eyes were swollen and red. She had loved Tabitha so much. But fate was cruel.
Alpha Elliott had not fully recovered from his injuries and stood in the hall, dazed, asking Truman, "Who has passed away?"
Truman looked sorrowful, "Alpha Elliott, you don't want to know."
Others were whispering to each other.
"I heard Derek loved Tabitha deeply."
"I don't think so. Didn't he prepare to marry someone else before?"
"Yes, Mrs. Greenwood is truly a person with a hard life."
Daphne was not qualified to attend the funeral. But when she heard the news of Tabitha's death, she was so excited that she burst into tears.
She had finally waited for this day. Tabitha was dead. No one could compete with her anymore.
God was just, and she had finally gotten rid of her rival, Tabitha.
When Derek appeared, everyone was shocked.
Although he was still dressed in formal attire, his usually clean-shaven chin had sprouted short stubble. His face was haggard, his eyes were red, and he seemed to have aged ten years in an instant.
He had lost a lot of weight in a short time. Even Orson almost didn't recognize him.
He had known that Tabitha's death would have a huge impact on Derek, but he didn't expect it to be so severe.
Derek seemed like a completely different person.
Ignoring the gaze of the crowd, he walked step by step towards Tabitha's portrait.
This photo was taken during her student days when she was innocent and happy. Her smile was incredibly bright.
Derek reached out and gently touched the photo. If only time could be frozen at this moment, then Tabitha wouldn't have to suffer so much.
Recalling the journey they had taken together, he had ground her strength, pride, and dignity bit by bit, trampling treasures underfoot, turning her into a pitiful person.
'Tabitha, I'm sorry.'
'From now on, I give you your freedom back.'
'I know you can't forgive me for what I've done. I will spend my life atoning for you.'
Tears slid from his eyes.
This tear was for their past.
After today, he would also start anew.
"Derek!" A female voice came.
Everyone was immersed in the moment. But this voice was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake. Everyone looked towards the sound.
It was Gloria, who was dressed in a long black dress with a single white flower on her chest.
She saw the photo of Tabitha hanging in the center.
When she received the news in Seattle, she didn't believe it. But seeing Derek in such a state, she knew Tabitha was really dead.
Everyone was guessing who this woman was. Was she another mistress who came to make trouble? It seemed like there would be a good show today.
Gloria rushed over like a gust of wind and raised her hand. Then, she slapped Derek's face hard.