Third person's POV
"Have you ever seen a cave brimming with fireflies? It's breathtakingly beautiful inside, with fireflies twinkling like a starry sky. There's this place called the Earth's Eye, a colossal pool of vibrant colors that looks like an eye from above. Have you heard of the Valley of Death? In Antarctica, glaciers on the mountains flow down into the valley, forming ice waterfalls. When these waterfalls reach the sides of the valley, they vanish, creating a spectacular sight," Wilmot described, his voice painting vivid pictures.
Tabitha's eyes sparkled with longing.
"I'd love to see those with my own eyes. Don't laugh, but I've been to so few places in my life," she admitted.
"It's okay, Ms. Hartley, you'll be safe. I've seen many terminally ill patients make astonishing recoveries. Once you're better, if you're willing to pay me, I'll take you to see those places. How does that sound?" Wilmot offered, his tone earnest.
A night breeze blew, carrying a hint of chill.
Tabitha snuggled deeper into her blanket, catching a falling plum petal with her hand.
Tucker was frantically chasing the dancing petals in the wind.
The scene before her was warm and harmonious. Tabitha smiled softly, "One day, I will go and see them myself."
The world was vast. She wanted to visit many places, do things she'd never done before, and find the two children who rightfully belonged to her.
With her spirits lifted, the days became more bearable.
Seeing her improving health, Orson visited her less frequently.
By the end of the month, Orson and Theodora held their engagement party.
Neither Orson nor Theodora had Alpha bloodlines, but they were both respected werewolf doctors.
So, the ceremony was well-attended.
Tabitha would have loved to attend, but she stayed home. She was afraid of being spotted by the Black Thorn.
She could only look at the photos and videos Theodora sent her and listen to her cooing voice.
"Tabitha, it's such a pity you didn't come," Theodora said.
Tabitha enlarged the photo, where Theodora's smile was sweet, her eyes full of anticipation for the future.
Orson stood beside her, his handsome and tall figure radiating a gentle smile.
Even through the photo, Tabitha could feel their happiness.
As Tabitha looked, she smiled, then began to cry.
Tears fell onto her phone screen.
She saw a reflection of her past self in Theodora's face.
The day she and Derek pledged their love to the Moon Goddess, she was just as thrilled and happy.
When the photographer clicked the shutter, she thought it would last forever.
Who could have known what would happen next?
Once deeply in love, they ended up on diverging paths, never to meet again in this life.
No love, just resentment, hatred, and regret.
She looked at the sky as tears streamed down her cheeks.
She was mourning her lost youth.
Suddenly, a glass of lime water appeared before her.
Tabitha looked up to see Wilmot, his face beaming as he carried bags of groceries. "Ms. Hartley, I just bought this at the supermarket. Many girls say they like it. So, I thought you'd like it too. Why are you crying?" he asked.
Tabitha quickly wiped her tears. "No, I'm just happy for Dr. Romero and Theodora. I hope they have a lifetime of smooth sailing. There are so many couples in this world who love each other but can't grow old together. I hope they can break the curse and grow old together."
"You're so sentimental. Have you ever been in a love that left a deep impression?" Wilmot inquired, curious.