Third person's POV
Thinking about how she could bring disaster and misfortune to those around her, Tabitha unconsciously held Ayla a little tighter.
Ayla was found through countless hardships. This time, no matter the cost, she was determined to protect them.
Now that she knew her children were alive, Tabitha felt much more at ease.
Next, she planned to recuperate and secretly investigate the truth.
As long as the culprit was not exposed, she would have to keep hiding.
If she showed her face, both her children would be in danger.
But why should she, who was innocent, have to live in hiding?
Why should her children live in the shadows like rats, always on the run?
Damn it, the one to blame was the person who had harmed her.
That person had caused her marriage to break up, her family to be destroyed, her children to be separated, and her to lose everything.
Joanna's unclosed eyes would forever be etched in Tabitha's memory.
She silently vowed to find that person and make them pay a thousandfold for the suffering she had endured!
Derek listened to her words without any obvious reaction.
He simply said, "I apologize. I spoke out of turn."
Tabitha retracted the coldness she exuded and responded, "It's not your fault, it's my own issue."
She didn't want to explain more, thinking that the less contact she had with others, the less it would hurt when they parted.
In this world, the only thing she couldn't let go of was the bond of family.
Tabitha asked Alya softly, "Would you like to have dinner with me?"
"Sure!" Ayla replied crisply and cheerfully.
Tabitha then extended her hand to Ayla, who obediently placed her small hand in her palm.
At this moment, Tabitha felt as if she was dreaming.
She carefully enveloped Ayla's hand, so small and soft that she dared not grip too tightly.
After waiting for countless days and nights, she finally looked forward to the day of reuniting with her daughter.
Walking slowly, Derek noticed and took the initiative to step forward, saying, "Let me help you. I'm afraid you might fall accidentally."
Tabitha's head was still dizzy, so she didn't refuse, saying, "Thank you."
"It's okay, no trouble at all."
Derek replied, supporting Tabitha's arm, acting as a walking support for her.
At this moment, all of Tabitha's attention was on her child, not noticing the look in Derek's eyes as he watched them.
While she was focused on her child, Derek was watching the mother and daughter.
Although he couldn't recognize himself as the father just yet, this scene was a form of family reunion.
Ayla looked up and, aside from seeing Tabitha's gentle and calm face, she also noticed the tender and doting gaze from Derek.
Rubbing her eyes, she wondered, 'Am I mistaken?'
She felt that Derek and that handsome man seemed a bit alike.
The island was abundant in resources, with not only meals but also many pastries and fresh fruits.
Tabitha found it strange.
"Is this island very prosperous?"
Derek explained, "This is a relatively niche island. Not many people know about it, and some experienced tourists visit each year. Although it's not as commercialized as other places, the island is gradually being developed to become the next hot spot."
Tabitha inquired about the island's geographical location and coordinates.
No wonder it seemed familiar. It was indeed not far from Derek's private island.
What she didn't know was that many of the fruits, vegetables, and other food on the island were transported from Derek's island.
"Since you don't have any urgent matters to return to, I suggest you rest on the island for a while longer. Your current physical condition is still too weak."