Third person's POV
Tabitha's thoughts drifted far away. Her mother had left when she was very young.
She grew up in a pack without a Luna, and not only that, she didn't have a mother.
Although her father had always been caring towards her, providing for her daily life and guiding her psychologically, raising her to be graceful, optimistic, and kind, there were still many things a father couldn't make up for.
For instance, during parent-child sports events at school, many activities required the participation of both parents.
From childhood, whenever she saw other children holding their mothers' hands, eating meals made by their mothers, and showing off clothes carefully chosen by their mothers, no matter how excellent she was, she would secretly envy those children with the company of their mothers.
In her mind, if she ever had children, she must be responsible for them, love them well, and never let her children grow up in a family without both parents.
Later, she fell in love with Derek at first sight. They were mated, and their relationship was very good.
Tabitha felt he was a good man she could trust for life, which was why she mated him at such a young age.
But in the end, things didn't go as planned, and she failed to give her children a complete and happy family.
"Mommy!" Ayla spotted her, waving excitedly towards her.
"Sweetheart, come have breakfast," Tabitha called.
Derek looked at her.
Tabitha, standing in the morning light, didn't have long hair flowing in the wind, but the tender expression on her face was exactly the same as the woman who used to send him off every time.
He had longed to see such a smile for too long.
"My body isn't very well, so I can't make complicated food. I made this simple meal. Once I recover, I'll make all sorts of delicious dishes for you," Tabitha said.
Ayla looked at her with a smile and said, "Thank you, Mommy."
In fact, she wasn't picky at all. Besides, it was made by her mother. Whatever it was, it made her incredibly happy.
Tabitha pushed out a separate meal and looked at Derek, saying, "This one is for you. You've worked hard taking care of the child these days."
Derek was pleasantly surprised, not expecting her to prepare food for him as well.
He scratched the back of his head, looking shy, and said, "It's my pleasure. It's what I should do. Thank you, Ms. Hartley."
How long had it been since he had eaten food made by Tabitha with his own hands? He ate every bite very carefully, savoring it.
His mind couldn't help but recall when they first mated each other.
Tabitha would get up early every day, prepare the clothes he needed to wear for the day, then make breakfast in the kitchen, tie his tie, and, with a smile, remind him to come home early.
If he had known that those beautiful days would be so short, he would have cherished every moment with Tabitha more.
Instead of being like now, he stayed by Tabitha's side cautiously, not daring to reveal his identity.
Unable to return home, unable to acknowledge his child.
"What's wrong? Is the sandwich not to your taste?" Tabitha noticed his solemn expression and quickly asked with concern.
Derek's eyes were slightly red. Tabitha had some understanding of him, knowing he was a tough guy through and through.
Could there be something wrong with the sandwich she made?
"No, no, your cooking is great. I just remembered someone very important to me who used to cook for me. When she did it every day, I didn't cherish it," Derek said.
Tabitha, associating it with his background, sympathetically said, "I can understand."
Did Tabitha guess something? Derek quickly buried his head to eat.
He then heard Tabitha sigh and say, "You must be missing your mother, right?"
Derek was speechless.
Tabitha gently patted his shoulder and said, "It's okay, you don't have to be so formal in the future. If you want to eat, just eat with us. Ayla likes you, and I'm grateful to you. If this brings up your longing for home, just think of it as if your mother made it."
"……"