Third person's POV
"Tabitha, how long have you known Lucian? Do you understand his background? Or rather, since he is neither a relative nor an acquaintance, why would he help you? There is no such thing as unselfish kindness in this world. Most of it is mixed with interests. Do you think he has ulterior motives towards you?"
Tabitha was taken aback by Derek's series of questions and didn't know how to answer for a moment, only able to stammer, "I..."
"Tabitha, we have known each other for many years and understand each other well. Lucian helped us take care of the children, and we should be grateful to him. But if you want to leave with him, are you sure this is the right path? Think not only for yourself but also for the children. What they really want is a stable life or a wandering one?"
Derek's ability to control people's hearts was too strong. With just a few words, he hit Tabitha's soft spot - the children.
"If it's because of me that you've come to this point, but you've been pretending to be dead for almost a year. Even if I know where you are, have I really done anything to hurt you?"
Derek tried his best to prove one thing. "Tabitha, I have no ill intentions toward you. Don't be afraid of me, and don't make the wrong choice."
Derek looked at the silent Tabitha, and his eyes revealed a hint of urgency and expectation. He thought he must seize this opportunity to let Tabitha understand his thoughts.
He leaned forward slightly, cleared his throat, and continued, "Tabitha, I admit that I have done many things to hurt you in the past. Now that you insist on separating from me, although I am very painful in my heart, I also know that I can't stop you. But you must understand that besides being your ex-husband, I am also the father of the two children. Even if we go to court, according to the law, I have the right to fight for their custody or at least have visitation rights. But with just one word from you, you want to deprive me of all these rights. Think carefully, is this fair?"
As soon as Derek finished speaking, he observed Tabitha's face turn pale in an instant.
He regretted being too straightforward.
Tabitha's eyes widened, her face filled with shock and anger, as she loudly questioned, "You still want to fight me for the children?"
Tabitha's mind was in turmoil.
She was well aware that if she really ended up in court with Derek, considering all aspects, she was no match for him.
Her originally calm face began to crumble, her hands unconsciously clenching, nails digging into her palms.
Seeing this, Derek was filled with regret. He quickly stood up, waving his hands in the air, trying to soothe Tabitha's emotions.
His voice became exceptionally gentle as he urgently explained, "Tabitha, don't worry. Don't misunderstand me. I was just giving an example. I don't want to fight you for custody of the children. How could I do such a thing?"
Derek's eyes were filled with sincerity, and he silently blamed himself for making things worse.
"I just want to tell you I am responsible for protecting you and the children. On the island, you can recover from your illness with peace of mind, and the children can grow up freely. There, you will all be safe. I promise you, I am doing this for your own good." Derek's tone was full of sincerity.
Hearing Derek's words, Tabitha slowly lowered her eyes and began to think seriously.
Images of the children's smiling faces kept appearing in her mind, as well as the stable life they might have on the island.
After a while, she raised her head, looked at Derek, and said, "Alright, I agree, but I have one condition."
Hearing Tabitha give in, Derek felt a surge of joy and quickly said, "Tell me, I will agree as long as I can do it."
"Gloria needs rest. I want to take her with me to relax so we can look out for each other," Tabitha said.
"No problem. I will arrange it," Derek agreed without hesitation.
At this moment, he was overjoyed and completely failed to notice the fleeting look of triumph in Tabitha's lowered eyes.
In fact, Tabitha had guessed Derek's plan from the beginning. After all, they knew each other too well.
"There is one more thing. I want to see Wilmot," Tabitha suddenly said.
Derek's eyes instantly dimmed, and his face showed a displeased expression.
A wave of jealousy and dissatisfaction rose in his heart, and he tightly pursed his lips, saying, "Tabitha, if it weren't for the special circumstances that night, do you think I would let him live? Now you want to see such a person. Have you considered my feelings?" Derek's voice carried a hint of grievance and helplessness.
"I just want to confirm that he is still alive," Tabitha's tone was very firm, without any wavering.
Derek, looking into Tabitha's determined eyes, knew he could not change her decision and could only say, "Alright, I will take you there."