Third person's POV
Derek didn't mock Leopold's current arrogance because he knew fate was fair. What was meant to happen would happen.
Moreover, Derek had noticed that Leopold's feelings for Gloria were special—far more than just a casual lover, despite what he claimed.
It didn't matter. Love had a way of humbling even the most stubborn people.
As Leopold spoke, he glanced at the surveillance footage again. Gloria was sitting by the sea, staring at the ocean, her emotions much calmer than before.
It seemed Derek's suggestion had been right. Gloria needed the company of friends and children to heal her inner wounds.
"My family situation isn't great right now. Let her stay on the island for three months, and then I'll bring her back."
The incident with Gloria's miscarriage had infuriated Leopold. He'd acted impulsively for her sake, and her former fiancé was still in intensive care.
The other family was also wealthy and powerful. They felt Leopold had overreacted for the sake of a mistress, turning a justified situation into an unjust one.
The arranged marriage had fallen through, and the two families were now enemies.
It was Derek's suggestion that had convinced Leopold to send Gloria to the island.
"Three months?" Derek chuckled softly. "Maybe you love her more than you realize. You just haven't admitted it yet."
Given the severity of the situation, three months—or even three years—might not be enough for the Sowell family to settle things.
"I heard you were particularly harsh with that woman. You ruined her life."
"She brought it on herself," Leopold said coldly, his voice icy when mentioning her. "What, are you planning to keep Tabitha on the island forever?"
"I told you, this time I'm setting her free."
Given what Leopold knew about Derek, he didn't believe Derek could really let go.
Under the care of Tabitha and the island's doctor, Gloria's health gradually improved.
Although it would be difficult for her to conceive again, at least the physical and emotional scars from the miscarriage had lessened.
Gloria had always been an optimistic person, but Tabitha often saw her sitting alone on a bench, staring at the sea, lost in thought.
"What are you thinking about?" Tabitha sat down beside her and asked softly.
"I was wondering, if I'd accepted Derek's offer to work at his company back then, maybe I wouldn't have met that scumbag."
"Gloria, it's all in the past. Don't dwell on it."
Gloria touched her flat stomach. "I was even prepared to be a single mother. Why did fate have to be so cruel? It took away my right to be a mother."
She wiped her tears and continued, "But maybe it's for the best. Having a child would have tied me to that devil forever. I never want to have anything to do with him again."
Tabitha hugged her gently. "Gloria, look forward. We'll be happy in the future."
Gloria glanced around to make sure no one was nearby, then whispered, "When are we leaving?"
Tabitha held up five fingers, making a gesture.
"Five days?"
"Yes, my friend needs some time to prepare."
Gloria nodded firmly. "Okay! Wherever you go, I'm coming with you!"
She knew Leopold had sent her to the island just to lay low.
Rumors were that the Sowell family had their eyes on him, wanting to clean up all his pre-marital entanglements. That's why Leopold had agreed to send her away.
Once things calmed down, he'd bring her back.
She knew escaping would be difficult. This might be her only chance.
The moment Gloria learned they'd be leaving in five days, she began to dream of a new future.
"Gloria, what are your plans for the future?" Tabitha asked.
"Back in school, all I cared about was making money to change my life. These past few years, I've worked day and night. I made a lot of money, but I lost so much more. I want to go to an ordinary country and do volunteer work, helping those poor children. If I get tired of that, I'll learn new skills, open a café or a flower shop, or maybe travel the world. I want a completely different life."
"That sounds great," Tabitha replied.
Gloria looked at her. "What about you?"
"I want to become stronger, continue my medical career, and make my teacher proud," Tabitha said with determination.
"That's wonderful," Gloria sighed, reminiscing. "It feels like we're back in school, sitting under the trees, dreaming about the future. If I'd known our lives would turn out like this, maybe I should've gone abroad back then."
"Gloria, running away doesn't solve problems. Some things you only understand after experiencing them," Tabitha said earnestly.
"True," Gloria said, resting her hands behind her head, enjoying the sea breeze under the shade of a tree. She silently counted the days. In five days, she'd finally cut all ties with Leopold.
However, on the third day, something unexpected happened.