Because Xander started behaving strangely after he met Nova.Abigail was very eager to know what Nova said to Xander that day. But no matter how she asked, Xander was unwilling to tell her.Abigail sighed. She raised her hand and gently caressed Xander's perfectly contoured cheek. "We're a married couple. We agreed to face everything together. Why won't you tell me?"Just when she did not know what to do, the phone beside her vibrated twice, indicating that she had received a new text message.Abigail grabbed her phone and looked. It was from an unfamiliar number. It read: [Abigail, it's me, Emma!]Abigail thought, 'We just talked about Emma and now she texted me. It seems like Emma and I have a strong connection.'Abigail immediately replied to Emma: [Emma, how have you been?]Emma asked: [Why didn't you ask me where I am?]Abigail responded: [I'm afraid my phone might be tapped by Ron again. So, I didn't dare to ask.]Emma texted: [He can only tap your phone once. He won't d
When Abigail was about to put her phone away, she received a message from Emma again: [Abigail, there's something I don't know if I should tell you.]Abigail replied: [We're good friends. So, there's nothing you can't tell me.]After quite some time, Emma replied: [It seems like Ron is colluding with Nova and Gavin. I believe they're planning to go after Mr. Zane.]Abigail asked: [How did you find out?]Emma answered: [I unintentionally overheard their conversation. They even mentioned that they wanted to use your mother to control you. If they can control you, it'll be easier for them to deal with your husband.]Abigail responded: [Emma, thank you for sharing this information with me! From now on, I'll be more careful. I won't let their agenda succeed.]Abigail knew she could not really help Xander. But she believed as long as she protected herself well and did not become Xander's weak link to be attacked by them, then not adding trouble for Xander would be considered a form of
Whenever Emma thought about her miserable life back then, she considered leaving several times while Ron was still unaware that she was there.However, when she thought about how well Abigail treated her and the help Xander provided her, she could not ignore this matter that arose because of her.Even if the days in the future would be miserable, Emma thought she absolutely could not back down.She mentally prepared herself in different ways and got through the long night.In the morning, Ron woke up and saw Emma as soon as he opened his eyes. She was also quietly looking at him.Ron thought he might still be drunk. He immediately closed his eyes and shook his head. "Damn it, there must be something wrong with me! I'm seeing things in broad daylight."Emma calmly watched his exaggerated behavior.Ron opened his eyes again and noticed the woman in front of him was still there. "Is this a dream within a dream?"Emma sat up straight and said softly, "It's me."Ron asked, "Who are
Emma glanced at Ron's arm which was still bleeding and said, "You should stop the bleeding now."Ron responded, "Are you concerned about me?"Emma replied, "I'm just afraid that you'll lose too much blood and die. I don't want to get involved in a manslaughter case."Ron said, "Don't worry. This little injury won't kill me. Now tell me, what did you just say?"Since he did not care about his own injury, Emma felt she did not have to worry about it either. "Because of me, you colluded with Nova, Gavin, and the others to fight against Xander. Now that I'm back, can you stop working with those people?"Upon hearing that, Ron suddenly burst into laughter. "So, you didn't want to come back to me because you wanted to. You came back for Xander?"Emma sneered as she said, "What else? Did you think I wanted to come back to you?"This response made Ron completely lose his mind. "So, you're in love with Xander? You're even willing to come back to me for him? Did he send you here last nigh
Unsurprisingly, Xander woke up earlier than her and had already prepared breakfast.When he saw her open her eyes, he put down the documents in his hands. He walked to her and kissed her on the forehead. "Good morning!"Abigail felt that being able to see him after waking up in the morning was such a happy thing.She snuggled into his arms and gently nuzzled him. "Good morning!"Xander put his palm on Abigail's lower abdomen over her pajamas and gently massaged it. "Are you still feeling uncomfortable? Do you want to rest for another day today?"Abigail shook her head. "I'll feel unwell on the first day of my period. But it'll get much better on the second day. I don't need to rest."Xander responded, "Get up and freshen up then. After that, let's have breakfast together before going to the company."Abigail held onto his lean waist tightly. "Emma contacted me last night. She told me many things that I didn't know. Do you want to know what she told me?"Xander did not seem surp
Emma had turned the speaker on so Ron could hear everything Abigail was saying.And when she heard the question, Emma gave Ron a subconscious glance.Ron smiled as he took the phone. "Of course. Have Xander come along as well. The four of us should have a proper reunion.""It's settled then, Abigail," Emma then said."Alright." Abigail bit her lips and just as the words came out from her mouth after much difficulty, the other side had already hung up the call.She turned to look at Xander and mumbled, "Did Emma go back to Ron's side because she found out that Ron was working with Nova against you?"Xander raised his hand and patted Abigail on the head. "No matter what is the reason for Emma going back to Ron's side, it has nothing to do with us.""Emma is my friend and I can't forget how terrifying it was when Emma had her miscarriage. I fear that Emma no longer cares for her life."Xander could understand Abigail's feelings of wanting to help her friend, but he did not want he
Seeing that Abigail was spacing out, Xander patted her head again. "Did what I just said terrified you?"Abigail immediately snapped out of her thoughts. "I'm so sorry, Nathan!""Why the sudden apology? Hm?" Xander asked."Because you tried to help Emma for me, you pissed Ron off," Abigail said."I wasn't trying to help you, I was trying to help Ron," Xander replied.Abigail was a little perplexed. "How so?""Do you still remember how Ron took Emma away after you met her at Neese?" Xander explained."I do." Abigail nodded.Xander then added, "Emma knew that she hadn't fully escaped Ron's grasp and knew that he had eyes on her every word and movement. So, she succumbed to despair."I had rushed over to pick you up and instead of finding you, I ran into her trying to take her own life by chance. If I hadn't saved her, Emma would've been dead."Abigail did not know such a thing had happened behind her back. It was no wonder Xander refused to hand Emma over to Ron even if it mean
Abigail put her phone away and came to the dining table.There was her favorite fried bread and onion soup and she could scarcely believe her eyes. "Mr. Zane, didn't you tell me that fried bread is unhealthy? Why did you buy it today then?""Who said fried bread is unhealthy? Our forefathers had been eating it for hundreds of years now. You think our traditional food is much less healthy than some random street food?"Our people have a tradition of food spanning thousands of years, and no one knows when our food got slapped with the unhealthy tag. It's all down to those scheming mega corps' smear campaigns. Just eat what you want from now on."Abigail gave Xander a big thumbs up. "You're so right, Mr. Zane. As expected of my idol!"Xander then smiled. "Oh, stop buttering me up and eat already!""I'm not buttering you up. You're my idol, for real." Abigail took a huge bite of the fried bread. It was crunchy and delicious as all of her foul mood was swept away like a gust of wind.
Emma turned and dashed into the bathroom. She cranked the faucet on and splashed water on her face, aiming to soothe her nerves.Although they were engaged, they were still too young, with countless uncertainties looming over their future. The possibility of actually walking down the aisle was up in the air.Decisions made in a rush of happiness could eventually become sources of regret. And Emma knew all too well that she couldn't afford any regrets.She thought that fortunately, Ron hadn't pushed things further, which gave her time to cool off.After freshening up, Emma stepped out to find Ron on the balcony, a cigarette in hand.She couldn't resist chiding him, "I've told you to cut down on smoking. Why can't you seem to remember?"This time, Ron complied, snuffing out the cigarette. "We should get some sleep. We've got to put our best foot forward when we meet your family tomorrow.""Okay, I'll sleep on the couch. You take the bed," Emma responded.Ron simply replied, "As y
Ron looked at her dawdling pace with disdain. "If you, a lady, can handle it, why can't I, a grown man, stay?"His words sounded noble, but Ron regretted them the moment they arrived at the hotel.Despite now earning a decent income, Emma was still reluctant to spend money.This place was hardly a hotel; it was clearly a budget inn charging only a few dozen bucks a night. The hygiene was questionable at best, and safety seemed like a gamble.Ron turned on his heel, dragging her suitcase behind him. "We're leaving, now.""It's too late, and we can't get a refund for the room.""Are you trying to get us killed?"Emma fell silent, her thoughts a whirlwind of frustration. 'I told him he wouldn't be used to cheap places. He insisted on coming with me, and now he won't even let me stay here alone. Why is he so annoying?'However, considering Ron had rushed over in the middle of the night to help her, Emma decided not to hold it against him.Ron picked the best hotel in the area—the
Rebekah glanced over at Ron; she exchanged a knowing look with him before saying, "I'll have someone tidy up the rooms. Why don't you two stay here tonight and keep me company?"Ron replied simply, "Sure."Emma had purchased a midnight flight back to South Florivera, necessitating a rush to the airport, which made staying over after dinner impossible.Yet, she found herself at a loss for words, struggling to decline Rebekah's kind offer.As she hesitated, Ron stepped in to clear the air. "Mom, I've got something on tonight. After dinner, I'll drive Emma back to her dorm."Rebekah raised an eyebrow. "What's so important?" she wondered aloud, thinking, 'Wasn't he the one insisting Emma stay over? What's he up to now?'Ron kept it mysterious. "Life stuff."Rebekah could not help but chide him lightly, "You, always the joker."Right after dinner, Ron insisted on leaving to take Emma back to her dormitory. But as soon as they were out of the gated community, he asked, "So, you reall
Ron chuckled. "I didn't know you were aware that even a cornered rat will fight."Emma shot him a glare. "Are we going or not?"Ron quickly said, "Of course. When Miss Blue commands, how can I dare not obey?"Fearing another of his notorious driving escapades, Emma hastily buckled her seatbelt as she settled into the car.Thankfully, this time Ron kept it smooth, driving steadily.As they neared their destination, Ron finally spoke up, "You know, that Tucker guy is a married man. Don't let his kindness fool you into being the other woman."Emma's gaze on Ron was fiery, seething with anger. "Do you even hear yourself? Is that what you think of me? For the last time: Tucker and I share nothing more than a mentor-mentee relationship. There's nothing else between us.""I'm just looking out for you, worried you might get deceived," Ron said, witnessing Emma's fury for the first time. Yet, he could not help but find her anger not at all intimidating, but rather endearingly foolish.R
The two sisters had a pact: no cell phones at home to keep their secrets from the prying eyes of the Blue family. Thus, Emma could call only at prearranged times, the sole window for Rihanna to catch up.Rihanna's voice bubbled with excitement over the phone, as she chattered away about her life's minutiae.Knowing Rihanna was doing well eased Emma's mind.Just as Emma was about to end the call, she heard Rihanna's voice, soft and wistful. "You're really not coming home for the holidays? If you don't, I'll be all alone."Emma's heart clenched at those words, and she made up her mind in an instant. "I'll come back the day before New Year's Eve."The Blue family had their hands full with festivities that day, too busy to notice Rihanna's absence. Emma figured slipping back unnoticed then would be her best shot.After hanging up, Emma immediately booked a flight from Valtara to South Florivera. With her ticket secured and her last bit of work finished, Emma prepared to leave her off
Emma had no interest in romance, let alone the audacity to dream that Ron might fancy her.This time, she did not pick up the thread of conversation.After dinner, Ron, as usual, drove Emma back to the university.Before parting, Ron said, "Winter break is almost upon us, and the dorms might be off-limits. Are you sure you don't want to stay at my place for a couple of months?"Emma offered a smile in response. "Thanks for the offer. I've spoken with the dorm supervisor and submitted an application in advance. I'll be able to stay over the holiday period."Ron paused before saying, "Well, if you need anything, just let me know. I'll text you my number in a bit; make sure you save it."Emma nodded. "Sure."Without further ado, Ron drove off.Upon returning to her dorm, Emma saw Evelyn and Cassie, busy packing their bags, surrounded by gifts for their parents bought from Valtara.Evelyn asked Emma, "Are you really not going home for the winter break?"Emma replied, "No, I won't
Emma did not have the guts to risk failure because she did not have a safe haven to fall back on.Lucas kicked Ron in the shin. "Come on, if you fancy her, out with it. No Hagrid heir dithers like this."Ron glared at him. "Mind your own business." In his head, Emma was already his. The thought of losing her was unimaginable.Lucas said, "Without my meddling, she'd never be yours."Ron changed the subject. "I called you here for a serious discussion."Lucas replied, "No matter how serious, it can't outweigh the matter of your lifetime happiness."Ron was exasperated. "Lucas!"Lucas relented. "Alright, alright, you talk, I'm all ears."Ron spelled out Emma's music venture with Tucker. After hearing it all, Lucas could not help but see Emma in a new light."Never pegged Emma as such a dark horse," Lucas said.Silently listening to their conversation, Emma was thrilled to have her work recognized.Lucas said, "But, getting back to it, whether a song makes money, and how much, d
Ron barked, "Lucas!"With a chuckle, Lucas responded, "Alright, alright, I'll stop teasing Emma. I'm starving. Let's grab some food and talk business while we eat."Ron snapped, "Get lost!"Lucas could not help but revel in Ron's frustration. "Ron, have you fallen so quickly? Who was it that told me they would never accept an arranged marriage?"Emma was increasingly confused by their banter. "If it's inconvenient for me to be here, I can just take a cab and leave."Ron said, "Call you dumb and you won't admit it!"Emma thought to herself, 'I didn't want to be a third wheel, cramping their style. Was that really so wrong? No good deed goes unpunished, apparently.'Suddenly, Ron grabbed Emma's hand and led her inside. "It's cold out; let's go inside."Emma had to quicken her pace, practically being dragged along.Seeing them together, Lucas laughed heartily from behind. "Ron, oh Ron, never thought I'd see the day.""Don't laugh too soon. Your day is coming," Ron shot back.Th
Emma said, "Okay."Ron asked, "Have you won over your crush?"Lucas responded, "Secret."Ron replied, "Looks like you haven't won her over."Lucas said, "As long as I make a move, there's no girl I can't win over. But I haven't made a move yet because the timing isn't right."Ron asked, "Is it because of the Sandow family?"Lucas answered, "The Sandow family wants to marry their daughter to me, and my family wants me to marry her too. But I've told them long ago that I'm not willing to do that. Nobody can make me marry a girl I don't like."Emma remained silent. 'I didn't expect that Lucas would also have the same problem as me and Ron.'It seems like the wealthier the family, the more they'll arrange marriages based on social status without considering personal preferences.'Lucas seemed to sense Emma's thoughts. "Emma, my situation with the Sandow girl is different from yours and Ron's. Don't lump us together."Ron looked at Emma and suddenly said, "There isn't any other gi