Xander sidestepped, avoiding the woman's reaching hand. She laughed, her voice dripping with allure. "What are you avoiding, Mr. Zane? Afraid I'll eat you up?"Xander snapped, "Get out!"The woman teased, "Are you asking me to 'get out' or to 'get it on'? Because if it's the latter, I'm game."'Some people just have no shame,' Abigail thought. 'Does she think she can just flirt with my man while I'm right here?' Taking a step forward, Abigail positioned herself protectively in front of Xander, fixing the woman with a cold stare.The woman gave Abigail a once-over. "My colleague is a real catch. You sure you don't want to see for yourself, Mrs. Zane?"Without giving the woman's taunts any attention, Abigail yelled into the distance, "Ron! Come out here!""They don't need your services. Everyone, back off," a familiar male voice declared. As the voice resonated, Ron slowly stepped out from the shadows. The man and woman, recognizing the command, gave a nod and retreated. Abigail in
Once he deemed the food safe, he began serving her. "Just tell me what you want, and I'll get it for you."Abigail quickly understood his actions. "Are you checking the food for poison because of Ron?"Given Ron's unpredictable nature, Xander would not put anything past him. His main concern was keeping Abigail safe. Xander filled her plate. "Eat up, and don't worry so much."Abigail's eyes filled with tears. "What if the food was poisoned? Did you even think about what could happen to you?"Xander replied, "I'm okay, aren't I?"Using a name she reserved for intimate moments, Abigail said, "Nathan, promise me you won't do this again."Xander patted her head, replying, "Okay." He thought, 'Maybe there's no future for us. Wanting just a glimpse of her face might become an unattainable luxury.'Abigail said, "Be careful when you drink with Ron later. Don't overdo it; you'll hurt your stomach."Xander simply nodded. "Mhm.""Abigail..."Emma's voice rang out from behind Abigail. Q
"Xander," Ron said, his voice edged with irritation, "if you keep ignoring me while I'm talking, I'm going to get mad."Feeling an intense warmth in his chest, Xander held onto Abigail tightly. He wanted to say something, but was afraid he would cough up blood. Abigail, noticing his distress, leaned closer and whispered, "Are you okay?" Xander only tightened his grip on her hand in response, shaking his head.Seeing Xander and Abigail whispering to each other, and feeling the contrast with his own wife's distant behavior, jealousy bubbled up in Ron. "Abigail," he began, "do you know where your birth mother is?" He mentioned Abigail's mother deliberately, thinking, 'If they're making my meal unpleasant, I won't let them enjoy theirs.'Abigail replied, her attention now on him, "I'll listen if you want to tell me. But I can't force you if you don't."Ron smirked. "Beg me, and maybe I'll tell you everything."Abigail said, "Alright, I'm begging you. Please tell me about my mother."
'How ridiculous!' Emma thought.Ron said, "Your heart has always been mine and it'll stay that way." When he noticed Emma's silence, he pulled her closer, even though she tried to pull away. Then, he looked over at Abigail and Xander."Xander," he said, "your wife is about to kneel and beg. You got anything to add?"Setting down his fork, Xander replied, "Nope." Taking Abigail's hand, he said, "We're heading out."Ron's frustration boiled over. He grabbed a plate and smashed it on the ground. "You've hardly touched the food! Finish eating or I'll throw it all away."Emma grabbed his arm. "Ron, is this how you treat guests?"Ron scoffed, "What guests?" Emma stayed silent. Ron continued, "Xander, if you leave without finishing your meal, you're insulting me. If you walk out, our old bond is over."Xander shot Ron a look, remained silent, and walked out with Abigail. As they left, Abigail and Emma exchanged meaningful glances, words unspoken between them. Watching Abigail go left E
Abigail kept glancing back as she walked. "I'm really worried about Emma with Ron. What if he hurts her?""Get in the car," Xander replied, pulling out his phone. He tried calling Ron. After two rings, the call was disconnected. He dialed again, only to find Ron's phone was turned off.Abigail's voice wavered. "Ron isn't answering, and now his phone is off. What if...?"Xander quickly said, "Wait here. I'll go back and check.""No." Abigail said firmly, "I'm coming with you.""Okay." As Xander took Abigail's hand and turned to head back, a bodyguard suddenly stepped in their path.The bodyguard, maintaining a stern expression, said, "You've stepped off Mr. Hagrid's property. We can't let you back in without his permission. Please understand."Xander stared coldly at the bodyguard. "What if I insist on going in?"Abigail pulled Xander back and said politely to the bodyguard, "We mean no harm. We just want a moment to talk to Emma."The bodyguard replied, "Mr. Hagrid made it cle
Abigail always had Emma's best interests at heart. Xander could see she was torn. "Don't worry about what others might say," he said. "Just do what feels right to you."She managed a small smile. "It's hard. With everyone watching and judging, standing up for what you believe can be tough." She was not sure about everyone else, but she often felt pressured. She figured Emma might feel the same way."We should get going," Xander urged.She nodded, glancing briefly at Paxton.Paxton had been with Xander for years, even longer than she had known Xander. Because Xander valued her, Paxton treated her with respect. In contrast, Dr. Sander, despite her years with Xander, showed Abigail no respect and was reassigned with just a word from Xander. Ron's bodyguards badmouthing Emma and the lack of respect they showed her made it obvious: Ron never respected Emma in front of them.Abigail's heart ached for Emma, and she felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness. While she yearned to help, sh
Xander said, "I'm fine."But Abigail was not convinced. She quickly ate her food and replied, "I'm still getting Dr. Watson to check on you. I need to know you're really okay."Xander held Abigail's hand tightly. "I really want to watch a movie. Wanna join me?"Abigail pulled out her phone. "I'll call Dr. Watson to check on you first. Once he says you're good, we can watch as many movies as you like."Understanding Abigail's nature, Xander just nodded. Once they were home, Kane showed up shortly after. While he examined Xander, Abigail watched with evident concern. Catching a meaningful look from Xander, Kane assured her, "Abigail, Xander has some minor issues. If he avoids alcohol, he'll be alright."Relieved, Abigail said, "Good to know.""Can you fetch him a glass of water?" Kane asked."I'll get it now," she replied.Once Abigail was gone, worry washed over Kane's face. He grabbed Xander's wrist, checking his pulse with growing concern. "What's going on with you? Your pulse
The apartment that Xander bought at Lakeside did not have a home theater, unlike his residential units at The HC Residences and Monsoon Villa. However, he still bought a set of projection equipment.Xander and Abigail could enjoy a cinema-like viewing experience at home. That was much better than many ordinary households' projection equipment.Xander said, "I don't want to watch at home. I want to go to the cinema with you."Abigail responded, "It's almost 11 o'clock at night now, and we have to work tomorrow. How about we go to the cinema tomorrow night instead? You should rest well tonight."Xander raised his hand to gently stroke her head. "Let's just go tonight."He thought, 'I don't have much time left. This might be the first and last time.'Abigail did not know why Xander was so stubborn. But since he wanted to go to the cinema, she would accompany him....The nearest cinema to them was in the mixed-use development just outside their residential area. It was less than f
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