However, Abigail insisted on finishing reading the letter Emma had written to her. "I must finish reading it now. Emma might still have something that she needed my help with. This time, no matter what, I won't abandon her."Since Abigail was so determined, Xander just allowed her to continue reading. He simply accompanied her in silence and occasionally wiped her tears away.Emma's letter continued: [Later, in Neese, Francovia, when I found out that Ron had located me so quickly, I felt hopeless. I wanted to just die and end it all. However, fate had other plans. It wasn't my time to die then. I was saved by Mr. Zane who had come to find you.He asked me why I wanted to die. I told him that no one would want to die if they could live. There'd be limitless hope as long as one stayed alive. However, I couldn't see the future. I told him that if I was captured by Ron, I could only continue living a hopeless life without dignity. I'd rather die.However, I felt that life was precious.
The fire was burning very intensely. Even from a considerable distance, Abigail could feel the scorching heat coming toward her.At this moment, it seemed that not only a person, but even steel would instantly melt if it charged into the fire.If Ron rushed into the fire now, it would be suicidal. So, Xander and the bodyguard could not allow Ron to go in.The weather was hot, and all the buildings in the courtyard were made of wood. So, the fire was spreading rapidly as if oil had been added to it.Upon seeing that the fire was about to reach them, and if they did not retreat soon, everyone would be in danger, Abigail anxiously said, "Knock him out and forcibly take him away."Xander heard her. He waved his hand and forcefully hit the back of Ron's neck. Ron, who was emotionally distressed, instantly lost consciousness and hung limp on the two of them."Paxton!" Xander said. Paxton immediately stepped forward. Xander continued saying, "Move Ron to a safe place immediately. You an
Abigail did not just do nothing. With the fire being so intense, it would not be extinguished quickly. She believed that all the people involved in extinguishing the fire would be exhausted by the time the fire was put out.So, she found a nearby 24-hour convenience store and bought a lot of water along with some energy bars, chocolate, bread, and so on that could help to quickly replenish energy.Since she could not directly assist with the firefighting work, she made an effort to help them in another way.Because the fire was massive, it was not until dawn broke that the fire was completely extinguished.Every person who helped extinguish the fire was utterly exhausted. Abigail arranged for the staff to distribute water and some snacks to all the people who helped put out the fire so that they could replenish their energy.After making sure everything was in order, she took a bottle of water and two pieces of chocolate and started looking for Xander in the crowd. However, after
Xander felt a little down hearing that. "But such is life. A meeting always ends with farewells, no one can be by our side forever and we'll always know new people at every stage of our lives.""I don't care about the others; you've promised me before that we shall be together until our hairs turn white. So, you must be by my side forever. I forbid you from ever letting me go, or else I'll never ever, ever forgive you."Yes, Xander had promised this before.But... he did not know his condition at that time.Now that he knew that his health was slowly failing, he was uncertain how long he had left to be by her side.So, he dared not promise anything to Abigail ever again.Xander could only try to change the topic. "Abigail, I'm thirsty, can you let me take a sip first?"Abigail quickly let him go. "Go get a drink, or eat something. It's almost dawn now. You guys have been putting out the fire for many hours now, you must be tired. By the look of things, I'll push that meeting at
"Go and see him then. I'll wait for you outside," Abigail said.Xander knew that Abigail did not have a particularly good impression of Ron because of Emma, hence she was unwilling to see him. So Xander did not press on the matter further.A moment later...Xander saw Ron sitting there with his hair white. A man less than thirty years old with a head full of white hair, as if he had aged more than a decade overnight.He lay on the bed, staring wordlessly at the ceiling.Even when he heard Xander entering the room, he gave no response.Xander sat by his bedside. "Ron..."Ron lay there motionless and did not respond.Xander then said, "Emma is totally gone. There's nothing left of her..."When he heard Emma's name, two streaks of tears streamed from Ron's eyes, yet he kept a smile on his face. "Are you here to laugh at me?""Do you think I'm such a person?" Xander asked."Does it even matter?" Ron said in response."I want to talk to you about Emma," Xander said.The very me
Xander let out an icy sneer, "Had I not made myself clear earlier? You don't even know how to respect her, what right have you to say that you love her?"Ron had no retort.Xander then continued, "Before she left, Emma wrote Abigail a long letter. I've read the contents with Abigail and I'll ask her if she's willing to hand you the letter."If Abigail is willing, then I'll send it over to you. Once you've read it, I hope you can understand how much of a torment it was for Emma spending her days with you, and you'll understand why she would rather choose death than to stay by your side."Ron looked at Xander. "Is that important at all? Even if I learn the reason now, can she return to my side?"Xander was speechless.Ron then added, "Xander, tell me, truthfully, are you mocking me deep down inside? Do you feel that I got this coming to me? Do you feel that I shouldn't have bugged and troubled you to get you to hand Emma back to me?""Ron, you've changed," Xander simply said."I'
She was pissed off.He had really pissed her off!...Paxton was on the wheel for the return journey while both Xander and Abigail were seated at the back.Due to the quarrel just now, both of them sat on separate sides, separated by a large gap in the middle with both ignoring one another.After a while, Xander leaned against the seat and fell asleep.It was not like he had not stayed up overnight in the past. Even last year when they went to Paridale to deal with something, Abigail spent a few nights awake alongside him, and she had never seen him in such poor shape before.So, she could only assume that his illness was making a comeback.Even when she was still angry, Abigail still sent Kane a message, asking him to come over to check on Xander again.After that, she gently brought Xander's head over to lean on her shoulder, thinking that it would be more comfortable for him.Yet, just as she touched Xander, he suddenly opened his eyes with murderous intent in it. After se
Xander slowly opened his eyes. He noticed Abigail's eyes and nose were red with anger. Instinctively, his hand reached out to comfort her. Yet, just before his fingers could touch her, he pulled away. "You little goof, you gotta learn what to believe and what not to," he said with a gentle scolding."Then you tell me," Abigail countered, "which of your words can I believe, and which can't I?""Maybe you can't believe a word I say," Xander replied."Nathan!" Abigail cried out."Call me Xander from now on," Xander insisted, his voice stern. "I can't stand the name or the identity of Nathan. It's an identity I can't reveal to others."Abigail's heart plummeted. The man she married, the man named Nathan, was disavowing his very name. She remembered the joy they felt, signing their marriage certificate, both as eager and in love. And now, a painful dagger of words had been thrust, as he nonchalantly discarded that cherished name. Her eyes welled up, a well of emotion threatening to spi
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