Xander was not sure what Ron was planning this time. He felt for Ron, who was grieving his wife's loss, so he did not argue with him. "How's everything with Emma? If you need help, let me know."Ron gave a small laugh. "Mr. Zane, how are things with Emma? Don't you know better than I?"Alwyn jumped in, "Ron, why are you being so mean to Xander?"Ron replied, "Mean? If your wife had died today, I bet you'd be upset too, maybe even want to lash out at someone, right?"Alwyn responded, "What are you trying to say? Are you blaming Xander for Emma's death? We understand that you're grieving, but you shouldn't be this harsh. Maybe you should think about why Emma left in the first place."Ron coldly glanced over everyone. "So why did you all come here? To blame me?"Even Alwyn, known for his good temper, was getting angry. "Do you have to be so mean, Ron? If you think we're here to mock or blame you, then know we're just trying to help."Ron said, "Okay, okay, I'm wrong, you all are ri
Stella said, "Abigail, you can't blame yourself. Emma just passed away. We're all heartbroken, but it's not on you."Susie chimed in, "Exactly, it's not your fault, Abigail.""Stella, Susie..." Abigail's voice trailed off. After a pause, she continued, "After tonight, maybe stay away from me. Seems like bad things happen to folks close to me."People often labeled Abigail a jinx, making her feel wronged. Now, she really believed it. Everyone she loved—her parents, her grandmother, her friends—had all left her in the strangest ways.In unison, Stella and Susie exclaimed, "What are you talking about?" Stella added, "Even though we haven't known each other long, you're already my best friend. I hope, no matter the years, we'll always find time to chat and hang out." Susie chimed in, "Me too. I really like you, Abigail, and I want to be friends forever. You can't shut us out."Though Abigail wanted the same, her fear of bringing misfortune to her friends overshadowed her desire. "But—
Abigail knew, 'You can't help others unless you understand their problems.' But since Stella was a dear friend, she had to say something. "Anytime you need me, I'll be there." She did not want Stella to experience the same regret as Emma.Susie said, "Me too."Stella, linking arms with both, said, "I'm so lucky to know you guys!"Abigail replied with a smile, "We feel the same way. Being friends with you is one of the happiest parts of my life."And once more, Susie said, "Me too."Stella continued, "You don't know how it was. Before I met you, I didn't have any friends to talk to about my feelings. I had to keep everything inside, and it made me really sad. But now, when I'm upset, I just call or message you. It makes me feel so much better, and I don't think about doing dumb stuff anymore."Abigail listened closely to Stella's words and understood that Stella had thought about doing silly things before. This worried Abigail, but she was glad Stella had not acted on those though
Susie continued saying, "During these years, I've already gotten used to him taking care of me. I really can't imagine what my life would be without him."Stella said, "Well... After talking for so long, this girl is just displaying their love in front of us."Susie replied, "We've been married for so long, this isn't considered showing off our love. Talking about a lovey-dovey couple, that's Abigail and her husband."Stella turned her head to look at Abigail. "Abigail, it's rare for the three of us to be able to get together alone. You should tell us more about you and your husband. Last time when the two of you invited everyone to reveal your identities, we didn't even get a chance to chat with you privately."Abigail responded, "If you two really want to hear about it, let's find a place to sit down and chat."Susie suggested, "I think we should go to a quiet tearoom."Abigail said, "Sure. I'll make the arrangements."As the special assistant to the CEO of the Zane Corporatio
Susie did not know what was really going on in Stella's mind. She continued saying, "Usually, Lucas seems quite dominant. I never thought he'd compromise on this matter."Stella responded, "Is it possible that Lucas doesn't want to make our relationship public?"Susie asked, "Why? Why wouldn't he want to make it public?"Stella wanted to tell them that she was just Lucas's fallback option and that although they were married, he had never treated her as his wife. But she stopped herself from saying that. She wanted to maintain her dignity and did not want to expose her most vulnerable side to her friends.However, Susie, who had always been well-protected and had a simple mindset, could not possibly think of so much. She continued saying, "I notice Lucas is quite attached to you. He follows you wherever you go. When you're filming, he often visits the set. I feel like he can't be without you. It isn't possible that he doesn't want to make your relationship with him public."Stella
Stella said, "Then you should keep asking him. Be persistent. After asking a few more times, he'll probably tell you."Abigail responded, "I've asked him many times. But he still wouldn't tell me."Susie said, "Ask him in bed at night then."Abigail was speechless.Susie clarified, "I'm not talking about inappropriate things. Before falling asleep, hug him. When it's quiet at night while being with the person closest to him, a normal man won't be able to hide any secrets."Abigail asked, "Really?"Susie reassured her, "Of course! Don't tell me you've never used this trick before."Abigail remained silent.Susie continued saying, "This trick works very well. Alwyn is often not easily moved by sentiment. But when I use this trick and act cute, he has no way to resist me at all."Abigail still did not respond and thought, 'Seems like I can give Susie's method a try tonight. Xander is more rational than ordinary people. So, it's harder to get him to reveal something that he doesn'
As they were talking, they suddenly fell into silence.Coincidentally, someone knocked on the door. Paxton's voice could then be heard. "Mrs. Zane, Mr. Blau is back in Florivera again. He wishes to see you. Are you available?""Johann is in Florivera again?" Abigail immediately got up to open the door.To her surprise, as soon as she opened the door, she saw the white-haired and kind-looking Johann. "Johann, it's really you!"Johann stretched his hand and gently tapped her forehead. "When we parted last time, I told you I really liked you and that I'd come to see you again very soon. Did you forget?"Abigail rubbed her head and said with a smile, "Of course, I remember. How could I forget? But I thought you were just being polite. I didn't expect you to really come."Johann asked, "You don't like it that I come to see you?"Abigail answered, "N-No."Johann then questioned, "You don't like me?"Abigail replied, "How could I not like you?"Johann asked, "So, you like me?"Abig
Abigail thought that it was bad for elderly people to drink sweet fruit tea. So, she attentively asked the waiter to bring a pot of Earl Grey tea. She wanted to accompany Johann to drink tea that he liked later.Johann said, "Sure. I'll drink whatever you drink."Abigail smiled. "Johann, let me formally introduce my two good friends to you.""No need for introductions. I know them." Johann lifted his head to look at Stella and Susie. "This is Ms. Stella Dawson, whom I often watch in dramas. I'm actually a fan of hers. And this is the heiress of the Leif family from Serene Bay, the daughter-in-law of the Hill family, Ms. Leif."Johann was not really Stella's fan. But he liked Abigail and wanted to adopt her as his granddaughter. So, he would surely inquire about the people around her and gain some basic understanding."Mr. Blau, nice to meet you!" Stella quickly stood up. She politely shook hands with Johann. "Meeting you in person is such an honor. I can brag about it for a lifeti
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