Abigail spoke up without hesitation, "You may not realize this, but have you considered the pressure your wife must be under? Your close friends accused her of cheating in front of me, a complete stranger. Do you know how damaging that is for a woman? It could become a lifelong stigma that people will use to attack and defame her."Xander couldn't defend himself against Abigail's righteous indignation and could only express deep regret, "Sorry!"Still, he felt the need to reassure her, "Abigail, first and foremost, you're not an outsider to me. Secondly, I will handle this situation properly, and no one will dare to say a single word about it again."Abigail thought to herself, 'He did mention that as his assistant, I know many things that outsiders don't. I'm not exactly an outsider. But why is he telling me to be at ease? What good does it do for me to be at ease? Shouldn't he be reassuring his wife instead? Shouldn't he be the one apologizing to her?'As Abigail calmed down, she
Abigail quickly approached and asked, "What can I do for you, Mr. Zane?"Xander said, "Leave your contact information for Ms. Wright."Winnie, however, had other intentions and interjected, "Actually, Mr. Zane, I was hoping for your private contact information." She found Xander oblivious to her romantic advances and thought to herself, 'What good is his work contact information? Why would I bother to contact his assistant?'Leonard also chimed in, "Mr. Zane, my daughter admires you greatly. How about we have lunch together and chat?"Understanding their intentions, Xander replied, "I'm sorry, Mr. Wright. I have to decline. I am having lunch with my wife."Leonard was taken aback and said, "You're married? How come I didn't know?"Xander smiled and explained, "My wife and I got married almost two years ago, but we haven't had our wedding ceremony yet due to my busy work schedule. Once we have it, we'll definitely invite you to the reception."Leonard's smile didn't waver, but he
Abigail knew, without a doubt, that Xander was outstanding. "Why is it not 100 marks, Ms. Wright?""The only fault is that he's not my man," replied Winnie as she pondered, trying to use an explanation that would be easier to be understood by women. "Would you be able to give a limited edition bag a perfect score if you wanted it, yet it had already been taken by someone else?"This was a first for Abigail to hear someone compare Xander to a bag. She could not help but laugh out loud. "Please do continue, Ms. Wright. I'm all ears.""Stop with the formality and just call me Winnie," said Winnie as she poured another cupful for Abigail. "I like you, Abigail. I've stared at you since the opening ceremony yet never got a response from you."Abigail was flabbergasted. "Are you sure you're looking at me instead of Mr. Zane?"Winnie replied, "Yeah. I'm looking at him and you at the same time. Can't a plebian like me be admiring handsome men and beautiful women at the same time?"Abigail
It was just days before winter arrived. The cold wind howled and the air was frigid, but his body was so warm, like a portable oven of sorts. Abigail, with her frostbitten nose, stuck closer into his embrace. Her face was right at the place where Xander's heart was and she could hear his heartbeat accelerating.This was a first for him, to be this close to a member of the opposite gender, close enough to feel her breath and heartbeat, even able to touch her soft body. Luckily this woman was his wife on paper and a person he vowed to protect his whole life.Xander slightly increased his strength to embrace her tighter and involuntarily slowed down, so he could hug her for a little longer, but the girl in his embrace murmured, "Mel, you're so warm!"She only embraced him because she was drunk, and even had the gall to mistake him for someone else. This made Xander feel a sudden burst of anger. "You're not allowed to drink anymore in the future.""I drank a little more than usual beca
Xander, not daring to simply move her, immediately put her under the blanket, turned around, and entered the bathroom to soak a towel with hot water before returning to the bed and carefully wiping her face.He put in more strength to wipe as he reached the place where she was kissed previously as if trying to wash away the mark that was left on her by someone else.She was his wife and no one could kiss her when he had never even done so."Mel, Fee..." said Abigail as she suddenly grabbed onto his hand with her eyes closed. "When will I be able to fully repay the both of you for treating me so well?"'You don't have to. I'll repay it all for you,' thought Xander as he gently squeezed her delicate palm and said, "Be good and get some rest. Let me handle everything for you from now on."Abigail groggily asked, "You? Who are you?"Xander yearned to tell her that he was her husband, the only man that will accompany her for the rest of her life, yet the man he was right now was not f
He was heartbroken from seeing her tear-stained face and reddened nose.He lightly lulled her, and she fell asleep not long after. There was a knock on the door from outside. Xander quickly covered Abigail's ears, afraid she would be woken after having a hard time entering her slumber. He went to open the door only after ensuring the knocking ended. When he opened the door, he saw a despicable-looking Keith, sticking his head on the door. Xander asked, "What are you doing?"Keith gritted his teeth, trying his hardest to word it out. "Abigail is drunk and not in her right mind, Mr. Zane. It would be against the law if anyone were to do something against her own will.""It's such a pity that you had been tagging along with me for so many years, Keith," said Xander with a heavy tone, but his eyes were calm. "Get back to sleep. You have no business here."'This Keith kid may be overly cautious, but the fact that he dared to stand up for Abigail makes him quite a good man.'Having hear
"Am I really such a bitch, like you said, that I see someone handsome and would feel he was familiar the first time I saw him? I would even dream of him in my nightmare..." She smiled like a fool, as if it was funny. "Or am I having a lewd dream?"Xander was rendered speechless. 'No wonder she stared at me the first time she came to work for me. She felt a sense of familiarity but forgot who I was. I almost missed her that day, but luckily I decided to let her stay on.'"Tell me, Mel. Am I that hateful?""Who said you are?""If I'm not, why did everyone leave me all alone?" She wrinkled her face as if she had entered a painful recollection of her past. "Mom, Dad, that person, and even Nathan..."Xander's hand that was patting her back paused when she mentioned his name and a multitude of emotions overcame him. He caressed her forehead. "Don't worry, Nathan won't leave you. Not ever."She did not care to listen as she continued talking from the bottom of her heart, "I tried hard t
Abigail woke up soon after Xander left, having had many weird dreams of a lot of people yesterday night, but the weirdest part was that Xander was in all of them.Abigail quickly went to the bathroom and splashed her face with cold water, trying to sober up. She told herself, 'I'm fine with dreaming about someone else, but not Xander again.'She went downstairs as soon as she finished packing, thinking she would be the first to wake up, but contrary to her expectations, Xander was already having breakfast at the restaurant on the first floor. She immediately greeted, "Good morning, Mr. Zane!" "Morning," replied Xander as he nodded his head and pointed at the untouched breakfast. "Yours.""Thank you, Mr. Zane!" said Abigail as she set her table manners aside, sat down, and started eating.Xander finished, gracefully wiped his mouth, and noticed her attitude had returned to how she was with him at work. Feeling conflicted, he asked the obvious, "Where did you go yesterday?""Yesterd
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