The phone remained silent. Even after spending the night out, not a single call or text came from Xander. Opening their chat, Abigail typed:[I wasn't home last night. Didn't you notice, or do you not care?]She sent the message, expecting a swift response given Xander's early morning habits. As she waited, minutes felt like hours, and her eyelids grew heavy. Yet, no reply came from Xander.'Why hasn't he replied?'Taking a deep breath, Abigail tried to shake off her frustration, but it sat heavy in her chest. As she stood up, dizziness from her sleepless night caught her off guard, and she grasped her chair to steady herself. Once the feeling passed, she washed her face, applied moisturizer, and raced downstairs.Margaret, having risen early as usual, greeted her, "You're up early, Abigail."Abigail replied, "Good morning, Grandma. I want to see Xander at his office."Margaret teased, "Missing him after just one night?"Abigail nodded. "I do."Margaret said, "Well, I can arra
Xander, dressed in his white shirt and black pants, looked just as Abigail remembered. Yet, his gaze was distant. She tried to call out to him, but no sound escaped her lips. As much as she wished to walk up to him, her feet would not budge. Her heart ached watching Xander and Lucia walk together into the CEO's private elevator. As the doors shut, it felt as though a huge barrier had risen between her and Xander.Abigail felt as if her heart had shattered. She wobbled, about to fall, but Jerry was there to catch her."Ms. Renee," he said, "you've been with Mr. Zane for so long. You know him better than the rest of us. But he's out of most people's league. Why chase something so elusive?"She gave Jerry a grateful look. "Do you think I'm being silly?" When he nodded, she lifted her chin, smiling softly. "Now I know how that feels."Jerry looked puzzled. "What are you talking about?""It's just a hard-to-describe feeling," Abigail said. She then glanced around the large hall. "Jerry
Melody said, "I'm at the studio, and it's all ready. Want to come see it?"Abigail replied, "Sure, I'm on my way."The studio, close to The Lakeside, was just a short drive from their new home. Starting from Zane Corporation, it took Abigail about half an hour to get there."Hey, Stinky Caterpie, follow me," Melody said, leading Abigail upstairs. "Check out this office. Fee and I set it up for you — great lighting and a view of the lake.""Why such a fancy office for me?" Abigail asked. "I can draw at home, and I won't be here every day."Melody smiled. "Even if you're not here daily, you're a big part of this studio. With the new, bigger location, it only made sense to think of you.""And where are you and Fee set up?" Abigail asked."Right next door," Melody said.Melody showed Abigail the next rooms. Although they both had views of the lake, Abigail's office was noticeably larger. Combined, Felix's and Melody's spaces were about the same size as hers. It was no surprise; her
Melody said, "I'm pregnant, and my guy is worried others might notice soon. Even though we aren't official, he wants us to get our marriage license and then plan the wedding."Abigail, looking at Melody's belly, replied, "Mel, take your time deciding on marriage. It's a big decision."Melody tapped her forehead with a smile. "Everyone says marriage is a big deal. But you married someone you barely knew, didn't you? And you question the guy I've known forever?" Abigail was at a loss for words. Melody laughed. "I'm just joking with you. When I met his family back home, I knew I was ready to commit to him. They seem to adore me, and my family thinks he's the one for me. We planned to get married eventually. So I thought, why wait?"Relationships could be tricky. People promised one thing one day, and then changed their minds the next. Abigail was worried but did not want to upset Melody. "Whatever you choose, stick with it. We all want you to be happy."Melody nodded. "I'm sure we'll
Abigail hesitated. "It feels like hearts can change so fast."Melody replied, "It's different for everyone. The three of us? We've been close for years and never wavered."Abigail nodded. "Exactly."You could truly trust friends you had grown up with. Others might sound genuine, but it was wise to be cautious of their words.After leaving the studio, Abigail headed to the Zane residence. Margaret had hoped she would move back in. Seeing Abigail return without Xander, however, made her worried."Why are you back again, Abigail?" Margaret asked.Abigail grinned. "Grandma, do you feel like you've seen too much of me?"Margaret replied, "Oh, never! I'm just worried about taking up so much of your time, especially with Xander."Abigail said, "True feelings don't need pushing. They just exist or they don't.""You're right."Abigail then asked, "You haven't had lunch yet, have you? Want some company?""Sure."At the dining table, Abigail carefully served Margaret. "Still following
Margaret's concern showed clearly. "Are you alright? Is there trouble with Xander? If he's giving you any problems, let me know. I'll handle it."Abigail wiped her tears. "Grandma, everything's fine."Margaret looked worried. "Always remember, we're here for you. If something's on your mind, let us know. We're here to support you, so don't keep things to yourself."Margaret cared for her deeply, always thinking of her well-being. Abigail was well aware of this, and that was why she treasured Margaret the most.Abigail wrapped her arms around Margaret, comforted by the familiar scent. "I miss my grandma. Your hug helps."Margaret understood why Abigail felt this way. Abigail and Cassandra had been close for years. With Cassandra's sudden absence, Abigail's emotions were natural. Margaret gently patted Abigail's back. "Sweetie, whenever you miss your grandma, remember you can always talk to me."With the comforting embrace, Abigail's emotions found peace. "Thank you, Grandma."Mar
Susanna pondered, 'Maybe I'm reading too much into it. Abigail probably knows what she wants.'After a few moments of silence, Abigail said, "Thank you for always being there for me."From their first encounter at Monsoon Villa, Susanna had cared for her like a mother would. Susanna replied, "Why the thanks? Xander pays me well, and it's my job to look after you." Although Susanna often quipped about working for money, her affection for the Zane family went beyond her paycheck.Abigail drove in silence, arriving at Monsoon Villa around 9:00 p.m. With the main house dark, it was clear Xander was not home. She checked her phone, seeing no calls or messages from him. But she was not surprised.Susanna, noticing her preoccupation, said, "Xander has been buried in work lately. But he'll be around more once things slow down, right?"Abigail offered a faint smile. "Yeah, I understand. It's late now; you should head to bed."Abigail's calm exterior only deepened Susanna's worry. "Want to
On the fourth day, Melody returned. When Abigail saw her at the studio door, she was taken aback by how pale Melody looked. "What happened, Mel?" Abigail rushed to help her friend sit down and handed her a glass of water.With trembling hands, Melody took a sip and whispered, "I lost my baby."Abigail felt a surge of sadness. Holding Melody's hand, she gently asked, "How?"With a pained expression, Melody replied, "I had an abortion."Stunned, Abigail whispered, "Why?""He lied to me," Melody blurted. "He was previously married and has a four-year-old child. I can accept a past, but not deceit." Abigail nodded, understanding her sentiment; she had no patience for lies either. "During my first two visits to his hometown, they kept the child hidden. The whole family deceived me. But on my last visit, they didn't.""Why not?" Abigail asked.Melody chuckled, her laughter tinged with bitterness. "They thought because I was pregnant, I'd have no choice but to join their family. Can yo
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