Abigail asked, "What do you want me to say now?"Keith replied, "Anything, really."With a yawn, Abigail said, "Keith, you've been a huge help since my first day. Thanks a bunch for that. But I'm beat and if this is us signing off from working together, then see ya."As she was about to drop the call, Keith's voice grabbed her attention, sounding almost panicky. "Hold up, Abigail, don't hang up. I've got to tell you something else.""Yeah? Spit it out then."Keith stumbled over his words. "I... I just..."Abigail thought, 'He's never at a loss for words. What's up with him now?' She said, "If you're not going to spill it, I'm out.""I like you, Abigail," Keith blurted out, desperate not to let Abigail hang up the phone.Abigail gave a small laugh. "That's sweet. I like you, too.""Then will you stay on and talk a bit longer? I want to hear your voice."Abigail scrunched her forehead. "You're acting kind of strange, you know?"He faltered, "I-I just..."Cutting him off, Abig
Abigail was shaking all over, her face as pale as a ghost, and Stella was freaked out. "Abigail! Abigail! Talk to me. What's wrong?"Crouched in a ball, Abigail let the tears pour down her cheeks. "It's just... really hurting...""Tell me where, I'm calling for help right now," Stella said.Abigail clasped her chest. "My heart... it hurts right here."Stella noticed the look in Abigail's eyes—it was not just physical pain; it was something else, something that a quick medical fix could not reach. She stopped midway through the emergency call, thinking that maybe this was a heartache that Xander needed to hear about directly. With a firm nod, she took Abigail's phone. "You shouldn't have to go through this alone. I'll get Xander on the phone; he should hear about this from you."Abigail shook her head firmly. "No, don't call him. I've already said we're done, and we agreed not to talk anymore. I need to stand strong on this; I don't want to be seen as someone who can't move on."S
Abigail said, "Let's go get some breakfast. This hotel has lots of breakfast options and they're really tasty too. We can have a hearty meal, then I can go with you to look at some houses with a real estate agent."Stella eyed Abigail, thinking, 'Is she acting weird?'Abigail asked, "Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?"Stella asked, "You remember that I'm looking for a house? Do you also remember what happened last night after you drank a lot?"Abigail replied, "They say you forget things when you drink a lot, but sometimes you end up saying smart things."Stella said, "Oh, really?"Abigail said, "It's good to share feelings instead of keeping them inside. After sharing, I feel like I can let go of the past and start new."Stella opened her arms and hugged Abigail, saying, "You're really amazing."Abigail smiled and said, "We all go through tough stuff to get stronger. But I'll get stronger with each tough time."Stella said, "You don't need to
What Abigail wrote touched Stella's heart. Finding someone like Abigail in a crowd was the most amazing thing that had ever happened to her. She grinned and asked, "Do you realize how much you mean to me, Abigail?"Abigail looked at her with interest. "How much?"With a big smile, Stella said, "So much."Returning the smile, Abigail replied warmly, "And I really like you too."Stella said with excitement, "What do you say we move in together?"Abigail's laughter filled the room. "Deal. Just make sure there's a cozy corner for me in this big ol' place of yours, and I'll pop in for sleepovers."With a wide smile, Stella said, "The place is too big for just me alone. Pick any room you like—it's all yours."Abigail gave her a grateful look. "You're the best. I'll take any room you give me and love it."Beaming, Stella said, "It's settled then. The largest room has your name on it."As they were talking, Stella's phone rang, breaking into the conversation. "One sec, Abigail, I've g
Grace said, "Nice place you've got here."Stella replied, "Yeah, it cost a bundle."Grace did not focus on Stella's comment about the cost. She unzipped her duffel and began placing various items on the table. "Brought you some special food from where we grew up."Stella said, "How many times have I told you? I can get any food I want right here. There's no need for you to bring so much each time. It must be a hassle getting all this stuff on buses or planes."Grace lifted an eyebrow. "You sure the food here is as good as the delicacies from our hometown?"Stella hesitated, her expression softening. 'Mom might have a point,' she thought. 'Some tastes just can't be replicated, no matter what you pay.'Continuing to unpack, Grace revealed a package. "Smoked asparagus wrapped in bacon — your childhood favorite. I wasn't sure if you'd still have a taste for it, but I made some, just in case, along with a couple of other hometown treats."Stella stood silently as John suddenly envelo
Stella mumbled, "Why did you keep pressuring me to make it work with him? And keep saying Dawsons don't get divorced?"Grace gave Stella's forehead a soft tap. "I've always wanted your happiness, not a breakup. And yes, our family hasn't seen a divorce, that's true."Feeling the poke, Stella winced. "Mom, stop that, please."Grace said firmly, "You need a little prodding to think about what's best for you, Stella. You've always put the family's needs before your own, even when you were just a kid." Her voice softened as she fought back a swell of emotion, not wanting to let tears show in front of Stella. Glancing over at John, who was dawdling, she called out, "Hey, John, let's get a move on, alright? Bring those bags over here. We need to get the cold items into the fridge."John said, "Just walked in and I'm already thirsty.""There's a water dispenser with cups on the counter. Go ahead, I've got the things," Stella replied, gesturing toward the kitchen.John paused, a thoughtf
Stella said, "I haven't had authentic smoked asparagus wrapped in bacon for a long time. Thank you, Mom!"Grace responded, "When Lucas went to our hometown with you back then, I noticed that he liked this dish that I made. So, before I came here, I sent him a bag of asparagus and several pounds of bacon."Stella replied, "He doesn't actually like eating smoked foods. You mustn't send him anything again. If you do, and he throws them away, it'll be such a waste. And what's worse, his girlfriend might misunderstand our intentions toward him."Grace said, "He helped us during our most difficult times. We need to be grateful. I couldn't give him anything nice. So, I could only send him some local specialties. I didn't think that much."Stella responded, "It's fine. But don't do this kind of thing again in the future.""Okay." Grace raised her hand to touch Stella's face. "Stella..."Grace had a strong personality and was strict as a mother. Growing up, Stella rarely saw the particula
John said, "Northcrest University is also eager to have me."Stella replied, "Don't bluff me. Mom, tell me."Grace responded, "If I'm not mistaken, people who wanted him said the same. But I think it ultimately depends on John's choice. He can go wherever he wants."Stella sighed, "Both John and I are your and Dad's children. Why does John have such high academic talent, while I was a poor student back then? I barely made it into a regular undergraduate program after scoring poorly in the college entrance exam."Grace said, "Everyone has their strengths. Your academic performance might not have been outstanding, but you have a strong understanding ability and great empathy. That's why, even though you didn't graduate from an acting school, you still managed to receive awards for your acting skills."Grace was not good at praising people, and in the past, Stella had not received many compliments from her. As a result, Stella had always believed that her mother did not think she was
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