Abigail asked, "Is it really worth it to gamble your happiness just to get back at a man?"Stella looked down, her voice soft. "I know it seems foolish. It's not just about that, though. Somehow, I feel there's something special between Geoff and me.""In what way?" Abigail prodded, her curiosity piqued.Stella's eyes lit up a little. "Geoff and I, we've shared the screen in three films. He kept his distance while I wore another man's ring. But now, as soon as my heart is up for grabs, he steps up. Seems like destiny, doesn't it?"Abigail's expression grew pensive, a knot of concern forming in her stomach. 'Is it destiny, or is Geoff just playing his cards after keeping an eye on Stella's situation with Lucas?' She questioned if this was just a strategy on Geoff's part rather than the stars aligning.Stella's voice wavered slightly. "Only a handful of friends were privy to my marriage with Lucas. I doubt the rest of our group had any idea."Abigail pondered for a moment before re
Stella had just signed off on her divorce from Lucas and, despite her previous assistant's competence, chose to let them go.Lisa tucked her phone into her pocket and wondered aloud, "You're not keen on Zoporiq anymore. Got any ideas for our next adventure?"Stella said, "I'm stumped too. Zoporiq is probably too cold now. Let's brainstorm some warm places.""Okay, I'll dig into some travel books and figure out the best spots for a getaway," Lisa said."Thanks a bunch." Stella grinned."Anytime." Lisa grinned back.Stella had just clicked her room door shut when her phone buzzed with a new message from Geoff on WhatsApp.Geoff: [The constant rain in Zoporiq is getting me down. Thinking about moving to a sunnier city. Any recommendations, Stella? Or should I join you on your next trip?]Reading this, Stella felt a chill despite the warmth of the phone call with Abigail, who was a comforting voice in her ear. She steadied her voice and said, "Abigail, it's strange. Just as I decid
Stella stood her ground, refusing to acknowledge any connection with Lucas. Alan spoke with a cutting tone, "We both know Mr. White supports you. Isn't that the secret to your clean record in the entertainment industry?"Stella mused, 'The word has gotten out about my complicated history with Lucas. Does it even matter anymore?' Keeping her composure, she answered, "Aware as you are of my past with Lucas, you must realize that he's let me go. I'm afraid I'm not in a position to arrange the introduction you desire.""Stella," Alan pressed on, "you and Mr. White were close for a significant time. He must hold you in high regard. I'm certain he'd consider meeting me if you'd make the request."The reminder of her intimate history with Lucas was jarring, yet Stella managed a dismissive chuckle. "Our past interactions were what they were, and I doubt he sees me as anything more than he would anyone else now."Alan pressed on, "Should the details of Geoff's indiscretions become public, i
After ending the call, Stella wiped her sweaty palms on her dress. She was nervous, thinking back on earlier events.Walking out of her bedroom, she announced, "Lisa, I've decided not to visit Zoporiq." It was only after speaking she noticed a man seated on the living room couch.It was Lucas, her ex-husband, recognizable even from the back. They had not seen each other since their divorce over a month ago. Confused about his presence in her hotel room, Stella's voice wavered slightly. "Do you want to talk to me, Mr. White?" she asked.Lucas, absorbed in a document on his tablet, did not look up. Ignoring him, Stella tried to reach her assistant, raising her voice slightly, "Lisa? Lisa, are you there?"Lucas's voice, deep and sudden, filled the room. "No need to call out anymore. She's been dismissed and won't be a problem," he said.Stella, long used to his dominance, responded without alarm, "Okay."Setting his tablet aside, Lucas gave Stella his full attention. "Stella," he ca
Lucas's face turned stern, and he left without uttering a word.Stella was at a loss for words. 'Why is he doing this? His former love is back—shouldn't he be with her? Yet, here he is, showing up out of the blue,' she thought. 'Thinking about this is too exhausting; the important thing now is to get back home. Being in a foreign country is so unfamiliar and lonely, but at home, I'll be safe.'After packing, Stella made her way to the airport, arriving just in time. Abigail had booked her a window seat in first class. To Stella's astonishment, she found Lucas sitting in the aisle seat of the same row.As Lucas glanced up, his eyes seemed to tease, almost as if saying, "You claim to want nothing to do with me, yet here you are."Frustrated and not wanting to give it another thought, Stella quickly asked a passing economy-class passenger for help. "Ma'am, is it possible for us to switch seats?" she asked.Being suddenly tugged by an unknown person was unsettling. The woman, initiall
Stella's stomach was quiet until she saw the note, which made her surprisingly hungry. She reached out to get the flight attendant's attention, but stopped when she caught a glimpse of Lucas next to her, and her hunger vanished.Even with his eyes shut, Lucas acted as if he could see Stella's every move. "You're up," he said. Stella ignored him, but he continued, "It's been hours since you ate. Aren't you starving? Call for some food."Stella kept her thoughts to herself, wondering why he was interested in her hunger. Out loud, she addressed him, "Mr. White?""If you have something to say, just say it."Stella said, "You might not believe me, but it's true. I didn't check your schedule. It's pure luck that we're on the same plane."Lucas let out a soft laugh. "Luck? You think life is full of such lucky shots?"Feeling irritated, Stella just rolled her eyes and dismissed his skepticism.Lucas dropped his casual bombshell. "Finding out your flight details was a piece of cake for m
Stella asked, "Is she a bad influence? How does she even do that?"Lucas replied, "She has too many ideas."Stella said, "Abigail has got her own career and ideas, and she doesn't bend to anyone's will—that's what bugs you about her, isn't it? I'm in a bind here because I genuinely enjoy Abigail's company; I cherish the time we spend together."Lucas chuckled, squeezing Stella's shoulder. "Hey, I was the one who set you free, not because I was dead."Confused, Stella peered at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"Lucas explained, "I mean, I'm the one who can call you back too."Stella felt a chill run down her spine. She realized Lucas was not just talking. She dreaded the thought of being pulled back into a life she just escaped.Lucas once found amusement in Stella's fear of him, but now he disliked it. "Are you scared now?" he asked as Stella kept her silence. He continued, "Look deeper at people in the future, and don't be swayed by mere flattery." When Stella did not reply,
Stella racked her brain for someone to verify the news about Xander but came up empty. She turned to Lucas and asked, "You've seen the news about Xander, right?"Lucas answered without much interest, "Yes, I've seen it."Stella, probing for more, asked, "Doesn't Xander's death upset you?"Lucas, with a hint of irritation, replied, "Being upset won't change anything, will it?" The conversation paused briefly before he continued, "You're concerned about how Abigail will handle the news, aren't you?" Stella's nod was her only reply. Lucas scoffed, "Abigail's heart is like iron. She's the one who initiated the divorce. Do you think she'd shed any tears for Xander?"Stella defended her friend, "Abigail isn't heartless. She's full of compassion."Lucas said, "Don't fret. Abigail won't be swayed by Xander's passing. She'll keep living her life just fine."Stella did not see eye to eye with Lucas. Gripping her phone, she wanted to call Abigail for updates, yet she hesitated each time her
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