"I did it all for Abigail, really. I didn't want her to end up alone so young. That's why I went along with Xander's plan and kept her in the dark. After she and Xander split, I pretended to be clueless. I was pretty mad at Xander, and at the same time, I tried to find new guys for Abigail.I figured with all the awesome guys I knew, she'd definitely find someone she liked. But things just didn't go the way I thought they would. Everything went off the rails. And Dana, seeing Abigail so upset, it makes me wonder if helping Xander keep that secret is really the right thing to do.""Mr. Blau..." Edward rushed over, cutting off Johann's monologue. "I found out something. Lydia next door, she's definitely up to something."Johann looked intrigued. "Is she connected to the Zane family?"Edward confirmed with a nod. "Yeah, she is. And I think Abigail is onto her too. She went next door just a bit ago to check things out."Johann raised his eyebrows in surprise. "That kid is still causin
Before Johann had a chance to speak, Abigail quickly said, "As soon as I'm done with this job, I'm going back to Florivera."Johann was instantly worried. "Are you mad at—""No, Grandpa, I'm not mad at you. I made a deal with Mel and Fee. We all run the studio together, so it's only fair that I do my part and not just share the profits, right?""That makes sense, but—"Abigail interrupted him again, gazing at her grandmother's photo. "Grandma, I've been living like you told me to, doing well all this time. The baby will be born soon. I'll bring the little one to North Florivera to see you." She stood up. "Grandpa, I'm going to bed. You should hit the hay early too.""Let me walk you to your room."Abigail gently refused, "No need for that. You probably want to spend more time talking with Grandma. Take your time."Johann, still worried, got up as well. "Abigail..."Abigail flashed him a comforting smile. "I'm really fine. Don't worry about me."Johann reluctantly accepted her
Abigail felt overwhelmed, like a thousand needles were pricking her heart. It was a strange mix of pain and numbness, so intense yet so hard to feel."Abigail, what's caught your eye?"Midway through their journey, Stella, who had just woken up from a three-hour nap, was finally alert. She had been awake for some time, but Abigail was too lost in her own thoughts, gazing out the window. Curious, Stella looked in the same direction but found nothing particularly captivating.Abigail spun around. "You're up?""Yeah. What's got your attention? Why not catch some sleep?"Abigail did not want to drag Stella down with her worries, so she came up with a reason. "It's my first gig as a screenwriter on a film set. I'm a bit on edge."Stella held her hand reassuringly. "I've got your back. Don't be scared of anything."Abigail managed a smile. "Speaking of which, what did Lucas need from you during New Year?""He wanted to play chess with my dad.""Do you think I'm a toddler or somethin
Abigail had no interest in superstars; she was far more inclined to watch the works of artistic actors, so she had no idea what short of shows Kaleb had starred in before.The sole reason she knew about Kaleb was because of Melody.Melody was the type that would change her "hubby" after every drama she watched, and for a period of time, all she was yapping into Abigail's ears was how good-looking Kaleb was.Indeed, many felt that Kaleb had a face blessed by the gods, but a person's view of beauty had always been subjective and Abigail was never able to figure out what was so good about his looks.However, she had to lie that she was a fan of his. It would certainly offend him if she could not even name a work of his.Abigail wanted to use her phone to check, but with him staring at her, there was no way she could do that.Fortunately, her long years working with Xander had accustomed her to all sorts of situations, and she had ways to deal with such a person."Mr. Kaleb, I like
As it was difficult to fall asleep again after waking up at this hour, Abigail got up to make her bed.Who knew that not only was the air conditioning shut off, there was no hot water supply in the room as well.It just so happened that someone then knocked on her room door."Who's there?" Abigail asked.A girl's voice then came from outside, "Ms. Renee, I'm Mr. Loam's assistant."'Why is Kaleb's assistant looking for me?' Abigail wondered.As she was perplexed, Abigail opened the door. "Hello, is there something you need of me?""Is the air conditioning and hot water service in your room not working?" the girl asked."Yeah," Abigail responded."How are you going to wash up without hot water on such a cold day? Mr. Loam is staying in a suite, how about you follow me to his room?" the girl then added.She was unfamiliar with Kaleb, and not to mention in terms of propriety, there was no way Abigail would go to his suite to wash up. "Thank you for your kindness, but I'm already
It was only then did Stella notice that Abigail's face, nose and hands were red. "Abigail, why did you not turn the air conditioning on? It's so cold in here.""I thought the AC was broken, but the front desk staff told me that aside from you and a few other VIPs, the production team didn't allow the turning on of the air conditioning for the rest of us to save cost."Stella had encountered all sorts of strange things across her long career in acting, and this was quite normal. "I'm staying in a suite, so come over and stay with me."Abigail took the breakfast tray from Stella and placed it on the small tea table in the room. "You're not afraid I'll eavesdrop on your trade secrets and me taking paparazzi shots of you to sell if you let me stay in your room?""Are you that sort of person?" Stella scoffed."I may not be now, but I dare not say I won't be that sort of person in the future. Human hearts are the most prone to change. You have a privileged identity, so have due diligenc
She held onto Abigail and reminded the latter again and again, fearing that Abigail would just suffer in silence.At 10:00 a.m., both of them appeared together at the ceremony.Stella was the main lead and so she was surrounded by many people as soon as she showed up.There was no one that Abigail knew so she quietly stepped away and tried to look for an inconspicuous space to "hide" herself.Unexpectedly, someone called her name out the next second, "Abigail..."Abigail turned back and saw Kaleb looking at her with a smile."Good morning, Mr. Loam!" Abigail greeted him."Did you forget your notebook?" Kaleb asked.Abigail had spent the night writing in that notebook and it was kept securely inside her bag.She quickly took it out and handed it to Kaleb with both hands. "I dare not even think of troubling you, Mr. Loam, and I didn't expect you to still remember this."Kaleb took the notebook, gave it a cursory glance and then took out the lipstick in his pocket and wrote a fe
The name Stellie was like a nightmare to Stella.There was a time when just hearing this name made Stella nauseous. It was this one word that constantly reminded Stella of how unbearable her past was.Stellie smiled as she wore her sunglasses when she looked at Stella's pale face. "There's a saying, bite what one can chew. How does it go again?"Jon said, "Bite off more than one can chew."Stella clenched her fist but remained silent.Stellie had no intention of letting Stella off.Stellie dismissed Jon and slowly circled Stella in her high heels. "Ms. Dawson, haven't you heard that saying?"Stella never denied that she owed all her current success to Stellie. Back then, Lucas was interested in her and entered into a marriage by contract with her because he thought she resembled Stellie.For years, Stella allowed Lucas to play with her like a toy. She just suppressed her emotions and feelings.She lived her life with Lucas without dignity for years. And it was during those yea
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