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
Stellie continued to say, "You're right. I have countless ways to deal with you. I shouldn't miss out on making money. You stay and shoot for the drama. Do a good job. I can then use the money I earn from this drama to buy a house for me and Lucas as our wedding gift."Stella did not respond. Stellie's words indeed hurt Stella, but she still maintained a smile.Stellie suddenly moved closer to Stella and whispered in her ear, "Lucas told me your skills in bed are quite good. You're not too old yet. Do you want me to introduce a wealthy man to you?"Stella knew Stellie was intentionally provoking her. But she still could not control her temper.She stretched her hands out and forcefully pushed Stellie.Stellie lost her balance and happened to fall toward Lucas who was approaching them. She said, "Ah... Lucas, wh-why are you here?"Lucas responded, "You would've fallen if I weren't here."Stella's body stiffened slightly when she heard the familiar voice. But she did not turn her
Finally, Jon bit the bullet and walked over. "Mr. White and Ms. Sandow, our opening ceremony is about to begin. Would you like to take a photo together?"Stellie responded, "Sure."Lucas remained silent. He was still staring unwaveringly at Stella.Stellie immediately changed her mind. "We'll pass. You all go ahead with the opening ceremony. We'll get going now."She then forcefully pulled Lucas away and left.After they walked away for some distance, Lucas coldly said to Stellie, "She isn't someone you can mess with.""She isn't someone I can mess with?" Stellie shook off Lucas's arm and continued, "Lucas White, you finally admit that you have feelings for my double."Lucas did not respond and continued walking.Stellie chased after him and continued to say, "You're really pathetic. I'm the real deal, and I'm right in front of you. But you don't want me. Instead, you're obsessed with a cheap double."Lucas stopped walking. He turned around and coldly glared at Stellie. "She w
However, news of the things he had done had already been exposed on the internet.Abigail saw it too.Kaleb worriedly kicked the door twice. "Abigail, can you help me beg Mr. White and ask him to show me some mercy?"Abigail responded, "Those who do wrong will eventually be punished. These are the consequences you deserve."Kaleb still wanted to say something. But two men in suits came and dragged him away from behind.Abigail was finally relieved. She then called Johann. "Grandpa, are you in Hayshiport?"Johann responded, "I listened to you this time. I didn't go to Hayshiport."Abigail responded, "Really? Can you turn the camera around and let me see where you are?"Johann turned the camera, and he was indeed in the Blau residence which Abigail was familiar with.Abigail was lost in her thoughts. 'This means that Grandpa isn't aware of what happened here. He probably isn't the person who took action against Kaleb.'Could it be that person?'Abigail was not sure. And she di
By the time Stella and Lucas ended their intimate act, it was already evening.Stella was so exhausted that she did not even have the strength to move her fingers. She teased Lucas, "Mr. White, does the woman you love not allow you to touch her? Judging by your aggressiveness today, if I didn't know you, I might think you've been saving yourself for a long time."Lucas had a high sex drive, and he would never deprive himself of that aspect.Back when Stella was still married to him, she often got exhausted from having sex with him, but never like today.Today, Lucas seemed like he had not had sex in a long time and finally got to satisfy his desire.He closed his eyes and held her in his arms. "Do you still have energy?"Stella asked, "Does it even matter?"Lucas was the one putting in the effort all this time.Lucas remained silent. He pressed Stella to his chest, hugging her very tightly.But Stella did not want this. She squirmed. "Lucas, I feel sticky, and it makes me unco
At that time, the way Lucas looked at her was as if he was mocking her for talking nonsense.Later, when she realized the feelings he had for her and understood who she was to him, she could play the role of his loving wife according to his demands. And she no longer dared to develop genuine feelings for him.Stella could not believe how time flew. She was just under twenty years old when she met him. And now, she was already approaching thirty years old.Lucas had achieved greater success in his career. He had also become more mature. The number of people who were interested in him had also increased.As for Stella, she had also become more mature. Many people were interested in her too. But she did not dare to love again. She was afraid of being hurt once more.She thought, 'Actually, being alone is good; I can have my freedom.'Suddenly, the sound of the doorbell ringing echoed from the living room into the bedroom.Stella grabbed the phone beside her and glanced at it. It wa
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