"Has Lucas ever said he loves you?""Yes, many times."Ronan's curiosity deepened. "Was it during intimate moments?""Yes, is there an issue with that?" Stella asked.Ronan lightly tapped her forehead. "You're too innocent. You believe what a man says in those moments?"Stella knew deep down such words were not entirely reliable, but she chose to believe them anyway. It comforted her, letting her think their relationship might be based on love. "Well, there was one time he said it outside of those moments.""When?""He was out with Xander, Alwyn, and Ron once. He drank a lot that night, came back, and while hugging me, said he loved me."Ronan looked at her with a mix of amusement and concern. "What should I even say to you?"Stella shrugged. "If you're unsure, better to say nothing. But I think you're actually quite a good person, honest and dependable."Ronan half-joked, "You should praise me like that in front of Abigail. Let her know there are guys like me worth loving in
Stella was anxious, hoping desperately that Lucas would pick up her call. But all she heard was the robotic voice of the voicemail: [The user you are trying to reach has switched off their phone. Please try again later.]When she could not get through to him, she tried calling Lucas on WhatsApp, but again, no answer. Frustrated, Stella left a fiery voice message for him."Have you lost all your humanity, Lucas? You were the one who proposed to me. You always had the upper hand in our relationship, and it's your responsibility to deal with the fallout. Now that your old flame is back, do you view me as a blemish in your life that you want to remove? I'm warning you, if anything happens to me, my ghost won't leave you alone. I'll haunt you and your wife day and night, and you'll never have peace."In this high-stress situation, Ronan found Stella's intense words somewhat amusing. "I've met Lucas a few times and knew he was tough, but this is extreme. He's showing no mercy to someone h
"She's still alive," a voice whispered nearby."But barely," another voice added grimly."Should I finish the job?""No, let's not make this any more complicated. It has to appear as an accident. We can't leave any trace leading back to us, and definitely not to Miss.""We should leave now. Someone's coming."Stella strained to listen, trying to identify the speakers, but her eyes refused to open. The voices soon faded into silence. After some time, she heard different voices."Mr. McKinney, Mr. McKinney!""Quick, get Mr. McKinney into the ambulance.""There's another person here. We need to rescue them fast."The distant wail of an ambulance reached Stella's ears. She felt surrounded by people. She caught snippets of their conversation."Her legs are trapped, and she's bleeding heavily. We can't just pull her out.""Have the emergency response arrived?""We need to cut through the bar trapping her to get her out.""They're on their way, should be here any minute."How lo
Lucas's voice was deep and smooth, not unlike a fine aged wine.It was deep, rich and melodious.Yet, in Stella's ears, each and every word he said seemed to be laced with venom; vicious and cruel.Stella covered her ears and curled up, no longer willing to listen to that voice. "Stop! Stop it! I beg you, Lucas, stop it, please?"She did not know if he could not hear her, or he decided to ignore her.Lucas walked, step by step elegantly, toward her."Stella Dawson, I told you before, don't try to run away from me. I'll end this marriage when I feel like it. You never had any say in it."Stella the superstar? Without me, you'll still be fumbling in some morass somewhere, much less being a superstar today, heh."Lucas continued his mocking, "What? Say again? You want to give birth to whose child? You want to give birth to mine?"Stella, you still don't know where you stand. You're just a stand-in, a replacement. What right do you have to bear my child?"Stella, even if I no lon
'If there's another life, I'll definitely listen to Mom and never go to Hayshiport.'Then, none of this will happen.'But... there's no other life...'The stinging pain slowly swallowed Stella's consciousness little by little......Drip! Drip!The sound of dripping water chimed rhythmically and soon roused Stella's consciousness.She suddenly opened her eyes and the first thing she saw was a beautiful yet familiar face, but she still took a while to realize who the person was. "Abigail, is that... you?"Her voice was so hoarse she startled herself."Stella, it's me, Abigail. Thank goodness you're finally awake." Abigail immediately handed her a glass of water. "Stella, have some water to quench your throat first."Stella wanted to take the glass but she very quickly realized that her hands were so weak she could not even lift them."Stella, don't move. I'll hold it for you." Abigail first helped Stella off the bed and then put the glass on the latter's lips, patiently letti
"Stella, do you know who I am?" Abigail suddenly asked.Stella blinked. "You're my best friend, Abigail Renee. How could I not know you?""You really don't know who Lucas is?" Abigail asked again.Stella shook her head. "I heard of the name before, but I don't have any memories of this person."Abigail was at a loss for words.Stella knew her but somehow not Lucas.'What sort of trauma had caused her to selectively forget Lucas, or is she just pretending to not know him?' Abigail wondered.Abigail tried to seek the truth from Stella's expression and eyes, but unfortunately for her, Stella's eyes were clear and bright, and her stunned look was rather cute too.There were no signs of her feigning ignorance.'If this isn't Stella putting up a masterful act, then she must've really forgotten about Lucas,' Abigail mused."Stella, do you know Nathan then?" Abigail asked."You're my best friend, so why would I not know your husband?" Stella replied."How about John?" Abigail conti
Both Abigail and Stella looked over and saw Lucas walking in. "You head out first."Abigail wanted to say something but she knew well about the care and concern he had for Stella for the past few days and she believed that he would not hurt Stella.She stepped out of the room and closed the door to allow the two of them to talk.The moment she closed the door, she turned around and walked into a warm embrace.She knew who it was without even looking. "Let's go. I'll accompany you for your physio session.""Sure." Just as Nathan said that, he grabbed Abigail with his right hand. "Abigail...""Hmm?" She tilted her head."Thank you!" Nathan said.Abigail looked up and smiled. "Why are you thanking me all of the sudden?""Thank you for not forgetting about me!" he said.Abigail suddenly panicked and quickly pushed away Nathan's hand and wanted to head back. "Lucas already knows that Stella doesn't remember who he is?"Nathan held his hand out and pulled her back. "Let them deal
"You don't have a boyfriend," Lucas said. He jumped up angrily and kicked the chair far away. Then he continued. "Stella Dawson, I'm your only man. Don't think you can escape from me just because you're injured and pretend not to know me. We've been together for so many years. I've already made lasting impacts on your life. No one can replace me."Lucas, known as the 'smiling tiger', always smiled at work. It was difficult for others to guess his true thoughts.Even though Stella had lived with him for so many years, she had never seen this furious side of him.At this moment, he appeared ferocious and very frightening.Stella, trembling, raised her hands to her eyes, her voice shaky with fear as she called out for Ronan, "Where are you, Ronan? Someone is trying to hurt me. Come and save me! Ronan, Ronan!"Lucas was speechless.He thought, 'She doesn't even remember me now, and instead, she's desperately calling for another man to save her.'For a moment, Lucas was extremely fru
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