"It seemed like it was Ms. Sandow. She was probably playing around with Mr. White. Young people get carried away sometimes." The nurse kept the IV bag she had changed and smiled at Stella. "Ms. Dawson, you may continue resting. Don't worry too much. Mr. White will come to accompany you after he's done with Ms. Sandow. After all, he's been managing both sides like this every day for the past month."Stella replied casually, "Okay. You can leave now."After the nurse left, Stella, convinced that something was going on with that nurse, pulled the needle from her arm.Upon waking, Stella underwent two examinations and had her IV bags changed twice, all performed silently by a pair of medical staff who only gave brief responses to her questions.However, the earlier nurse was very talkative. Stella believed the nurse was sent by Stellie.Stella, eager to escape, was hindered by the casts on her legs, leaving her unable to leave the bed.She turned her head to find her phone. There was
Stella just hung up the phone when she heard Stellie's voice from the next room. "Ouch! Lucas, you hurt me. Can you be a little gentler?"Stellie's voice was very loud, but luckily, Stella was the only patient on the entire floor. Otherwise, there would have been complaints.Stella was unsure and preferred not to know what Lucas and Stellie were doing.Her sole desire was to escape to safety. She grabbed the blanket to cover her head. But she could still occasionally hear the sounds from the next room.Stella thought, 'This annoying couple!' yet knew that cursing them in her mind was futile.She was lost in her thoughts. 'Stellie wants me dead, but Lucas wants to keep me alive. I feel like a toy in their hands being played with however they please.'But I'm not a toy. I don't want to be manipulated by them. I must find a way to escape this situation.'Stella had placed all her hopes on Abigail now. She hoped Abigail could help her and get her out of this difficult situation.Wh
Stella said, "I can't feel at ease because you're here."Lucas was hurt by her words.He held her hand. "Stella, listen to me."Stella, filled with intense emotion, shook off his hand and yelled, "Don't touch me!"After she yelled and shook him off, Lucas realized that there was no infusion tube attached to her hand.He looked around and saw the needle that had fallen on the ground. It was still dripping slowly.Filled with worry, Lucas shouted for doctors and nurses in the corridor without asking Stella what had happened.The doctors and nurses rushed in.After waking up, Stella had seen several doctors and nurses, but the nurse who changed her IV bag did not come in.This further confirmed Stella's suspicion.Stella was lost in her thoughts. 'That person was surely hired by Stellie to hurt me. Luckily, I was clever enough to remove the infusion tube. Otherwise, I'd probably be dead.'Stellie and Lucas sleep together. I believe Lucas knows something about what Stellie wants
Stella said, "Abigail."Abigail immediately hugged her, gently patting her back, and said, "It's okay, don't be scared."Stella buried her head in Abigail's arms, clinging to her. She said, "Tell them to leave. I want to talk to you alone."Abigail turned her head to glance at Lucas, who, without being explicitly told, obediently led the other people away.Stella reached for Abigail and asked, "Are there any surveillance cameras or listening devices in this ward?"Given Stella's serious injury, Abigail was not surprised by her suspicions. She said, "Don't worry, this place is safe."Stella replied, "But I don't trust Lucas. The person who wants to hurt me is Stellie. He's always with her. He must know that Stellie wants to harm me."Abigail said, "He knows. That was why he arranged for people to protect you before he went to Pleasia. But unforeseen issues in his arrangements likely led to the car accident."During the past month when Stella was in a coma, many things had happen
Stella asked, "Do you find me troublesome?"Abigail patted Stella's shoulder. "Why would I find you troublesome? I'm just afraid you'll keep things to yourself and not tell me."Feeling bad and with her eyes turning red, Stella said, "Back when you wanted to establish the women's support group, I supported you. I thought all the ordinary girls who were hurt could bravely come forward and say no."But when I faced these terrifying situations and felt helpless, I realized how difficult it was for those ordinary girls."It's not that they don't want to say no. When they are hurt, they feel powerless and believe no one can help them. They're afraid that speaking up might cause greater harm to themselves. So, they believe silence is their best protection."Abigail replied, "Many things aren't as simple as they seem. We can guide ordinary girls encountering bad people to protect themselves legally."However, some things are beyond our control, especially with complicated connections li
Abigail was willing to help, but Stella could not move."Stella, the main concern now is that your legs are severely injured. It isn't advisable to move, especially for long-distance journeys. But rest assured, I'll stay here with you while you recover. Once the doctor confirms your recovery, we'll immediately return to Florivera."Abigail had an injured husband and also a newborn baby, who had just turned one month old.Stella was not a heartless person; she did not want Abigail to be exhausted. "Abigail, I'm relieved now that there's no problem with the IV bag. You can go back now. There are doctors and many other people here looking after me.""Are you really relieved?"Stella nodded vigorously. "Yes."Like Nathan, Pax was a picky eater, refusing any milk except Abigail's. The stored breast milk at home could only last for half a day for Pax.So, Abigail had to go back to feed Pax. She said, "All right, I'll go back now.""Okay."Waiting outside, Lucas stopped Abigail as sh
"What? You guys believed the rumors too?" Lucas queried.Abigail then put on a serious look. "It doesn't matter if other people think that way; more importantly, Stella thinks the same. Since that's the case, you should be looking at yourself and find out why Stella misunderstood you.""I'll reflect on my actions to avoid further misunderstandings with her. What exactly did Stella tell you?" Lucas replied.What Abigail knew about Lucas before the car accident was mostly from her observations and what Stella told her, so her impression of the latter was not particularly glowing.Furthermore, Abigail's impression of Lucas went straight to the gutter after Stella told her that he was in a hurry to divorce her, a decision influenced by the return of his forlorn love.If it were not for witnessing Lucas's suffering recently, Abigail would have definitely pushed for Stella to stay away from him.However, during Stella's unconscious month, Abigail saw Lucas's extensive care and a previo
When Stella complained to Abigail, she often mentioned Lucas's unwillingness to take her back to the White family for Christmas.'So that was Lucas's intention,' Abigail mused.Stella was under the impression that Lucas was disdainful of her identity, a misunderstanding born of poor communication.And now, by chance, it was Abigail, an outsider, who learned about Stella's misunderstanding regarding Lucas.However, it was not Abigail's place to divulge such things; Lucas needed to understand and discover them himself to unravel the mess in Stella's heart. "Have you ever asked if Stella wanted to visit your place for Christmas?""She wants to join my family for Christmas when they are already giving her the stink face?" Lucas hissed.Stella's wish to join Lucas's family for Christmas stemmed from her feelings for him, as she still liked him back then.Of course, she would have loved to go back to his home and celebrate the festive season with him.Unfortunately, Lucas, who had ne
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