"Nathan, go chat with Mr. White, and I'll take care of Pax." Abigail took Pax and passed him to Susie. "You're his godmother, so feel free to hold him however you want."Susie, now holding Pax, beamed with joy as if she had discovered a rare gem."Why don't you have a kid of your own, Susie? You seem to love them so much."Susie's face fell at the mention of this. "I think I've mentioned before—it's Alwyn who's not keen on having kids. He still thinks of me as a kid."'Did she mention that?' Abigail could not quite remember. 'Is it true what they say about getting forgetful after pregnancy?' she wondered with a hint of worry."I'm hitting thirty soon, and yet, both my parents and Alwyn treat me like a little kid," Susie said."Silly girl, count your blessings," Abigail said. "You've got parents who care, a husband who's gentle and attentive, and a peaceful home life. You have no idea how many people wish for that.""I just wish I had a child too, that'd make everything just righ
Alwyn said, "That just shows how badly you treated her. She wanted to escape from you, didn't she?"Lucas stayed quiet. He had smoothed Stella's path in show business, ensuring there were no obstacles.But in their personal life, especially in their marriage, he realized he had not shown her the respect she deserved.He had been selfish, ignoring her feelings and taking what he wanted, a harsh reaction to her perceived 'betrayal.'"Have you even realized what you did wrong?" Alwyn asked.Silence from Lucas."You've recognized your mistake but haven't apologized?" Alwyn pressed.Lucas nodded stiffly and turned to Nathan. "Nathan also messed up but didn't apologize. How did his wife forgive him?""It's not true that I didn't apologize," Nathan corrected him."You did?" Lucas was surprised. "How did you apologize?""I'd do anything for Abigail to forgive me. Even if it means kneeling and admitting I was wrong, I'd do it."Alwyn chuckled. "Wow, Nathan, never thought you'd do tha
"You didn't sort out the Sandow family issue, did you? What's your plan even if you find Stella?"Nathan's words made Lucas pause in his tracks.Turning around with a grin, Lucas said, "The Sandow and White families are tightly knit, involving more than just business—there are family ties too. If I go against the Sandow family, it's like harming White Corporation itself."It's not just the White Corporation executives blocking my move against the Sandow family; some Whites in my own family are too. Right now, my hands are tied when it comes to the Sandow family.""Do you want a hand with this?" Nathan offered.Lucas shook his head. "Why do you think so little of me? My current inability to act against the Sandow family doesn't mean I won't in the future. I've got a plan brewing. Soon, both the Sandow family and Stellie will wish they never crossed Stella."Nathan said, "In business, friends and enemies don't last forever. If your bait is good enough, you'll always catch some fish
Alwyn shivered. "It's cold out here. Let's head in for some hot coffee and a chat."Ron raised an eyebrow. "You think Nathan would be up for joining me for coffee?"Alwyn gave him a playful shove. "If you want to talk about Emma, just say it nicely."Ron threw his hands up. "I'll try, but will he ever really hear me?"Having no other choice, Alwyn grabbed Ron's arm and led him into the lounge."Nathan, no use fussing over this," Alwyn said.Nathan, paying them no mind, turned to Abigail, his voice softening. "You okay? That didn't freak you out?"Abigail nodded. "Just a bit." She could not deny being frightened, with her memories lingering from the airport incident where Ron had pointed a gun at her.Nathan gently wrapped his arms around her and Pax. "With me, Abigail, you've got nothing to fear."She leaned into his embrace. "I feel brave with you. Look, Pax is chill too."Pax, nestled in Abigail's arms, blinked up at her parents with wide, curious eyes. His adorableness was
Abigail thought the same inside. Her husband was indeed the best.The best in the world, bar none.As the ladies chatted, the guys too did not just lay back.Ron went straight to the point. "Nathan, let me ask you one last time, did you spirit my Emma away?"Nathan looked at him and said with a firm tone, "No."Ron gave him a stern look. "Can I still trust you then?"Nathan returned a similarly icy look. "Since when have I ever lied to you?"Ron had no retort.He then carefully recalled the various things that had happened in the past year or two.Back then, Emma fled to Francovia to avoid him.No matter how Emma hid, he could always find her and could find out her every move.It was not until Nathan intervened and helped Emma hide that he lost contact with her.Having said that, Nathan did not deny helping Emma flee but he was unwilling to tell him where she was.He had indeed not lied to him.After thinking this through, Ron let out a gloomy sigh and slid into the chair
But if he were to find Emma, only the heavens knew what he would do.Ron then looked at Nathan. "Nathan, you used Zane Corporation as bait to lure your father before doing him in, I wonder why I had expected a straight-up bastard like you to talk about friendship with me."This was indeed too much.However, as Nathan listened, he remained calm as ever.After all, Ron was not the only person to call him a straight-up bastard.Alwyn however was displeased. "Ron, do you know what you're saying?""I haven't even gotten to you yet, what's the rush?" Ron spat out.Alwyn then retorted, "You're already an adult, and when there were problems in your marriage, you've never self-reflected and see if there are issues in yourself. You're always blaming it on this or that. Poor Emma, even ten of her would've fled from you."Those words were like daggers straight into Ron's open wound.Ron had no retort.Alwyn then added, "What, you've forgotten the incident at North Hill already? Did you n
As he watched Ron leave, Alwyn felt a little bad.He looked concernedly at Nathan. "Nathan, do you have any clues about her whereabouts at all?"Nathan did not plan to hide the matter from Alwyn, so he said, "I did inspect the scene back then, and Emma may very well have faked her death.""You've seen through that that long ago?" Alwyn asked."I noticed something strange, but I wasn't sure," Nathan replied."Then do you know where she went to?" Alwyn asked.Nathan shook his head. "No, I didn't investigate the matter. I think she probably doesn't want anyone who knows Ron to know where she is right now.""You're right, that woman sure is decisive. First, killing the child in her womb to get away from Ron, and then to use her own life the second time..."Before Alwyn could finish talking, Abigail walked in with Pax in her arms and Susie in tow.Susie stared at both Alwyn and Nathan with her eyes wide open. "Is it true? Is it true that Emma is still alive?""Wifey, calm down. Be
In short, she could not lower the living standard of both Nathan and Margaret no matter what.She also wondered if they still had any properties left in Florivera.If there were none left, then her current apartment definitely could not fit six people in it.So, she had to find a bigger home to ensure their comfort.Just as she was lost in her thoughts, Nathan held her hand in his. "What are you thinking about?"Abigail then looked up at him. "I'm planning our future."When Nathan heard that, his interest was piqued as his eyes beneath the silver-rimmed glasses gleamed as he looked at her. "What are you planning? Care to share the details?"Abigail leaned on his shoulder and said softly, "I'm planning to get us a bigger home."A bigger house would be conducive for Nathan's recuperation too.During the checkup a few days ago, Kane told her that Nathan was recovering apace but he could not be careless with his care and needed proper rest, not be too tired, and to keep an upbeat
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