On Christmas Eve, with most stores closed, John and Stella fruitlessly searched for fresh seafood, determined to continue.John, dabbing his eyes, said, "Stella, I bet Mom and Dad did this on purpose.""You're just realizing that now?" Stella replied.John burst into tears, and Stella could not help but laugh.Meanwhile, Lucas had just finished watching a globally streamed live event. Seeing Nathan and his happy family of three made Lucas feel a deep pang of envy.Nathan was younger than Lucas by half a year and had married later than he. Now, Nathan enjoyed a blissful family life with a child, while Lucas reflected on his solitude, regretting watching the broadcast that seemed to mock his singlehood.Just as he was wallowing in regret, Robbie knocked and entered. "Mr. White, the meeting is about to start."After the meeting, everyone buzzed with excitement for the holidays, except for Lucas.Lucas put away his phone and said, "Let's go."Back in Hayshiport, Lucas decisively c
As dawn broke, Lucas received another call from Jacey. "Lucas, the office is closed for the holidays. Do you want to fly over and spend them with us?"Lucas listened, silent.Jacey's voice, tinged with worry, came through again, "Son, why aren't you speaking? Is something wrong?"Lucas let out a heavy sigh before responding, "Mom, I'll come to Zelandia Nova to see you and Dad after the New Year."Jacey replied, "It'll be lonely spending the holidays alone. If you think hanging out with me and your dad is boring, you could come over to check out some local beauties. I'm telling you, the neighbor's daughter is a knockout. I think you two could hit it off."Jacey was not at all concerned about Lucas's job; in every call she made, she brought up his love life.Lucas had told her countless times that the only woman for him was Stella. But it was as if Jacey could not understand him, as she tried time and again to persuade him to consider other women.Jacey often told Lucas, "Imagine
Lionel continued, "I'm not exactly sure what happened, but I bet Lucas has figured it out. Otherwise, he wouldn't have let this go."Jacey, too, felt a pang of guilt when Stella was mentioned. "This mess wasn't your doing, but we've made our share of mistakes. When Lucas brought Stella into the White family, we didn't stand up for her. Instead, we let the other family members bully her, allowing them to scorn her as a lowly actress."These thoughts weighed heavily on Lionel's heart. "That might've been the biggest mistake we ever made. We always wanted the best for our son, yet our actions made his life miserable. He's our only child, and he used to be so attached to us."When he was a teenager, girls would write him love letters, and he'd bring them home to show us – we were the people he trusted most. But when we didn't accept the girl he chose, he moved out with her, spending holidays away from home. That just drove a wedge further between us."Jacey said, "You're right. We thou
It was quite something to hear these words from the older generation.Nowadays, many young people did not want to have kids. The cost of raising a child, not to mention the effort involved, was just too much. But many traditional parents did not get it. They still pressured their kids to have children, to carry on the family legacy.Lucas said, "Mom, I love you."Jacey replied, "What's with the sudden mushiness?"Lucas responded, "Enough of that. I need to go find Stella."Jacey said, "Go ahead. If you can bring her back, I promise I'll treat her right."Lucas replied, "If she even lets you have the chance to."Jacey was silent.Lucas added, "You stay with Dad. I've got to go."With that, Lucas hung up the phone. He quickly opened an application on his phone and bought a ticket to Ashtonville. Without packing anything, he headed straight to the airport.After a flight of over two hours, Lucas arrived in Ashtonville in the afternoon.Robbie picked him up in his car. "Mr. Whit
Robbie thought to himself, 'Mr. White is really too proud for his own good. He's followed her all the way to Ashtonville, and still he's putting on an act? If he keeps this up, his wife will leave him for someone else, and he'll be left crying.'The mall was said to be close to the airport, supposedly on the way, but it was actually over twelve miles away. A drive on the freeway took nearly half an hour.Robbie drove to the parking lot of their destination and parked next to a new Mercedes-Benz SUV. "Mr. White, this car was a recent purchase by your in-laws. Your father-in-law absolutely adores it, can't get enough of it."Even though Lucas had not asked about the Dawson family's affairs, as an efficient assistant, Robbie needed to stay informed.Whether it was a significant event like buying a new car, or as mundane as the Dawson family getting a new dog or their hens laying a few eggs, Robbie knew all about it. That was why Lucas had him here to oversee things. Robbie was meticul
After a few months, Stella had changed significantly. Not only had she become more voluptuous, but her complexion was also rosier and more vibrant.She looked rejuvenated and spirited, even more beautiful and enchanting than before. Especially notable was her genuine smile, sweet and radiant, which made it clear she was truly happy.During the years she spent with Lucas, Stella did smile, but often those smiles were not heartfelt; they were forced, merely polite gestures.Suddenly, a terrifying thought crept into Lucas's mind, one he had never considered before. 'What does it really mean to love someone? Is it possession, or is it their happiness? If I had to choose between the two, my instinct would undoubtedly be to possess.'Yet Lucas also longed to see Stella's genuine, beaming smile and to know she was living a carefree, joyful life.'Lucas, she's not happy with you, she doesn't love you, let go! Set her free, let her live her life as she wishes!' he kept telling himself, ove
Grace teased, "Look at you, big guy! You're a head taller than Stella; what harm is there in her pushing you around a bit? It's not like you're going to lose a pound for it."John was in the midst of his prime growth spurt, shooting up to a towering six feet in just a few months, nearly matching Lucas's height.John retorted, "Sometimes, I feel like I'm the bonus prize in a family plan."Jokes could go too far, and Stella, worried that John might take it seriously, quickly reassured him, "Don't be silly, kiddo. We're just messing with you. Each of us is vital in our family of four; we wouldn't have it any other way."Seeing Stella flustered, John grinned smugly. "Hmph, as if I didn't know I'm an indispensable part of this family. I was just pulling your leg too."Stella reached out swiftly and twisted his ear. "Dare to tease me again?"John winced, shrinking back. "Ease up! I won't; I promise, never again."Even standing a head taller than Stella, John understood the undeniable
In today's open society, relationships between men and women were no longer as conservative as they used to be.Given his good looks, physique, and most importantly, his wealth, it was hard to believe that Lucas would abstain from sex for several months for just one woman. For this reason, Mitch could not even bring himself to think about it.Grace glared at him. "Look at you, talking as if you're your daughter. He's just a man, nothing special, nothing clean about it. Why keep pining over him?"Mitch replied, "Maybe Lucas is different."Grace retorted, "Regardless, if he's playing around, I need to have a serious talk with Stella. She can't lose her head over just one guy. There are plenty of fish in the sea, no need to stop living for one man.""Mom, Dad, what are you still whispering about?" Stella poked her head out of the car window, working on a tangerine. She swiftly peeled it and popped the whole fruit into her mouth, gulping it down in one go."We're coming, about to hea
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