The traffic jam was a nightmare, stretching on for what felt like an eternity. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the line of cars finally began to inch forward.After Mitch had been crawling in traffic for nearly half an hour, he accelerated his car into a sprint on the open road, with Robbie's car following closely behind.Stella kept glancing back, and Mitch noticed. "What's up, Stella? What are you looking at?""Just checking out the traffic," Stella replied.Mitch scoffed. "Around the holidays? Forget it. Everyone's heading back to their hometowns for the holidays. Our little village's roads are always jam-packed."Their county, a hub for workers migrating to bigger cities for jobs, usually felt like a ghost town, populated mostly by the elderly and children. It was only during holiday times that the streets buzzed with life, filled with the energy of the younger crowd.Mitch continued, "White Corporation has poured a ton of cash into developing our county's tourism. If th
John said, "You know, the tallest dude I've ever seen is Lucas. The first time I met him, he seemed like a giant to me."The first time John laid eyes on Lucas was when Stella and Lucas tied the knot.Back then, John was just a little squirt, either in second or third grade, barely reaching Lucas's elbow. Standing at a solid six feet and two inches, Lucas was like a real-life giant to the young John, leaving a lasting impression on his young mind.Stella said, "Wait till you hit college, kid. Step out into the big, wide world, and meet all sorts of folks. You'll see there's always someone bigger, someone better."John challenged, "But how many guys out there can really measure up to Lucas?"Stella fell silent, pondering. It was a hard truth: not many men could match up to Lucas's caliber. The ones she knew were all from Lucas's circle - the rich hang with the rich, and the good-looking roll with their own kind.John asked, "Is Lucas going to join us for New Year's again?"Stella
Abigail's voice, gentle and soothing, echoed from the phone, "I've noticed you've been hitting the hay early lately. What's up tonight? Something on your mind?"Stella nodded slightly. "Yeah," she responded.Abigail's question was spot-on. "Did Lucas swing by to see you?"Stella's eyes widened instantly. "Abigail, I'm starting to think you're a mind reader."Abigail chuckled. "No mind reading, just know you too well. I know Lucas is the only one who can get under your skin like this."Stella sighed. "Do you think I'm being foolish?"Abigail's expression turned serious and firm. "Don't you dare talk about yourself like that. You're amazing, beautiful, and totally savvy. You got to believe in yourself."Stella responded, "I'm not putting myself down, just stating the obvious. Lucas hurt me badly, yet here I am, unable to stop thinking about him. I can't even sleep because I bumped into him."Abigail replied, "You know what they say, falling for someone might take a second, but ge
Abigail flashed a mischievous grin. "It's a secret!"Suddenly, a thought struck Stella, and the light in her eyes flickered out. "He's had a vasectomy.""Did you actually see him get it done?" Abigail asked.Stella shook her head. "In all these years, I've never taken birth control pills, and he's never used a condom. Yet, I've never gotten pregnant."Abigail said, "Sometimes, seeing isn't believing, especially when you haven't seen it for yourself. To find out if he really had the procedure, why don't you test it?""How?""I'll explain slowly, but remember every word," Abigail whispered conspiratorially.The two women, so wrapped up in their conversation, failed to spot Nathan. Nathan, freshly showered, lurked in the shadows, hanging on their every word.'Leave the father, keep the child? Is that what she really meant? Where in the hell did Abigail pick up this crazy stuff?' Nathan pondered, his mind racing. 'I gotta stop letting her get away with everything. Who knows what ki
Nathan's temper flared the moment someone dared to speak ill of his wife, causing his voice to drop to an ominous, threatening growl. "Lucas!"Lucas, caught off-guard, quickly clarified, "I meant no disrespect. I was just saying your wife is smart, that's all."Nathan said, "Their video call is over, and so is this conversation. We'll talk some other time."The line went dead with a harsh beep, and this left Lucas fuming. He knew Nathan had called just to rile him up, but he was powerless to retaliate.As Lucas stared into the sky, he felt his mind haunted by the words Nathan had thrown at him: "Leave the father, keep the child."The thought that Stella might want only the child, not him, burned in his heart like a fire. But then, the idea that Stella might want a child with him, to make him a father, seemed better than having no connection at all.With this thought, Lucas found the bitter words easier to swallow.Meanwhile, Stella, just off the video call and wide awake, found
Nathan demanded, "Tell me, who's more important to you, me or our son?"Abigail, drained and exhausted from his relentless questioning, barely managed a response. "Uh..."But Nathan was unyielding, needing a definitive answer. "Abigail, I need to hear it from you. Who matters more to you, me or our son?"Nathan's tactics, pushing her to her limits, were harsh. In a moment of defiance, Abigail gave him the answer he dreaded. "Our son."The moment she spoke, Nathan's reaction was like a tempest, fierce and unrelenting, his anger akin to a wild beast ready to devour everything in its path."Abigail, think carefully before you answer. Who really matters more to you, me or our son?" Nathan stepped back, feigning departure.Abigail, weak and unsteady, slumped against the wall, sliding down helplessly.Just as Abigail was about to hit the floor, Nathan pulled her back into his embrace with a swift extension of his arm. "Have you thought it through?"Abigail refused to fall for his tri
Abigail locked eyes with Nathan, seeing the genuine concern in his gaze. She knew full well the depth of his care for her. His worry was inevitable after hearing those words.Abigail made a daring move, reaching out with her hand, curling it around his neck, and pulling him into a fiery kiss. "Don't you know how much you mean to me?" she breathed.Nathan replied, "I do, but I need to hear it from you."Instead of words, Abigail chose to show him, through actions louder than any declaration, just how much he meant to her.As the night deepened and slipped silently into the late hours, Abigail, on the brink of sleep, was jolted awake by Nathan's deep and resonant voice. "Honey, you still haven't told me, who's more important in your heart, me or our son?"Stunned by his question, Abigail could not fathom why Nathan would ask something so juvenile, especially after her passionate display of affection."Honey..." Nathan began.Taking his hand, Abigail placed it over her heart. "Hubb
Stella remained silent."Don't be mad at me, Stella. I've been missing you like crazy; I couldn't help myself.""You promised me this afternoon you wouldn't bother my family.""Yeah, I promised not to bother your family. That's why I sneaked into your room in the dead of night."Stella looked at his handsome yet smug face. "How come our dog didn't bite you?""I took care of it with a chicken leg laced with a sleeping pill.""You...""Ever think about having a kid?""Whether I do or don't, it's none of your business.""If you want, I could make it happen with you."Stella chuckled. "Lucas, you once told me you had a vasectomy. How do you plan on having kids with me?""I lied about the vasectomy. I never got one. We can have a kid anytime you're ready.""You didn't get snipped?""Nope.""So, no vasectomy, and we never used protection when we were together. How come I never got pregnant?""Let's not dwell on the past, alright?""If you're not going to talk, I want you out.
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