Lucas hauled the seemingly plastered Mitch up three flights of stairs in the narrow stairwell of their modest townhouse, finding the task more exhausting than he had anticipated.Grace followed closely behind, lending a helping hand. "Lucas, just get the old man onto the bed, that's all," she said.Lucas slowly crouched, gently laying Mitch on the bed.Grace expressed her gratitude with a sheepish smile. "I owe you one for this.""It's no trouble at all, Mom," Lucas replied. "How about I stay here and keep an eye on Dad? You can go down and join Stella and John for the New Year's vigil."Grace shook her head. "You've done enough already. I can't ask you to do more. You go join Stella and John, have yourself a good time. I'll stay here with him.""Are you sure you can handle it?" Lucas asked, concerned."I've been looking after him for years; it's nothing new," Grace reassured him.Lucas gave it a moment's thought. "Alright, then. I'm heading down.""Okay." Grace watched him le
Meanwhile, back on the first floor in the living room, Stella was still eating. She had polished off the appetizers and was now tackling a spread of grilled foods with a variety of spicy dipping sauces, her appetite nothing short of astonishing.Lucas, worried the heat from the sauces might be too much for her stomach, quickly poured her a glass of milk. "You don't usually go for spicy food. These sauces are quite fiery. Your stomach might not handle it well."Stella ignored him. Ever since she was a kid, she had had a thing for spicy food.She had not indulged much during the years with Lucas. Partly because Lucas was into more bland fare, so she played along. And partly because she was worried spicy food would give her acne, messing with her on-screen appearances. Lucas just did not get it, thinking she never touched spicy stuff.Clueless as ever, John wedged himself next to Lucas. "Hey Lucas, Stella can handle her spice, no stomachache gonna hit her. Stop fussing over her, and s
Stella exclaimed, "No way, you can't sign that!"John, bewildered, asked, "Why not?""Right now, your main job is to focus on your studies and get into a top university. Think about other stuff later.""But developing my game software hasn't interfered with my studies; I can handle both. Why can't I give it a shot?""Sure, the mobile gaming market is huge, but it's also fiercely competitive."John's eyes suddenly welled up with tears, his voice laced with hurt. "You just look down on me.""Who said I look down on you? I'm trying to tell you, I have money too. If you want to invest in your game, you don't need to go to outsiders or sign any contracts with them. If you can get into a top university, I'll fund your project myself."Lucas chimed in, "Stella, investing isn't like acting in a play. You don't understand."Stella shot back, "I might not understand the details, but I can pay someone who does. I'll hire experts to handle operations. What's there to worry about?"Lucas s
Lucas felt as if he had been hit by a freight train. The shock left him reeling for what seemed like an eternity.In a frenzy, he texted Stella via SMS: [Why did you block me again?][Unblock me on WhatsApp. Can we please talk this out?][Just last night, you said you'd treat me better.][You can't just go back on your word.][Stella...]With each unanswered message, Lucas's desperation grew. He sent one, two, three, dozens of messages, eventually hitting a hundred with still no reply from Stella. It was then he realized that when a woman turned cold, she could be more ruthless than any man.Fortunately, he had been prudent enough to take precautions. Even if they were intimate during Stella's ovulation, she could not get pregnant. He was confident that once Stella realized she was not pregnant, she would come crawling back to him, needing his "hard work" once again.Then, a chilling thought struck Lucas, 'What if Stella suspects I'm infertile and seeks another man to have a ch
Abigail slid behind the wheel of her red Porsche, a gift from her days as Xander's secretary at Zane Corporation. She rarely drove it herself, thanks to the nature of her work, thus keeping the car in near-mint condition.Stella glanced around and said, "Still cruising in this Porsche, huh? Nathan didn't get you a new ride?"Abigail shrugged. "He wanted to, even offered me a driver, but I turned it down. I'm not big on having strangers around because I come from an ordinary family. I usually drive solo, bringing Susanna along only when I have Pax with me."Stella nodded in agreement. "I feel you. I hated having an assistant shadowing me when I was shooting movies, but sometimes it's a necessary evil. Speaking of which, where's Pax? I've been missing my godson.""Pax is glued to Nathan, who took him to a private party with Lucas and the guys." Abigail quickly shifted the topic, aware that Stella preferred not to dwell on Lucas. "What's your plan now? Going to continue acting?"Stel
Stella said, "You're spot on. I'm thinking about having a kid with Lucas. As for remarrying, I'm not sweating that right now. Let's see how things play out."Abigail chuckled. "Sure, you can always tie the knot again whenever you feel like it. But hey, the single life? That's a rare gem."Stella turned, locking her gaze onto Abigail. "The way you're talking... Did you and your guy have a blowout? Nah, can't be. He's crazy about you. He wouldn't dream of picking a fight."Abigail shrugged, a wry smile playing on her lips. "Even in the best marriages, you're still two separate people. Teeth bite the tongue sometimes, right? So what's so weird about a marital spat?"Stella's curiosity was piqued. "I'm dying to know. What sets off fireworks between you two?"Abigail let out a sigh. "It's all about the future – where Pax will go to school, how he'll settle down."Stella burst into laughter, unable to contain it. "Pax is barely over a year old, and you two are already at each other's t
Lucas sighed deeply."Mama." Pax, who had been quiet until now, suddenly burst into action, waving his arms frantically and hopping around, his voice a mixture of babble and clear calls for his mother.Nathan sprang to his feet and strode over to Abigail, pulling her tightly into his embrace. "Honey, I was wrong.""I was too.""Are you still mad at me?"Abigail explained, "I was angry last night, but after cooling down, I realized I overreacted."Nathan said, "I'll try to be more considerate from now on."Ron teased Nathan, "Do you two always have to be so lovey-dovey?"Alwyn cleared his throat awkwardly. "Ahem, ahem, ahem."Lucas was the only one who scooped up Pax, holding him close like a playful puppy, as he approached Stella. "Come and hug our godson."Without even glancing at Lucas, Stella took Pax into her arms, cuddling him affectionately. "Hey champ, call me 'Godmom'."Pax, familiar with Stella from their daily video calls, murmured in his soft, sweet voice, "Mama."
Lucas was sweating bullets, fearing Stella would call him out on his "state of unwedded loneliness" in front of everyone. Jumping in, he seized control of the conversation. "Alwyn, keep your nose out of it. What's going on between me and Stella, we both know where we stand. It's none of your business."Alwyn quipped, "I'm not trying to meddle, just curious about how your wife-chasing mission is going."Lucas glanced at Stella, wanting to say something but, worried about ticking her off, ended up saying nothing.Ron was always the troublemaker. "Marriage, huh? Once you're free, you're free. No one in their right mind would escape from the prison of matrimony only to rush right back in, right?"Ron deliberately looked at Stella as he said this. "Ms. Dawson, am I right or am I right?"Stella replied coolly, "Hmm, Mr. Hagrid, you've hit the nail on the head."Lucas snapped at Ron, "Sometimes silence is golden. Not every silence needs filling."Ron shot back, "Well, Lucas, in this co
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