"Lucas, let's get divorced," she said very calmly, so calmly as if she was not talking about her own matters.The moment he heard the word "divorce", he snapped and brutalized her for a whole day...Perhaps he had hurt her too much and she grew fearful that she never mentioned about divorce again, but he knew that she was thinking about escaping from him day and night.But if he did not let go, there was no way she could flee...Without her stardom, she was just a very, very normal girl that knew nothing aside from acting.How could she ever be a match for Lucas White?For her, and many others, she was a bird he kept in a gilded cage. As long as he kept the cage shut, she was forever trapped inside the cage.He knew he was in the wrong, but he was unwilling to admit fault, so he used another extreme way to pester her.No matter where she went, he would not allow her to stay away from him for more than three days before rushing over to satisfy his husband-and-wife interaction.
Lucas was at a loss for words."Mr. White, don't make promises you can't keep!" Stella said."Stella..." Lucas whimpered.Stella then ignored him as she turned sideways and looked out of the car. As she looked at the passing scenery, all sorts of images appeared in her mind.She was too familiar with this city, even more so than the one in her hometown.It was because she had been studying here, then working here ever since she was a grown up. She even met the man she loved here, and got married here and lived here.She had experienced all sorts of lovely experiences here, but also all sorts of pain that was beyond words.Perhaps, this was the price she had to pay in order to grow.Lucas could not bear to see the pained look in Stella's eyes and wanted to hug her, yet he was also afraid of being rejected, so he quietly watched her every move.His Stella used to love him so.She loved him so deeply that she wanted to give birth to his child even when she was at the peak of her
Stella dragged her small baggage and followed him inside.Somehow or rather, she walked straight into two housemaids in the middle of their gossip."I really don't like that bitch called Stella," Maid A said."I don't like her either. Mr. White had given her everything to win her heart and she's instead playing hard to get," Maid B concurred."I know right? Let her be all haughty, once Mr. White's patience runs out and he gives up on her, she'll be crying like a real bitch then," Maid A said mockingly. "She's really wretched! She already sullied Mr. White and she's still acting all high and mighty there.""I really, really hate her," Maid B said."I'm sure she's playing hard to get with Mr. White. She's an actress, and acting is what she does best. That industry is rotten to the core, and god knows how many men she had slept with till now. I also wonder what sort of spell she put Mr. White under for him to treat her so well."The two women were sent here from his old place to ma
Seeing how his housemaids were ridiculing Stella behind their backs, Lucas thought the fault lay with him. "Stella, it's my fault for not properly managing my staff, you can scold or hit me if you want."'Scold him!'Hit him!'What's the point?'Will those people stop cursing my name once I've scolded and hit him?'Moreover, Stella did not care about the unsolicited opinion of such people. "Mr. White, I wouldn't dare to hit you."That sentence alone choked whatever Lucas wanted to say in his throat. "Let's... let's go have a look at the rooms then.""Thank you," Stella said.Lucas took her suitcase and led her into the elevator.There were three floors in the villa, and before Lucas could even press the button for the third floor, Stella pressed the second floor's button.Normally, the master bedroom was on the third floor while the guest rooms were on the second floor.Now that she was in an unclear relationship with him, she would never go to his bedroom on the third floor
Oh, how Patricia wanted to smack Lucas in the head. 'This boy, he's so good at business but so dumb when it comes to relationships,' she thought. "She's your wife. She may look like she's not concerned, but she will be deep inside. Listen to me now, just go and tell her before you step out.""Is she actually still concerned about me deep inside?" Lucas asked."You think she would've come back with you if she didn't care? Why didn't she go to another man's home then?" Patricia shot back.There was some truth in what she said.Lucas quickly went upstairs and toward Stella's room. He tried to open the door but it was locked. So, he leaned against the door and said, "Stella, I'll be going out to settle something. I'll be back in two hours, latest."There was no response.Lucas was not sure if Stella could hear him or not, so he repeated himself.After still not getting a response, he left dejectedly.Inside the room, Stella pursed her lips as she said mockingly, "Back then you refu
Steve did not know what Rian was thinking as he tossed an envelope before Rian with a loud tap. "You're already in deep shit, just see what you've done?!""What have I done to make you so angry?" Rian took the envelope and opened it. He looked at the contents of it before smirking and letting out an indifferent look. "It's just something between a man and a woman, it's nothing to make you so angry."Steve was so furious he took a glass beside him and tossed it at Rian. "I couldn't care less if you want to fool around with women. But now everything is burning down around you and you're still smothering yourself in a woman's bosom, and then to have these pictures sent over here...""Dad, is someone from the White Corporation following me?" It was only then did Rian realize what was going on. The pictures were of him with Hannah fooling around inside the car, and not long after he did that intimate act with her, the pictures arrived at Steve's hands.Does that not mean that Lucas had
Steve said, "Look, if something happened to your woman, it's all on Stellie. But hey, you divorced her, right? She's not yours anymore. If Stellie wanted a fling, so be it. Let's not make a big deal out of it, for old times' sake."Lucas replied coolly, "I might let it slide, depending on your next move."Out of nowhere, Rian blurted out, "She's just a worthless actress, man. You can have your pick of women like her. Why make a scene?""A worthless actress?" Lucas's eyes flashed dangerously. He shot Rian a piercing look and stormed off.Rian stammered, "Dad...""Shut it!" Steve barked. "Open that file and see what's inside." He thought to himself, 'This kid is more trouble than he's worth.'Rian hurriedly opened the file. "Dad, is Lucas really expecting us to personally send Stellie down the river?"Steve's forehead veins were nearly bursting, not out of sympathy for his daughter, but because he was furious at being cornered by someone younger. "I swear, the White family is goin
Lucas floored the accelerator, racing back to his villa, where lights were blazing in both the yard and living room. As he quickened his pace, his heart leapt with a flicker of hope.No surprise, the living room was empty, devoid of the scene he longed to witness. A wry smile twisted his lips. "What was I even thinking?"He knew the Stella of now was far from the Stella he had first met.Back then, even knowing she was waiting at home, he would linger at the base of the stairs, reluctant to go up.He had deliberately crafted the illusion of a playboy lifestyle, leading her astray. His only communication with her when he got home was the cold, mechanical act of bedroom intimacy.Initially, Stella would wait up for him, her face lighting up the moment Lucas walked in. She would lean in for a kiss, her passion in their intimate moments burning bright. Afterwards, cuddling in his arms, she would whisper softly, "Lucas, let's have a baby."Though he wanted to nod in agreement, he woul
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