The second message was more recent: [Where are you? Why aren't you replying?]Felix and Melody were beside Abigail. They saw the request for divorce from the sender, and immediately hugged her. "Caterpie..."They wanted to comfort her but did not know what to say. Her husband had disappeared without a trace, only to find her one year later to discuss divorce, and it was during the same time she was slandered. It was doubtfully just a coincidence that these two situations are not interrelated.It was still clear in their minds when that lowlife said he would protect and cherish her forever the year Abigail was met with an accident, yet was cold and decisive when he wanted to break up with her. That incident created a huge fiasco throughout North Florivera. Abigail had wanted to use the law to protect herself, but the other party was well-connected. Someone had even brought up the issue in her school which almost got her kicked out.In order to continue her studies, she had no choice
As both sides were satisfied with the negotiated price, the other minute details were effortlessly gone through and they soon signed the agreement. Once the deposit has been transferred, mortgaging a house will no longer pose a problem to them. As there was still some time left after the meeting, the trio fully enjoyed themselves by sightseeing around Hayshiport for the whole day before touching down at Florivera on Sunday at 10:00 p.m. Nevertheless, Melody and Felix were unable to sense if Abigail was truly alright as she had learned to hide her emotions well since then.Abigail playfully punched the both of them and said, "What are the both of you worrying about? I'm fine. Once the royalty is transferred over, we can look for a house that we can stay together in."Following the same train of thought, Felix and Melody replied, "That's right. Let's work hard to earn money for the house so we can truly call ourselves Floriverans."Abigail yawned and wanted to sleep. "It's late and I'
Abigail was vexed after hearing Xander's question and immediately became alert before she replied, "Don't worry, Mr. Zane. This will definitely not affect my job performance."Xander paid no more heed as he boarded the commercial car that came to pick them up. There were five people in the car when they boarded it; the three of them along with the driver and Cleona who came to fetch them. Cleona sat beside Xander along the journey to brief him about the progress of the development as Abigail and Keith got out their notebooks to take down the details of the briefing. The trip took more than an hour and Cleona spoke the whole journey while Abigail and Keith noted down the details during the same time. It was already nightfall when they reached the development project. The company had provided dinner, but Abigail checked in earlier due to her losing her appetite from feeling uncomfortable. Zane Corporation's hotel had fully furnished facilities and the rooms even had their own oxygen sup
Cleona thought for a moment before she answered. "There's nothing wrong."Abigail responded, "Then why are you telling me these things if there's nothing wrong?"Cleona was unable to respond as she never thought Abigail to be so straightforward."I'm going to rest now," said Abigail as she pulled open the door, wanting Cleona to leave the room. Cleona came out from Abigail's room, took out her phone, and dialed a number. "Madam, Mr. Zane's new assistant may be beautiful, but he has seen more than enough beautiful assistants. As a person of the same gender, I can see that she has no ulterior motive toward Mr. Zane. Even if she does, he would've fired her without you lifting a finger."Cleona only nodded her head after the person on the other end of the line spoke, and replied before hanging up, "Yes, I'll continue to observe her these few days.""Ahem."A half-laugh could be heard suddenly on the balcony from behind her as she kept her phone and was prepared to leave. She turned h
Abigail approached Xander and greeted him with the utmost respect, "Good morning, Mr. Zane."Xander ate his breakfast with a refined grace, his icy gaze never leaving his plate.Abigail was no stranger to his cold demeanor, and she refused to let it affect her. She stood a few feet away and said, "Mr. Zane, I need to clarify something with you."At last, Xander finished his meal and graced her with a look. "What is it?"Abigail stood rigid, her hands at her sides. "Mr. Zane, my feelings for you are solely those of a subordinate to a superior. I swear I have no other intentions toward you."He was not a fool; he could see right through her intentions. A wicked grin tugged at the corner of his mouth, as he taunted her, "Do you honestly think I would have any interest in a married woman like you?"Abigail did not dare to think like that. "Mr. Zane, please don't mock me. I know my place. I'm saying this so that people around you won't misunderstand my intentions, making it unbearable
The man chuckled. "Not only is Mr. Zane young and successful, but he also possesses a compassionate heart." He suddenly changed the subject. "The villagers here have relied on farming and herding for generations; they have no experience in managing guesthouses." The villagers were simple folk, many of whom could not even speak Chrysalan. The idea of running a restaurant or guesthouse was far from easy for them.Xander, with his many years in the business world, knew exactly what the other party was thinking. "Zane Corporation has already arranged a professional team to teach them step by step, ensuring everyone here can live happily and prosperously."The VIP laughed again, this time with genuine delight.After lunch and bidding the VIP farewell, Abigail and Keith continued to accompany Xander as they surveyed the surrounding areas of the scenic spot. There was only one asphalt road connecting the airport to the scenic area, surrounded by rugged mountain paths and dilapidated houses
Xander had no choice but to first remove her right sleeve, then carefully take off the left one. The down jacket and sweater were easy to remove, but if he took off the layer beneath, she would be exposed. Xander looked at her. "I need to tear off your sleeve."Abigail blinked her moist eyes. "Can you?"With one hand steadying her injured arm, Xander used his other hand to forcefully pull, tearing the sleeve at the seam. His strength was far greater than Abigail had imagined. In an instant, the wound on her fair arm came into view. The injury was about the size of a fist, the flesh mangled, with blood continuously seeping out.Xander's face darkened at the sight, while Abigail still managed to smile, looking almost clueless about her pain. "Mr. Zane, you truly are strong."Without hesitation, Xander tore his own white shirt, wrapping it around her wound in layer after layer. Abigail gritted her teeth in pain, her eyes swimming with unshed tears, but she did not let out a cry.Xand
She vowed never to let herself fall into such a terrifying situation again.In the highlands, the temperature difference between day and night was significant. A cold breeze swept through, causing Abigail to shiver. Xander immediately took off his coat, intending to give it to her, but Abigail refused. "Mr. Zane, I'm already wearing a thick down jacket. If you give me your coat, you'll practically be left unprotected, and you'll risk frostbite."Xander was a rational person, understanding that even his strong body could not withstand the cold wearing only a tattered white shirt. Moreover, he was the person she had just risked her life to save. If he got injured due to the cold, her efforts would have been in vain. And she refused to accept his help, insisting on walking by herself. Her fierce independence was both admirable and frustrating.For over half an hour, they maintained a safe distance, never crossing a step too close to each other. Finally, they reached the paved road, and
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