Abigail asked, "So, you're suggesting I should agree to have dinner with him tonight?"Melody responded, "If we can dine at the place we've always wanted to go but never did because it was too expensive without spending a dime, why on earth would we decline?"Feeling like she had been hoodwinked by Melody, Abigail nevertheless agreed to have dinner with Xander. The Parlour was notorious for its exorbitant prices, yet it was never short of patrons. Reservations were mandatory, so Abigail had no choice but to use the Zane Corporation's VIP status to book a private dining room.With the restaurant reservation taken care of, Abigail had to continue with the property paperwork. Not knowing the procedures, she just did whatever the property management instructed. Unbeknownst to her, Xander had quietly joined her, taking the checklist from her hands. He scrutinized it meticulously, cross-checking every item the property management had provided."There's a missing access card here. You nee
Xander was at a loss, chain-smoking one cigarette after another, his mind becoming more perturbed and helpless with each drag. The more he wanted to make his marriage with Abigail work, the less he knew how to go about it. He was born into business, taught how to conduct it, and possessed a natural talent for it. Over the years, he had never had a failed business, leading many to hail him as a king in the business world. Yet, nobody had ever taught him how to manage a marriage, and he certainly was not a love genius. Faced with what many found an easy task – marriage – he felt like a clueless child, not knowing where to start.He tilted his head back slightly, gazing at the slowly rising moon in the sky, and a memory from many years ago surfaced in his mind.He could not recall how old he had been when the event occurred, but he remembered clearly walking in on his mother in bed with a man he did not recognize. He was too young at the time to understand the concept of betrayal or inf
His voice was not only pleasing to the ear, but the sincerity laced with a hint of helplessness and vulnerability was something Abigail had never seen in him before. As inexperienced in marriage as she was, she found herself wanting to help him."Mr. Zane," she said, "I personally believe the fact that you're even thinking about this is key to the success of your marriage.""Really?" Xander paused before asking, "Let me ask you: what do women expect from their husbands?""I can't speak for all women," she began, "But for me, I don't need my husband to be wealthy. He should be faithful, respect me, my family, my career, and make decisions with me. A married life is definitely something both partners need to work on together." From her perspective, Nathan had already met several of these conditions, which was why she was willing to give him a chance. When he had misunderstood her before, he was still willing to visit her sick grandmother, which showed his respect for elders.Hearing
While Felix and Melody were engaged in an animated debate, Abigail and Xander were unusually quiet. With a top-tier executive in the car, Abigail was entirely focused on driving, barely daring to glance aside.Xander, sitting in the front passenger seat, wanted to strike up a conversation a few times, but could not find a suitable topic. He knew all too well that if he wanted Abigail to engage, it had to relate to work; otherwise, she might brush him off with a polite decline to discuss personal matters. At times, he felt as if his role as the boss was subject to the whims of his assistant. With these thoughts, he shook his head helplessly. 'What could I do? After all, the name on my marriage certificate is Abigail.'Abigail noticed his gesture. "Mr. Zane, is something the matter?"Xander chuckled. "Just thought of something amusing."Abigail responded, "Oh."Xander asked, "Aren't you curious about what's so amusing?"Abigail asked, "May I ask?"Xander reassured her, "You can as
"This gal sure knows how to nurse a grudge. Just called her a little silly a couple times, and she's already ticked off." He chuckled. "If not a little silly, then what? Little smarty?"Abigail remained silent.Xander continued, "You're very intelligent, and you should believe in your own abilities. The Zane Corporation doesn't carry dead weight. You've climbed to your current position through your own hard work, which speaks volumes about your excellence. Don't ever doubt yourself because of anyone, including me, understand?""I understand."His words resonated with her. If she did not believe in her own capabilities, she would not have had the guts to bring up these issues. But his response surprised her once again. He never held back on praising his subordinates and acknowledging their capabilities, which was something only truly competent leaders could do. Unlike some company leaders who constantly belittled their subordinates, claiming they would be worthless without the compa
Malcolm tried to retort, but one icy glance from Xander had him promptly shutting up.Felix, who had just parked the car, approached. "Bullying women all day, what kind of man does that make you?"Melody looked Malcolm up and down with clear disdain. "Just because he looks like a man doesn't mean he acts like one."Her words were not damaging, but they were a massive insult. Malcolm was so enraged he could have swallowed Melody whole. "Xander, you heard that. They're ganging up on me. You can't keep siding with them."Xander replied, "Why is a grown man like you picking a fight with a girl?"Feeling defeated, Malcolm admitted he should act like a bigger person. "Alright, I'll listen to you. Why should I, a grown man, argue with a little girl? Wise men have said that petty men and women are hard to deal with. Why bother?"Melody shot back, "Who are you calling petty?"Malcolm smirked. "If the shoe fits.""You lousy male chauvinist. You're asking for it!"Furious, Melody lunged
As they chatted, the waiter began serving the food. Despite being a North Floriveran restaurant, they respected local customs. The first dish was a slow-cooked, nourishing soup. Floriverans enjoyed a bowl of soup before their meal, warming their stomachs for the main course. With the day being gloomy and cold, starting with a soup could not be more fitting.After ladling the soup, the server first handed it to Xander, who sat at the head of the table. Xander promptly passed it to Abigail on his right. "You first."Abigail smiled. "Thank you."Malcolm clicked his tongue. "So, you only see the person on your right and totally ignore me on your left, huh?"No one paid him any mind. The dishes were served in succession. The Parlour served North Floriveran cuisine, a favorite of Abigail and her friends. Xander had also mentioned that he was learning to appreciate North Floriveran food, so Abigail had ordered a couple of lighter dishes for him.Like Xander, Malcolm was a local Florivera
Malcolm was merely grumbling whimsically but had already figured out an answer himself. He did not need Xander to answer.Yet Xander answered, anyway, "It's because my wife is a North Floriveran, so I'm learning to cook North Floriveran dishes."Malcolm stared at Xander as if seeing a ghost, and a loud voice popped out in his mind saying, 'Xander is done for!'Xander, who avoided the opposite sex for twenty years, used to think being in a relationship was a waste of time. Now, he had changed his dietary habits that had lasted for more than twenty years for a woman.'Is he still Xander Zane? Could he be possessed by some other spirit?' Malcolm thought.Malcolm thought that Xander would definitely regret this one day and said, "Then you can learn to eat North Floriveran cuisine. I'm still used to eating our Floriveran dishes. They're much lighter and nutritious."Once he said that, Melody grew mad again. "What do you mean?"Malcolm questioned her back, "What do you mean?"Melody
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