Melody did not force Abigail to buy since she did not want to. Melody said, "Alright, then accompany me to buy. I want to buy two slightly expensive outfits to wear at home for Easter. This year, I must steal the show from Yulia Scott, that bitch."Abigail smiled. "You still remember that."Melody said, "It hasn't even been a year. How could I forget? So what if she married a nouveau riche husband? So what if she carries a bag worth a few hundred dollars? During our class reunion, she boasted about it at least ten times. She said her husband owns several storefronts in our city and has hundreds of thousands of savings.""I could care less about her boasting as it didn't affect me in any way, but who knew she would insult us while doing so? She knows very well why you didn't return to North Florivera, yet she deliberately asked if you hadn't made any money or couldn't find a boyfriend, so you didn't go back for Easter. I shouldn't dwell on it, but it infuriates me every time I think
"We don't want your service anymore, call your manager." The dismissive, incredibly impatient attitude had even Abigail, usually a patient customer, at her wit's end. Some luxury goods salespeople act as if they own the store, looking down on customers at the drop of a hat.The saleswoman gave Abigail a once-over, from head to toe, failing to see how they fit into their high-spending clientele. Naturally, they did not qualify for the manager's personal attention. "I'm sorry, our manager is attending to VIPs."Abigail's voice took on a frosty edge. "Get your manager here, now."Seeing Abigail's assertive attitude, the saleswoman grew even more arrogant, resorting to shifting blame. "We welcome customers who want to shop. If you're here to cause trouble, don't blame us for being rude."Melody almost laughed in disbelief. "Are all the salespeople at these luxury brands so full of themselves now?""There are two troublemakers here, can you please escort them out?" The saleswoman shot
"Even the biggest of brands can't last with such salespeople," Melody said."Surely, not all of them are like this," Abigail replied. "Today, we just got unlucky. We stumbled upon a rotten one. Come on, let's switch stores and continue our shopping spree. We can't let one bad apple spoil our day."With that, they ventured into another designer handbag store. Wiser from their previous encounter, Abigail promptly displayed her VIP card. The duo was immediately escorted into an exclusive lounge, where an array of handbags, unavailable to ordinary customers, awaited their discerning eyes. After a detailed perusal, Melody selected a bag worth around ten grand. The salesperson did not exhibit any displeasure; instead, he offered them impeccable service throughout.Next, they visited a clothing store. Melody fell for a knit sweater and bought two without batting an eyelid. Money did not seem to concern her much. As the only child in her family, with well-to-do parents, she rarely had to wo
Once home, Abigail opted for an early night after a soothing bath, planning to rise early the next morning to visit her grandmother at the Southcrest Residence. Before falling asleep, she habitually checked her phone and found a slew of unread messages from Stella.[Abigail, guess what? The author of Chloe Bay messaged me with lots of encouraging words. I'm suddenly feeling more confident.] Stella's message read.Abigail responded with a comforting note: [Who knows? Maybe in the author's mind, you're the ideal person to play Chloe Bay.]Stella replied: [Your perspectives are so similar to the author's. I'm sure she must be as insightful as you. If she wasn't so reserved, I'd definitely want to be her friend.]Abigail playfully hinted: [Maybe you're already friends and you just don't realize it.]Stella's next message chimed in: [Always the comforting voice. Alright, it's getting late. I need to review my script. You should rest, too.][Goodnight.]Abigail reciprocated the farewe
The anger and resentment boiling within Abigail were instantly doused by Nathan's plain and straightforward reply. She understood that any man confronted by his wife would respond similarly. But there was something about Nathan that made her inexplicably believe him. As long as he said he had no other women, she would trust him. While she trusted him in her heart, she also wanted to tease him a bit.[Hmph, so if you say there's no one else, that's that, huh? You're out all day; who knows if you're fooling me.]After sending that message, she waited for a good while before receiving Nathan's response.[Abigail, what do I need to do for you to trust me?]Abigail was just jesting with him, but his serious tone made her feel like a terrible person, leaving her with a sense of guilt.[I trust you.]Nathan replied: [Thank you.]Their conversation seemed to hit a dead end that day. If Abigail wanted to keep the conversation going, she had to work hard to find new topics.[I'm on the h
Abigail hoisted the bags of clothes she had purchased for her grandmothers, joining the departing passengers at the train door. Once the train halted, she alighted, making her way with the crowd to the station exit. Hailing a cab, she headed straight for Southcrest Residence. It was not until she arrived and saw the stately villa towering in front of her that it slowly dawned on Abigail that Nathan's family was likely much wealthier than she had anticipated.Nathan was a local of Florivera, a city known for its extensive redevelopment and subsequent reallocation of homes. A minimum of one house per displaced family was typical, some receiving two or three. Live in one, sell the rest, and the resulting funds would take care of you for life. Rumor had it that residents in prime locations even got a bonus each year, and some of Florivera's locals made quite a handsome profit from it. Many opted to sell their Florivera homes, buying villas in the less expensive Southcrest, and used the le
Both elderly ladies were content with the clothing, and Abigail was delighted. "Grandmas, I'm going to wash these new clothes before you wear them.""Don't trouble yourself, dear." Margaret beckoned her to sit down. "We have someone to take care of the laundry. Nathan has seen to it. You're not here often, so just sit with us and chat."Abigail had come intending to dote on the elderly ladies but soon discovered the caretaker Nathan had hired was doing an exceptional job. From taking care of the elderly ladies to tending to the garden and keeping the house spotless, Abigail found no room for her intended kindness. It dawned on her then that Nathan was far more attentive than she had given him credit for. This realization only served to endear him more to her heart. On a scale of ten, Nathan already held a commendable eight in her book.Margaret, who was keenly hopeful for the young couple's future, switched the topic to Xander as soon as they settled down. "Abigail, you mentioned yo
Cassandra, laughing heartily, chimed in with a twinkle in her eyes, "Alright, alright, we'll leave the toe-sucking stories in the past. Let's discuss when you used to wet the bed as a child."Abigail was mortified, but she let them continue, relishing their joyful chatter. Strangely, neither of them brought up Nathan.Once the raviolis were ready, Abigail cooked up the first batch. Margaret tasted a couple and was genuinely pleased. "Abigail, these are just lovely, the filling is tender and juicy, not dry at all. Could I take a bowl to our neighbor, Mr. Drake?""Sure, Grandma," Abigail agreed quickly. "I'll cook up another batch right now." With that, she prepared another pot of raviolis, then carefully packed them into an insulated container, even adding a small side of marinara sauce. "Grandma, shall I take this over to Mr. Drake?""No need, dear, Mr. Drake is a bit shy with new faces. I'll take it," Margaret decided, cheerily picking up the container and heading out the door.C
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