The first message was, [Abigail, I'm coming back to Florivera tomorrow.]The second wrote, [When do you think we should meet up?]She agreed to be cold to him. But, when she saw that Nathan had sent a message, Abigail did not even remember to be cold like him. She hurriedly typed, [What time will you arrive at Florivera?]If he came to Florivera in the morning, she could still meet him before flying to Hayshiport. Nathan replied, [Two in the afternoon.]If it was two in the afternoon tomorrow, she would already be at Hayshiport. Abigail immediately felt defeated. [Sorry! I'll be going to Hayshiport with Xander tomorrow. I don't know when I will come back, so I won't be able to meet you tomorrow.][Then, I'll wait for you to come back, and we'll meet up.][Okay.]After she replied, Nathan did not send her any new messages. He did not even send a simple message, asking how she was doing these days. Instead, he did not say anything. Abigail held onto her phone. After thinking about
She had already arrived but not as the lady of the house. Xander wanted to say that, but his mouth blurted out another word. "Soon."Susanna said, "That's good, that's good. You don't know how long I've been looking forward to having a lady in this house. In the past, I assumed that till the day I die, I won't be able to wait for her. I will finally be able to see it now."Susanna had watched Xander grow up and treated Xander like her own child. She knew that he had been alone these years, and he would bear everything alone with no one by his side to care for him. Now, she finally found someone who would always be by his side. How could Susanna not be happy?Xander saw that Susanna was crying, and he said, "This is a good thing. So, why are you crying?""These are my tears of joy. I'm happy for you," Susanna wiped her tears. "I really want to see this young madam soon. I want to see how she looks; I want to..."After Xander grew up, Susanna had never spoken so much to him for a ve
Hence, Abigail immediately went to acquire a deeper understanding of that ancient art piece. She checked everything carefully such as who the painter was and was the painting an original art or an imitation. Only then would she be able to help Xander snatch this painting with the most worthwhile price.When Abigail was busy, Susanna brought fruits and various exquisite desserts. "Abigail, work is important but don't forget to take a break. Eat some fruits and desserts."Abigail was slightly troubled by this. "Thank you, Susanna. But, you don't have to trouble yourself so much. I'm not that hungry."Susanna replied with a smile, "No worries. If you're not hungry, you can still try and taste it.""Alright, "Abigail was forced to take a piece of the dessert. She did not know what the dessert was made of. It was soft and sticky, yet it melted in her mouth. Susanna saw that Abigail enjoyed the dessert. Susanna quietly remembered this and wanted to make it for her the next time she retur
The man seemed like he was younger than thirty. His body was covered in luxury brands, and his looks were decent. However, Abigail still did not give him any face. "You kept staring at me without my permission. This type of behavior is very impolite.""So, what you're saying is that, as long as I have your permission, I can keep staring at you?" The man curved his lip and showed a smile that he thought was charming. "Going to Hayshiport alone? For a vacation? Or, for work?"From Abigail's perspective, the series of actions that the greasy man performed were all done in order to hit on her. She usually did not want to bother with these types of people. "You and I don't know each other. What I'm doing has nothing to do with you."After being rejected by Abigail so bluntly, the man was not angry. He continued to show his smile, which he felt was charming, "Then, allow me to introduce myself. I'm a Hayshiportian, and my surname is Langston. May I know your name, beautiful?"'Hayshiport
After achieving her objective, Abigail chuckled, "No one. I look up to you for a long time, Mr. Langston. I finally met you today by coincidence, and I wanted to take the next step with you, Mr. Langston.""Look up to me for a long time? Then, let me see if you're worth it or not..." Simon lifted his hand and wanted to pinch Abigail's chin. However, before he could touch her, a hand came and gripped his wrist tightly."Leave!"Xander's deep and cold voice came. Even Simon was scared to the point of not daring to breathe when he was faced with Xander's magnificent presence. Under Xander's deathly stare, Simon got up and left. However, just as he raised his foot, he regained his bearings. "Who are you? How dare you ruin my business!"Xander replied seriously, "You can go back and ask James Langston who I am."The sentence might have been too powerful, or it might have been because Simon was not as tall as Xander. Simon raised his head but could barely meet Xander in the eye. His pre
Abigail lowered her head and whispered, "I remember every word you said. I also know that I have the Zane Corporation behind me. But, how could I trouble you with a minor incident such as being hit on?"He was her boss, not her husband. If she went to him for minor stuff like being hit on, how would she deal with it when he said something like, "What does it have to do with me?"Hearing her mumble, Xander's face softened. His voice was deep and gentle. "Abigail, whether it's work or daily life, you can come to me to solve any issue."Abigail did not dare take Xander's promise seriously. His relationship with her was of a subordinate and their boss. She could not, with good conscience, enjoy his good treatment toward her just because she had the same name as his wife.Hence, she quickly refused. "Mr. Zane, there are many trivial issues in life. Before I met you, I could solve them myself. I should still be able to solve it myself after meeting you."Xander grew frustrated again. "I
As they disembarked from the plane, Abigail, like her usual routine, conscientiously headed to retrieve their luggage. Keith was not with them on this trip, and the burden of managing three suitcases was a tricky task for her alone. She procured a luggage cart, intending to load all three cases onto it for convenience. But, when she turned around, Xander was there with one hand steadying the cart. "I got this."Abigail could not fathom the idea of the CEO himself handling their baggage. "Mr. Zane, this really isn't a task you should have to deal with."Xander simply replied, "It's a private trip."Despite it being a private trip, Abigail still protested. "Mr. Zane..."In a timely intervention, Xander shot a glance at Esther. She immediately sprang into action, tugging at Abigail's arm. "Abigail, let the guys handle the heavy lifting.""But, Essy, this isn't right." Abigail stubbornly resisted, pulling free from Esther and returning to the luggage carousel. "Mr. Zane, let me do it.
Xander was done hearing Abigail deny being his wife to others, which was why he had interrupted her earlier. Abigail, who was oblivious to his reason, assumed that he was getting impatient and hastily waved at the young girl. She then hurriedly followed Xander from behind.The trip was a personal one for Xander, and it was unrelated to work. Hence, Abigail did not arrange for someone from the branch office to pick them up. Instead, she had rented a minivan from a rental company to drive them around. Abigail knew Xander well. He was always discreet and low-profile, and he disliked flamboyance. If it was not for his exceptionally good looks, few would notice him. The clothes he wore never showcased any ostentatious logos, and only someone with a discerning eye would realize that they were tailored just for him.Unbeknownst to her, just as they were boarding the car, Simon's luxurious vehicle happened to pass by them. Simon, who was still brooding with resentment, noticed them and instr
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