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Chapter 422
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 423
With gentle tenderness, he stroked Esther's head and cradled her in his arms, heading out of the room. "Don't worry, Essy," he whispered, "We'll go outside and play." From that moment on, he shielded Esther from the nauseating quarrels of the bickering couple; he used every ounce of his strength to protect her, weaving a protective web around her, creating a blissful, happy family, sparing her from the distress of her birth family.Yet dreams were just that, mere dreams. And dreams were meant to be woken up from; the more perfect he created this dream for Esther, the harder the shattering of it impacted her.He remembered vividly the day of Esther's fifth birthday. She sat by the door, expectantly waiting for her parents to come home to celebrate with her. Eventually, their return did come, but Esther's cheerful greetings were met with indifference; they were too engrossed in their quarrel. The man, defeated by the woman, redirected his anger at Esther, who had been waiting for them
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 424
Esther gave her little head a vague nod. "I understand." From that day onward, Xander barred that repugnant couple from setting foot inside the Zane residence. He forced himself to grow stronger so he could protect the Zane Corporation, allow his weary grandmother to retire, and shield his vulnerable sister."Ha..." Xander scoffed coldly as the memories flooded back. 'That man couldn't even protect the woman he loved. He had to marry a woman he didn't love for the sake of benefits, and then blamed everyone else for his misfortunes, such a display of weakness and incompetence.'"M-Mr. Zane, good morning."A crisp voice snapped Xander back from his childhood reverie. Lifting his gaze, he saw a slender, radiant figure before him. Florivera did not have harsh winters, so the weather was quite warm in early March, which was why Abigail was wearing her summer work clothes. A simple yet sophisticated white blouse paired with a black skirt accentuated her already appealing figure. He found
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 425
Breakfast was a grand affair prepared by Susanna herself. Not only did it include a variety of Alvonian and Chrysalian dishes, but it also featured Abigail's favorite spaghetti bolognese. Overwhelmed by the spread of her favorite breakfast items, Abigail could not help but express her surprise, "Susanna, aside from the dishes Mr. Zane enjoys, did you prepare the rest just for me?"There was something irresistibly captivating about Abigail, Xander found. Seeing her elated over a simple breakfast made him inexplicably happy, enhancing his appetite.With a warm smile, Susanna began to pile the various dishes next to Abigail. "Indeed, it's all for you. Why don't you try the spaghetti bolognese and see how it compares to your grandmother's?"Though unaccustomed to having pasta for breakfast, Abigail was unable to resist Susanna's enthusiasm. She took a bite, savoring the firm texture of the pasta and the specially made bolognese sauce. Emotions welled up, threatening to spill over. "Susa
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 426
Susanna replied, "Yes."Abigail finally managed to carve out a moment of tranquility, quickly devouring the plate of spaghetti. With the plate emptied, her morning appetite satiated, she was nearly full.Seeing her untouched assortment of food, Xander asked, "You don't like any of it?"Abigail retorted, "I do, but I can't eat anymore."Xander said, "You don't have to finish everything you like, a taste of each would do."Abigail replied, "I don't want to waste food."Xander was left speechless.They shared their silence, finishing their breakfast and heading off to the office together. Susanna, brimming with enthusiasm, escorted Abigail to the door. Abigail was beginning to feel overwhelmed by Susanna's fervor. It was not the welcome of a guest, but the adoration for a lady of the house. Upon leaving the Monsoon Villa, Abigail expelled a sigh of relief.The sigh barely left her lips before she heard Xander's low, challenging tone. "Is it that uncomfortable staying at my place?"
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 427
Abigail turned back, a smile playing on her lips. "Can I help you?"The young man, clearly out of his depth, nervously adjusted the frame of his glasses. "Are you busy later today? May I invite you to dinner, alone? I have some work-related queries I would like to discuss with you." During the past couple of weeks, the entire team had been tirelessly discussing the project together. Meals were often working lunches, time spent discussing tasks at hand.With the young man calling out to Abigail in front of everyone, even going as far as inviting her to dine alone with him, anyone could decipher his true intentions.Xander, who had not strayed far, was listening with keen interest, confident that Abigail would refuse without a moment's hesitation. But Abigail's response landed like a slap across his face.Abigail responded with a smile. "Sure. But I'm not free tonight—"Before she could finish, the young man blurted, clearly anxious, "It's okay if you're not free tonight. I'll add y
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 428
Xander's gaze locked onto the grinning Keith. "You may leave now."Sensing the underlying displeasure in his boss's words, Keith did not hesitate. He gave a quick nod and beat a hasty retreat. As Abigail approached to hand Xander the files, she heard him ask in a dark tone, "Why didn't you reject that man immediately?"Abigail looked up at Xander. For a fleeting moment, she felt his gaze bore into her with an intensity that reminded her of a jealous husband catching another man's interest in his wife. But she quickly dismissed the thought as fanciful—just because a coworker expressed interest in her, she was getting ahead of herself, imagining that even the CEO had a thing for her. She replied, "Mr. Zane, he mentioned wanting to discuss work with me, not directly expressing any romantic interest. If I had outright rejected him, what if I misinterpreted his intentions?"Upon finishing her explanation, Abigail realized something was off. "Mr. Zane, does our company have a rule against
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 429
Suddenly, Melody chirped, "Look who's coming!"Abigail and Felix followed her gaze, and sure enough, Xander and Malcolm were striding toward them. Malcolm, seeing them from afar, waved enthusiastically in their direction."Ms. Renee," he greeted when he was close enough, "it's been a while, haven't you missed me?""Can I say no?" Abigail retorted, managing a playful grin. Even off the clock, she felt the need to maintain a respectful demeanor toward Xander. "Mr. Zane, are you here to check on the renovations too?""Hmm," Xander responded, his voice hardly above a whisper. He would never tell Abigail that he had engineered this "chance encounter" upon learning she would be here tonight. To make it seem more believable, he had roped in Malcolm.While Xander was usually tight-lipped, Malcolm was quite the chatterbox. "Renovations? That's hardly Xander's forte. The only reason he's here is because his wife took a fancy to these properties, so he bought a few of them. I swear, Xander,
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 430
It could have been the result of being conditioned for so long, or perhaps it was Abigail's relentless commitment to her role as an assistant in Xander's presence. Whatever the case, she had always dutifully followed his commands, never contemplating defiance. "Can I even say no to him?"Felix nudged her forehead, frustration radiating off him. "Caterpie, you're his assistant, not his wife. Why can't you say no to dining with him? Call him right now and say you won't go."Melody instantly moved to Abigail's defense. "Caterpie, why wouldn't you go if he's inviting us? We get to dine at Florivera's finest without spending a dime, feasting on the meal we've always desired but never wanted to splurge on. Why would we refuse?"At the mention of money, the penny-pinching Abigail was easily swayed. "Alright, we'll go! But only to an upscale restaurant where the average cost per person hits the thousands."Melody clapped her hands in delight. "Perfect! We get to enjoy the handsome man's co
Last Updated : 2024-10-29
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Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 1738
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
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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
Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 1736
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
Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 1735
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
Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 1734
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
Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 1733
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
Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 1732
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
Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 1731
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
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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
