Abigail noticed the shift in Stella's mood. "Stella, if something's bothering you, share it with me. Don't bottle it up."Stella sighed deeply. "It's nothing specific, just sometimes I feel that being pretty isn't always a blessing, and life can seem so pointless..." She paused before continuing, "Abigail, do you know? Lately, I've been wondering if Chloe wasn't as beautiful, if she looked just like any other girl, would she still have been tormented by the local bully? If she wasn't targeted, then she wouldn't have been labeled as 'disgraced', her mother wouldn't have committed suicide over her, and she wouldn't have been cast out of her village..." Her voice broke into a laugh. "If all that never happened, her life after sixteen wouldn't have been so difficult. Not only was she unable to be with the man she loved, but she also nearly lost her life a few times."After listening patiently, Abigail softly replied, "Stella, you're right. If none of that had happened, Chloe wouldn't hav
Abigail: [You've arrived here through your own grit and determination, winning over audiences one small role at a time, until, through relentless effort, you've become the brightest starlet of today, an actress whose hands have grown weary from receiving countless awards. You're so exceptional. How can you possibly doubt yourself?]Abigail sent her message, and in less than two seconds Stella's response arrived. It was as if the original author had been eagerly awaited.Stella: [Finally, you decided to reply. I thought you were ignoring me.]Abigail sensed the fluttering dread and restlessness residing within Stella's words. Chloe Bay was a character that Abigail had poured her heart into. She had tears, she bled, and at times, the creation of her had nearly broken Abigail. 'Stella's depth of immersion into the role must have mirrored this,' thought Abigail. 'Her involvement is so profound. It appears she's finding it hard to extricate herself.'Abigail: [I've been swamped with wor
The flight from Florivera to Berrybrook was under three hours, touching down at Berrybrook a little past 2:00 a.m. The temperature difference between day and night was quite stark there. Abigail, who was scantily dressed, felt the chill seep into her skin the moment she disembarked. The cold shook her awake from her drowsiness. As she followed the crowd toward the airport exit, a familiar masculine voice called out from behind."Ms. Renee? Is that you, Ms. Renee?"Turning, Abigail saw the tall and smiling figure of Lucas, his assistant trailing behind him. Both men were looking at her. Abigail glanced up at the flight schedule displayed on the wall, just as a flight from Hayshiport had landed. "Mr. White, what a coincidence. What brings you here?""I'm visiting Stella on set." Lucas looked around, not finding the face he expected. "Why are you alone? Isn't Xander with you?"'Xander isn't with me?' That insinuation carried an undeniable innuendo, prompting Abigail to quickly clarify
Thankfully, it was the off-season, and Abigail managed to snag a fairly nice single room in a chain hotel for just over 300 dollars. By the time she had settled in, the dawn was creeping in. After tidying up a bit, Abigail surrendered to her weariness, falling into a deep slumber that lasted until nearly noon, completely throwing off her internal clock. As per her usual routine, she grabbed her phone the moment she woke. Two messages awaited her, both from Stella.Stella: [Abigail, Lucas told me you're visiting Berrybrook. If you're free at noon, shall we grab lunch together?]Stella: [Abigail, text me back when you're up. I won't call you in case I wake you up.]Abigail promptly texted back: [Sounds great! Where are you? I'll come to you now.]Stella quickly responded with an address. Upon checking it, Abigail found the restaurant to be just a quarter-mile away from her hotel, a mere few-minute walk. After a hurried morning routine, she set out for the restaurant.Upon arrival, s
For the past two months, Ron had been on a relentless hunt for Emma, scouring every place she might have possibly gone, yet not a trace was found. Emma had not merely disappeared from his life; she seemed to have vanished from the face of the earth. With each day that passed without a sign of her, the terror of losing Emma forever burrowed deeper into Ron's heart. He found himself unable to eat, unable to sleep. When sleep did manage to claim him, his dreams were haunted by Emma's visage, her eyes reproachful as though he had committed some unforgivable act against her. Time and again, he sought out Xander, pleading with him to reveal Emma's whereabouts. He vowed he would not intrude on her life, that he merely wished to see her from afar. Yet, no matter what he said, Xander remained unyielding.Ron knew that the problem lay with Abigail. Hence, he had his men watch her incessantly, waiting for a moment when she was unprotected so he could abduct her and force Xander to hand over Emma
Ron gave Xander a long, meaningful look before finally departing into the night.After Ron left, Paxton returned to Xander's side. His head hung low, a picture of utter defeat. "Mr. Zane, it was my mistake this time. Punish me in any way you see fit."Xander turned his gaze to Paxton. From this angle, the scar on Paxton's face looked particularly gruesome, like a centipede crawling across his skin. "Does the wound on your face still hurt?"Paxton shook his head. "No, it doesn't."Xander instructed, "You can go now."Paxton blinked, looking up at him. "You won't punish me for my failure?"Xander turned his back, gazing out of the window. "Right now, I haven't announced Abigail's identity to the outside world, so my business adversaries who are eyeing me like tigers won't cause trouble for her. Once I disclose Abigail's identity, many of the dangers lurking around me will shift onto her."Berrybrook was not as bustling as Florivera, even in its downtown area, with just a few skysc
Dr. Sander understood, but any mother would naturally worry about her son. The thought of her son living on the edge daily made her heart hang in mid-air, an unsettling mix of unease and dread. Tenderly, she traced the ghastly scar that marred Paxton's face. "You've had it tough, my son..." That scar was a brutal reminder of his fierce loyalty to Xander, an injury obtained during a desperate battle a few years ago. Not just his face, but his body bore numerous such marks. That time, their lives had hung by a thread in Alvonia, under the guns of brutal thugs.Gently removing her hand, Paxton comforted her. "Don't cry, Mom. I no longer feel the pain."Wiping her tears, Dr. Sander drew a deep breath. "You're right. We chose this path and must remain loyal to our master, even at the cost of our lives." Paxton nodded. Dr. Sander continued, "I believe Xander's protection of Abigail goes beyond her status as his wife. He must care for her deeply. You must be even more vigilant about Abigail
Of all the men present, only Xander managed to utter a sentiment that struck a chord with Abigail, earning him a silent mental applause.Lucas chuckled. "Xander, do you really think you're in any position to talk about marital harmony? Maybe you should sort out your own wife first."Xander disregarded him, turning his attention back to Abigail."Good afternoon, Mr. Zane," Abigail greeted with a courtesy that felt formal, making the lines of Xander's face tighten in apparent disapproval. But she was too far away to notice.Lucas, the eternal showman, pulled Stella closer to him, digging his fingers slightly into her waist, before burying his face in the crook of her neck for a whiff. "I'm making it clear; Stella isn't taking a single step away from me."Stella tried to draw back, but Lucas's firm grip held her in place. "Lucas, have some shame. We're being watched," she muttered under her breath, but her plea fell on deaf ears as Lucas continued to nuzzle her ear. "Honey, it's been
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