The maids would prepare dinner. But today Cassandra specially prepared two dishes herself for Abigail.One of them was pork belly stir-fry, and the other dish was cashew chicken.Abigail knew how to make these two dishes. But her cooking skills were nowhere near Cassandra's.Cassandra could make the pork belly stir-fry smell delicious and have a glutinous texture. It was the best pork belly stir-fry Abigail ever had. It would make her mouth water just by the thought of it.The second dish was cashew chicken. She wondered how the peanuts in this dish that Cassandra made could be crisper than in the one she made.Abigail nagged as she helped to make the side dish, "Grandma, are you not willing to pass all your secret cooking recipes to me? We're using the same recipe. But why was the one I made not as delicious as yours?"Cassandra smiled as she said, "This has nothing to do with the recipe. It's about experiences. Moreover, you've been eating the food I made growing up. These flav
Cassandra answered, "Nothing's wrong. I just want to have a great-grandchild. You can go ahead and give birth to a child. After the child is born, Margaret and I will help you to look after your child. If you don't feel safe leaving the kid with us, we'll find the best nanny to take care of the child... In any case, it'll definitely not affect your work."Abigail patiently explained to Cassandra, "Grandma, it's not that I'm not willing to give birth to a child. It's just that I really can't give birth to one now. The workplace has many requirements for women. Some companies even have rules saying female workers can't have a child within a few years of joining."Although my company doesn't have this rule, my job is special. I have to follow my boss everywhere. If I have a child, I surely can't handle such high-intensity work. I worked very, very hard to get this job. I don't want to just give it up."Cassandra could understand Abigail's perspective. But she felt Abigail's life was mo
Abigail had not been able to get in touch with Nathan all day. Anxiety was once again threading its way through her heart. She paced restlessly around her room, desperate to connect with Nathan.His phone was unreachable, so Abigail decided to try his colleagues. It was only in her urgency that Abigail realized she did not have any of Nathan's coworkers' contact information. She knew so little about Nathan. Even after two years of marriage, she still was not clear about his exact job.In her desperation, Abigail thought of Xander and Esther. The siblings knew Nathan; they had a better understanding of him, and they might have contact with people around him. After some thought, Abigail sent Xander a message on WhatsApp.Abigail: [Mr. Zane, I apologize for disturbing you so late. Do you happen to have the contact information for any of Nathan's colleagues?]After sending the message, Abigail kept her eyes glued to her phone screen, waiting for a reply from Xander. When there was no r
Esther seethed, "What do you mean he can't call his wife? Regardless of how important his work might be, could it be more important than his wife?"Dr. Sander spoke, "Xander is ill. He's in the hospital now."Esther's heart skipped a beat. "What happened to him? Is it serious?" She thought, 'If it wasn't serious, knowing my brother, he would never neglect Abigail's messages.'Dr. Sander gave a short reply. "He's still unconscious."Upon hearing this, Esther's worries intensified. "I'll handle things on Abigail's end. Which hospital are you at? I'm coming now."Dr. Sander said, "There's no need for you to come. I'm with him. And you should not tell Abigail. Xander explicitly instructed not to let her know."Esther's fury escalated with each word. "My brother is unconscious, and you didn't even inform his next of kin. I'm not even going to comment on that. Now, I want to visit him, and you're stopping me. Do you think you're closer to him than his own family? Let me tell you, right
"What illness is it?" Abigail asked.Esther replied, "I'm not sure about the specifics. Dr. Sander just mentioned he was ill and had been hospitalized. Abigail, would you accompany me to visit my brother in the hospital? Please?"Earlier in the day, Abigail had witnessed firsthand Xander being caught up in a passionate encounter with Mallory at the Illumination Club, and now he was suddenly ill. 'Could it be that his habitual restraint has given way to an abrupt excess of indulgence, overwhelming his system? If so, he deserves it. Though, his wife would suffer. He was messing around, disregarding his marriage, compromising his health. None of those women would be at his side to care for him. That tedious task would fall onto Dr. Sander and his wife.' The more Abigail thought about it, the more repulsed she felt. "Essy, I'm currently in Southcrest, so I won't be accompanying you to visit Mr. Zane. Once I'm back in Florivera, if Mr. Zane is still hospitalized, I'll go see him.""You'r
Margaret said, "Why don't you get some more sleep after breakfast?""Grandma, it's alright. I'll perk up in a bit," Abigail replied. She had risen early to enjoy breakfast with the two elderly women, following up with a walk and chat in the garden. Her primary purpose for coming to Southcrest was to spend time with her grandmothers. Being holed up in her room sleeping all day would contradict this purpose. As they strolled and conversed, the conversation naturally drifted back to the topic of having children. Unwilling to continue this line of discussion, Abigail steered the conversation elsewhere."Grandmas, what would you like to eat for lunch? How about I whip up something in the kitchen for you?""No need, the maid is already preparing lunch," Margaret said."Next time, remember to bring Nate along to Southcrest Residence. We can ask him about his plans for having children," Cassandra added.Margaret chimed in, "How about I give that rascal Nathan a call now and find out what
Abigail could not tell if Mallory had intentionally let her glimpse the mark, but she had seen it all the same.Mallory, a buzz of excitement, gripped Abigail's arm. "Are you shopping alone? Want to join me?"Abigail glanced at Mallory's hand on her arm, hesitated, then subtly pulled away. "My budget allows me only to explore floors one through five."Seemingly oblivious to Abigail's coolness, Mallory reclaimed her hold on Abigail's arm. "My brother just transferred me some money. Let's browse through floors six to nine together. Whatever you like, I'll buy it for you." Max had transferred a substantial amount into her account, believing she had genuinely captured Xander's heart. He wanted her to invest in herself, to look her best for Xander and maintain their family's image."No, thank you," Abigail declined."Then let's shop together on floors one to five.""I won't be helping to arrange anything between you and Mr. Zane. You shouldn't waste your time on me.""I can't live wi
Mallory tightly grabbed Abigail. Her grip was so strong that Abigail's arm felt painful. She said, "Abigail, will you stop being friends with me because I slept with Xander?"Abigail looked at Mallory. She actually felt that Mallory really wanted to be friends with her. But Abigail could not accept being friends with someone who shared different values with her. She responded, "Ms. Guzman, we were never friends...""Abigail, from now on, I don't need you to help me win Xander over. I won't talk about him in front of you either. Can we continue to be friends?" Mallory asked. Mallory was very worried. There was even a hint of pleading in her tone.Abigail was soft-hearted again. Just when she was thinking about how to reject her, a gentle voice could be heard from behind. "Mallory, who are you talking to?"Mallory's facial expression changed instantly. She immediately strode toward that person. "Mom, why are you here?"It was Mallory's mother, Daisy.When Abigail turned her head, s
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