Xander had not expected Abigail to bring up Nathan, and it set off a flicker of unease within him. "Why the sudden question?"Abigail managed a small, forced smile. "Just looking to understand him better, from another perspective."Her smile did not reach her eyes; Xander noticed but did not press. "I've told you before, Nathan and I are very close, almost like one person. If you ever need something from him and can't reach him directly, you can always tell me.""And how did you meet?" Abigail asked. "The Harts are just average folks, hardly noteworthy in Florivera."With practiced ease, Xander spun a tale. "Our grandmas were close friends. They would often arrange for us to play together, so we've known each other since we were children.""Oh..." Abigail let out a soft sound, then switched gears. "And your wife? You've been ill, and yet she hasn't been by your side?""She wasn't aware of my illness initially. Once she found out, she came straight away," Xander replied.'Is he t
Xander's hand was large and attractive, the fingers long and well-proportioned, knuckles prominent. Perhaps it was the force he used, but the veins on the back of his hand were noticeable, adding a hint of ferocity. Abigail withdrew her own hand, resuming her seat. "Mr. Zane, what would you like to chat about?"Seeing her sit back down, Xander felt relieved. "We don't necessarily have to talk about anything, just sit with me for a while longer. If you find conversing with me dull, you can play on your phone." He merely wanted her company, to be able to see her was enough. He dared not wish for more.Since he had said it that way, Abigail saw no reason to hold back. She took out her phone and sent a WhatsApp message to Nathan.Abigail: [Nathan.]As expected, Xander's phone, which he had set aside, buzzed.Continuing, Abigail sent a second message: [We.]Xander's phone buzzed again.Immediately following, Abigail sent a third message. How she wished Xander's personal phone would n
"Ugh..." With one hand clutching her chest, Abigail attempted to push Xander away. But he stood before her like a mountain, immovable. In her desperation, she even tried to use her legs. "I said back off! Don't touch me!"Xander held her firmly, his handsome face clouded with concern. "Abigail, stop struggling! Tell me what's wrong!"Perhaps it was the power of his aura, or maybe after working under him for so long, she had developed a muscular obedience to him. When he told her to stop, she indeed ceased struggling, compliantly lying in bed, like a lamb ready for slaughter. She had exhausted all her strength in vain attempts to break free from his grip, and now, it felt like her thoughts were controlled by him too. For a moment, Abigail felt like a tiny pet in his hand, toyed with at his whim, unable to escape unless he released her. This realization drove her to emotional collapse."Can't you hear me telling you to let go? Who are you? What do you want?""Alright, I'll let go for
Dr. Sander's unfinished sentence was cut off by the closing door.Concerned, Xander turned to Abigail. "You shouldn't mind what others say.""I won't." Abigail helped Xander back onto the hospital bed. "Mr. Zane, you need to lay down. I'll call a doctor to hook you back up to the IV.""Alright."Immediately, Abigail summoned a doctor. The doctor initially had a list of precautions to share with her, but a single look from Xander silenced them. After administering the IV, the doctor departed. Once they were alone, Xander said to Abigail, "Sit down. There's something I want to tell you."His command compelled her to sit, regardless of her internal resistance to him. She complied and settled in the chair. "Mr. Zane, what did you want to talk about?"Seeing her calm demeanor restored, Xander felt somewhat relieved. "I'm not sure what exactly happened to you. But no matter what it is, you can always confide in me."Abigail gathered the courage to meet his gaze. He was typically indif
In the grip of a ferocious category-one typhoon, Florivera was caught in the throes of a windy night. Stepping out of the hospital, the cold gusts hit Abigail full on, making her shiver and instantly sobering her up.'Nathan is Xander! Xander is Nathan! That's the indisputable truth! That means my boss, the billionaire, the man countless women queue up to marry, the world's richest man, Xander, is my husband!'As Melody had pointed out, becoming Xander's wife was like winning the lottery, a dream come true for many women. Abigail never imagined having anything to do with Xander beyond work, yet here she was, hit square in the face with this reality, without any warning. By all accounts, she should have been thrilled and ecstatic, but instead, she felt suffocated, a discomfort she could not put into words.Abigail had witnessed too many marriages come and go. She knew marriage was more than just the union of two people; it involved two families. Society today still valued compatibili
As Abigail closed her eyes in anguish, taking a deep, measured breath, Felix's voice suddenly echoed from behind her."Caterpie, you're sure that Xander and Nathan are the same person, right?"Melody and Felix had followed her to the hospital. They had been waiting for her beside her car while she went up to the ward. Seeing her emerge from the hospital with such a heavy heart, they had pretty much guessed what was going on.Abigail was startled. "What are you two doing here?"Melody stepped forward, enveloping Abigail in a comforting hug. "We're here for you, Caterpie. With all that's happening, how could we not be by your side?"They had always been there for her, rushing to her side whenever she faced any difficulties, helping her navigate through her tough times. Abigail wanted to smile, but the sting in her nose and the swelling in her eyes told her tears were imminent. She quickly tilted her head back, refusing to let the tears flow."You two are so annoying, always quietly
Felix could see Abigail wavering, so he quickly said, "Caterpie, don't listen to Mel's nonsense. You're young and have your whole life ahead of you. You'll definitely meet a man who you truly love and who genuinely loves you back. Don't waste your best years on a man who's not worth it.""A man I love and who loves me? Hmm..." Abigail chuckled, deciding not to comment further.Melody chimed in, "It's getting late. Let's head back. We can discuss this properly after a good night's sleep."Abigail did not want to keep them either. "Let's go."Melody turned to Felix. "Fee, you'll drive separately. I'll ride with Caterpie."Felix nodded. "Just keep an eye on our Stinky Caterpie."Abigail laughed. "Don't worry, guys. I'm fine. I've weathered much worse than this. A small issue like this can't take me down."The more nonchalant she was about her past hurt, the more it tugged at Melody's and Felix's heartstrings. Such a scandal could potentially ruin a girl's life. It had nearly ruined
He remained expressionless, yet Abigail could again faintly sense a level of respect from him. Abigail let her guard down."What's up?"Paxton spoke, "Mr. Zane's condition is far worse than you've been led to believe. If you aren't busy with other things, could you please return and stay by Mr. Zane's side? You don't have to do anything, just be with him for a while.""Is Mr. Zane's condition that bad?" Abigail was taken aback. She had known Paxton for quite some time, and this was the first instance she had heard him utter so many words at once. She could not shake the feeling that something was off. She figured that Paxton was Xander's most trusted subordinate; it was quite possible that he was acting under Xander's instructions to deceive her. She had just left Xander's hospital room, and he seemed perfectly fine—not at all like someone who was sick.Paxton responded firmly, "It's not good."Abigail was not keen on seeing Xander at this point and hesitated a bit. "I'm not a doc