Abigail wished Xander good night before going back to her room.About thirty feet away from the wooden building, a woman's crying sound could be heard from the side.It was late at night in the mountains. The sound of leaves rustling in the breeze along with the woman's cry... It was like a classic horror film.Abigail was so scared that her scalp was numb. And she even got goosebumps. She wanted to just run. But she was curious too. So, she looked in the direction of the sound.The crying woman was sitting under a tree not far away from her. A faint light shone on her body through the branches.Abigail knew who the person was. She was Ron's wife, Emma. She was a classic beauty. She was soft and cute when she spoke. Her smile was gentle and sweet. She made people feel very protective of her.'It's so late at night. Why's she crying alone outside? Doesn't Ron care about her?'"Stop crying. Crying is useless." Ron's deep voice could be heard in the dark.He was standing beside th
Stella took out her phone and asked, "Abigail, can I add you on WhatsApp? I really like you and would like to be your friend."Abigail already liked Stella, and now that she was voluntarily asked for her contact method, Abigail had no reason to refuse her. Both of them scanned the code and added each other on WhatsApp. Stella naturally added Abigail to their chat group where Emma and Susie were.Stella then said, "From now on, this will be our secret base between us for sisters. We can never let these stinking men know about it."Susie chirped, "Ok!"Emma also agreed, "Ok!"Abigail was speechless.At the same time, Lucas was dragging Xander around for a chat. "Xander, from our many years of friendship, you need to tell me truthfully. Do you really have no ulterior intentions with Abigail?"Xander lit a cigarette and took several puffs before replying, "She has a husband."Lucas patted his shoulder and chuckled. "As long as you want it, does it matter if she's married?"'His id
Abigail was amused by both of them and said while chuckling, "Do you plan to praise me to the moon to the point of not being able to recognize myself by continuing to praise me so carelessly?"Melody replied, "You can't stop people from speaking of others' excellence, right?"Felix agreed, "That's right."Abigail suddenly said thoughtfully, "Why must you think of it that way when a man and woman are together? We've been with Felix for over twenty years, but who has had their heart moved by him?"Melody questioned, "Is Felix a man?"Abigail answered, "He doesn't really count as one."Felix rebuked, "You two beauties should watch your phrasing!"Abigail thought momentarily and asked, "Why do both of you think my boss and I have chemistry?"Melody asked, "There really is?"Abigail glared at her. "Stop joking; I'm asking both of you a serious question."Melody's answer was simple. "It's because I like dramatic stories about domineering CEOs falling in love with others. You should
The bag containing her phone was thrown onto the shotgun seat, so her phone was unreachable...Abigail stared hopelessly as the car drove out of the city. It went up the highway by the seaside toward the direction facing the Summerstone district. After approximately more than an hour's drive, the car reached the shore. Their mode of transport changed to a speedboat. After sitting on a speedboat for tens of minutes, they got onto the Serene Isles. They took another sightseeing bus on the island.The citizens of Florivera knew that the Serene Isles was the Zane family's private island. The island was well known around the world as a luxury retreat. After many twists and turns, the two strong men brought Abigail to the front of a small building. They walked past a large pasture on the side of the building. The end of the field was a cliff with the sea as far as the eyes could see below the ridge.A huge tent was raised on the pasture. Below the tent was a seat with a woman in a dress s
"You really love your husband? When you say these words, do you believe them yourself?" Jane's smile deepened, but it made her seem more dangerous. "Friday night last week, you signed the divorce papers and ran to Xander's house to stay the night. On Saturday, you went to Cloud Nine Estate to spend the night together. Mhm, you love your husband so much!"Those words caused a chill to crawl down Abigail's spine. "You stalked me?"Jane chuckled. "I didn't just stalk you; I even checked your background very clearly. This includes the incident where you seduced the neighbor boy when you were in your second year in university."Jane used the most nonchalant tone to say the nastiest words. Each word was like a knife that stabbed into Abigail's wounds that took so long to heal. It ripped through her wounds and left her bleeding...Both of Abigail's hands balled into fists as she withstood the suffocating pain in her chest. "Madam Zane, what's your goal for going on such a tirade?"Jane s
"Madam Zane, you should understand Mr. Zane's character better than me. Besides, what are you actually afraid of that made you want to put a small assistant like me in such a difficult position?" Abigail did not know that her words had hit a soft spot in Jane. She merely deduced that Jane looked for her due to a deeper purpose.Besides that, she remembered the words Xander had said to her yesterday. As long as she still works by his side, he will be her patron. Who would she need to be afraid of with his backing?Jane's facade was obliterated by Abigail. She stared at Abigail for a long time before giving a cold smile. "Forest, send Ms. Renee back."Forest accepted the command. "Yes..."After they left, Cleona walked to Jane's side. "Madam, are you really worried that Mr. Zane would turn against you over a small assistant?"Jane smashed her teacup in a rage. "What small assistant? That small assistant is the woman the old lady made Xander marry. She's currently still Xander's legi
"Filthy woman?" Xander looked at Jane. His gaze was indifferent as if he were looking at a stranger. No matter how one looked at the two, they did not seem like they were blood-related mother and son.Jane felt guilty and dared not meet Xander's gaze when he looked at her.'While he's the son whom I had carried for nine months and birthed, I had never really taken care of him. This has led to his being very distant from me, and I don't see myself in him at all,' she thought."Which one of the things that you've done over the years isn't dirtier than that woman? Everyone around me has the right to criticize her, but not you. Also, if you ever stir up trouble for the people around me again, I won't mind letting you see what I'm capable of again."Then, he turned around and left as if staying with Jane for another second would dirty his eyes."Xander, you purposefully came here just to warn me not to mess with your assistant?" Jane tried to probe something out of her secretive son.
Abigail and Keith did not have to be by Xander's side when he gathered with his friends and family, so they finally had the chance to rest for a while.Abigail asked the attendant for a glass of juice. After she found a quiet corner, she took off her several inches-high stilettos and decided to rest for a bit.As soon as she sat down, she felt an unfriendly gaze.She lifted her head and saw Mallory.Mallory wore a red evening gown tonight, so she stood out in the crowd. Before Xander arrived, many thought she was the Mrs. Zane to be. They surrounded her and were constantly at her service.After Xander came, everyone's eyes were on Xander and his assistant beside him.Mallory's gaze kept on following Xander, but Xander did not spare her the slightest glance.While Xander did not look at Mallory, he would occasionally look at Abigail, who followed him at his side.'Abigail is inferior to me in everything, and she's only a mere assistant who's at other people's disposal. Who's she
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