Abigail was not sure whether her words were reaching Xander. She sat quietly, her eyes glued to his face. Xander's face was even paler than it had appeared through the glass window, devoid of any color, like a thin sheet of paper that could be punctured by the slightest touch. She thought, 'Even sick as a dog, his face is still handsome, a kind of morbidly captivating charm. Did his parents make some pact with the divine to create such a perfect face?'After staring at Xander for a while and feeling awkward for scrutinizing him so closely, she finally spoke up, "Have you forgotten about Essy and your grandma, Mr. Zane? Your grandma is old, Essy is still young, and you're their rock. Ever thought about what they'd do if something happened to you?"As she spoke, Abigail watched Xander, hoping for any sign of a reaction. She recounted many things about his grandmother and Esther. Even as her words filled the room, Xander remained motionless, no twitch of a finger or flutter of eyelids l
'Why the heck is this happening?' Abigail did not understand. She wanted to summon Dr. Watson. When she attempted to rise, she realized Xander was clutching her hand. As she tried to pull away gently, his grip only tightened."Mr. Zane, if you're awake, cut the act, okay? Don't scare us like that."Abigail had a reason to suspect Xander was pretending, as it seemed improbable for an unconscious man to hold her hand with such force. She extended her other hand and lightly pinched the back of his hand. She did it hard enough that if he were faking unconsciousness, there would be some physical reaction. But Xander showed no sign of response, leaving her utterly disappointed. As to why he had opened his eyes and grabbed her hand, calling her name, Abigail could not explain—she was no doctor.'I need to get Dr. Watson here ASAP.'Abigail tried once more to free her hand, but to no avail. Adding more force did not change the outcome. It was as if her hand had fused with Xander's, and no
Melody wanted to argue in Xander's defense, but her words fell short. Not only was Xander the object of many women's fantasies but he was also the center of many rumors. Among the tales circulating, the most notorious one was of him seizing power, coldly casting his own father into prison. He had long been branded a man who disowned his kin.Felix continued, "If Xander really did harm Caterpie, he'd ensure there would be no trace left behind. We wouldn't even get to see Caterpie's body. Should we call the cops now?"His speculations were growing more and more outrageous, and Melody nervously swallowed. "Caterpie is his legal wife. She's been by his side, working tirelessly for such a long time. He wouldn't go that far, would he?"Felix shot her a glare. "Even now, you're still defending him?""No, it's not that. I..." Melody thought for a moment, then a lightbulb went off in her head. "You know, Fee, it seems to me that it's not me who's lost touch with reality but you."Felix fro
Abigail found herself stuck by Xander's side, given her hand was held tight in his. When she could no longer fight the fatigue, she drifted off, lying at the edge of his hospital bed.Unbeknownst to her, Xander's eyes slowly fluttered open just as she fell asleep. He swiftly removed his oxygen mask and the needle from his hand, got out of bed, and scooped Abigail up in his arms. He then made his way out of the ICU, heading to the room he previously occupied.His room was anything but typical. It was more luxurious than a five-star hotel suite. The bed he slept in was not a small one but a king-sized one, with ample space for two people. He gently laid Abigail on the bed and then settled next to her. He watched her peaceful, beautiful sleeping face, lightly poking her nose. "Little liar, thinking of divorcing me? Over my dead body. You can't get rid of me that easily."Swatting his hand away, Abigail muttered in her sleep, "Mel, Fee, stop messing around. I need to sleep. If I'm not r
The sudden voice jolted Abigail awake. She shot up, looking toward the source of the sound. Xander, clad in crisp white shirt and black trousers, sat at the single-seater couch by the window, one leg casually crossed over the other, a tablet in his hands—probably reading some documents. For a moment, her mind drew a blank. Then she realized she had woken up in Xander's bed. She quickly pulled back the covers to check herself and let out a sigh of relief upon seeing she was still properly dressed. Thankfully, she had always been a decent sleeper, and never had the nasty habit of undressing unconsciously in her sleep. She jumped out of the bed, tongue-tied in her surprise. "M-Mr. Zane, wh-when did you wake up? How did I end up in your bed?""You kept vigil by my bed all night. Thank you," Xander said, looking up at her.His deep and unreadable gaze added to her embarrassment. He did not really answer her question, leaving her clueless about how she ended up in his bed.Abigail stutter
"Mr. Zane has been having a hard time with his appetite lately, can't seem to stomach anything. If it's not too much trouble, could you maybe prepare some meals for him?" Dr. Watson said."My cooking skills are pretty average, nowhere near the level of the gourmet chefs he's used to. If he can't eat their meals, I doubt he'll stomach mine," Abigail said."Sometimes, it's not about the taste of the food but rather who made it. He's gotten tired of the high-end meals. Maybe a change of taste would do him good," Dr. Watson reasoned."How long since he last ate?" Abigail asked."Not too long, just about two days or so," Dr. Watson replied.'He hasn't eaten in two days, and it's not too long?' Abigail softened, and said, "Fine. I live not far from the hospital. I'll cook and then bring it over."Dr. Watson grinned as he shook Abigail's hand. "I can't thank you enough." With Abigail around, he was saved from the ordeal of dealing with his boss's tantrums.Observing Dr. Watson's happy
Seeing the arrogance in the WhatsApp reply, Abigail suddenly understood why Mallory was so fixated on marrying Xander. With a mother so obsessed with social standing and being filled with twisted ideologies from a young age, it was remarkable that Mallory had turned out the way she had.Abigail chuckled, immediately blocking the number. She had never thought of trying to marry above her station, much less trying to outdo Mallory. She reached out to Mallory because of her encounter with Xander the previous night. Particularly when Xander, unconscious, had suddenly awakened, called her name, and clung to her hand, she felt a small hint of doubt. She thought perhaps Xander had not lied to her; he truly wanted to live a normal life with her as Nathan.'Based on my year-long understanding of him, he wouldn't be messing around with women. If so, that day when Xander and Mallory were together, it could've happened under some unusual circumstances or while he was not fully conscious. As for
Hearing this, Abigail felt a wave of relief. "Thanks for the info, Mr. Hagrid. Goodbye."Ron interrupted, "Wait a sec, Ms. Renee."Abigail asked, "Need anything else?""You're a woman; I'd like to hear your opinion. If Xander's wife knew he was sleeping around, you think she'd mind?""I'm not his wife, how would I know?" Abigail retorted. 'As if I would let him fish for information from me—not a chance in hell.' With that, she hung up. Since Xander had helped Emma, Ron had been causing trouble daily trying to force Xander to hand her over. Therefore, Abigail concluded that Ron's words could not be fully trusted.Listening to the dial tone, Ron could not help but smirk. He was not surprised Abigail had suspicions about that day, and he was well-prepared. However, Abigail only thought that Xander was out of it that day and did not realize the man in the bed was not Xander at all. Planting this seed of doubt between the couple was enough. "Oh Xander, the day Abigail finds out you're
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