It seemed like that sentence was not very effective. Abigail then slowly added, "If you die, and your wife is still so young, she'll surely marry another man. When that happens, she and the other man will spend your money, live in your house, and sleep in your bed..."Before Abigail could finish talking, she noticed Xander was giving off an angry vibe. He took his phone out to call Dr. Watson. "Get ready, I'll come down now."Xander thought, 'When I die, Abigail wants to take my money, marry another man, live in my house, and sleep in my bed... Don't even dream about it. I'll definitely get well. And I want to live longer than her.'Abigail was speechless.'I thought Xander was different from other men. I thought this kind of poor provocation wouldn't have any effect on him.'But unexpectedly, this trick works on every man.'While Abigail was feeling proud of her effective trick, Xander's mellow, pleasant voice could be heard again. "What do you want to do this afternoon?"Abiga
After quite a while, Xander noticed Abigail was not planning on looking away. So, he raised his head and looked at her. "You've been staring at me for so long. Is there something on my face?"Abigail was caught looking at him. She awkwardly scratched her head. "I-I wasn't looking at you. I was looking at the weather outside. The sunlight today is scorching. I guess I'll probably get sunburn if I go out for a walk."He thought, 'She said she was looking at the weather outside. I'll just go along with her then. I'm her husband. I shouldn't argue with her.' He then asked, "What did Dr. Watson say to you?"Abigail replied, "He just asked me how I convinced you."Xander asked, "You told him?"Abigail answered, "Yes."Xander said, "You shouldn't just tell everything to other people about the matters between us."Abigail responded, "He cares about you. And it was Dr. Watson who asked me to convince you. Of course, I should explain to him clearly. Or else, he might think there's some am
Abigail whispered as she observed his facial expression, "Two mornings ago, Mr. Hagrid called me to pick you up from Illumination Club. I went. And I saw you and Mallory on the bed..."She stopped there. Abigail thought Xander would probably explain. Unexpectedly, he confidently asked her some rhetorical questions, "So, you concluded that I cheated? Or do you think I'm interested in Mallory?"Abigail mumbled, "They say men think with their lower bodies. Men can sleep with any woman regardless of if he has any feelings for her..."Xander's face darkened. "You don't trust me?"Abigail replied, "It's not that I don't trust you. It's..."She thought, 'I saw it with my own eyes. I said that out because I wanted to hear his explanation. But he said nothing. So, how can I trust him?'Can anyone help me? What can I say next to change from being passive to taking the initiative?'Xander then said, "That morning, what time did you arrive at Illumination Club?"Abigail remembered the time
Xander was speechless.He could only continue reading his book after he failed to strike up a conversation.He thought, 'In the past, I could quickly be fully focused on everything I did. But why is it that when Abigail is here now, I'll always want to just stare at her? It seems like Abigail is more captivating than the books.'Her face is rosy with a little baby fat. Many times, I just wanted to pinch it to know how it felt like. I wonder if it's as springy as a boiled egg.'What attracts me the most are her eyes. They're clear and bright. When she was staring at me, it seemed like my soul was taken away by her...'While he was enthralled by the book, Susanna knocked on the door before she came in. She was holding a tray of some fruits and desserts.She did not even look at Xander. She smiled as she walked straight to Abigail. "Abigail, I made all these desserts by myself. Have a try and see if you like them."Xander thought, 'Abigail is indeed likable. Not only did Grandma al
"Susanna, you didn't know about it. It's not your fault. You don't have to blame yourself." Abigail then thought, 'I hadn't mentioned my peanut allergy to Susanna. And I didn't ask before I ate them. I can only blame myself for being too careless.'"Abigail, I actually knew. I was just senile. I forgot about what Xander told me. He told me that you have a peanut allergy. He told me not to have peanut-related food in the house." Susanna was so worried that she wanted to slap herself.She thought, 'Abigail is such a nice girl. If something bad happens to her because of me, I'll have to live in self-blame and guilt for the rest of my life.'Susanna did not dare to think about what would happen to Xander if something happened to Abigail."Susanna, it's fine even if you knew about it." Abigail glanced at Xander from the corner of her eye. She thought, 'I didn't tell him about my peanut allergy, how did he know about it?'And not only that, but he actually remembered it and even attenti
Kane stared at Xander with his eyes open. "You don't know why I carry this kind of medicine with me?"Xander might have forgotten about it. But Kane did not dare to forget.One day, in the middle of the night, Xander called Kane to tell him Abigail had a peanut allergy. He asked him to develop a peanut allergy medicine as quickly as possible.He even instructed Kane to carry this medicine with him all the time after he developed the medicine just in case something happened.Kane thought, 'He's actually doubting me now!'Kane angrily mumbled, "This isn't like you, Xander."After Xander took the medicine and knew there was no negative reaction, he then said, "Give it to Abigail."Kane just ignored him. But he still smiled when he turned to Abigail and said, "Ms. Renee, this medicine is very effective in treating peanut allergy. Carry this with you from now on. When you accidentally eat peanuts, you can take one pill of this. It's very strong. So, one pill is enough. Don't take mor
'Was it just because I'm his lawfully wedded wife?'Abigail quietly asked herself that. She then gave an answer to herself very quickly.'It definitely was.'He always protected me and didn't want me to get hurt at all because I'm his wife.'Back then, Abigail had questions about many things. But now she had clear answers for all of them.When she went to find Emma in Neese on her day off during Easter, she was stopped by Ron when she was going back to Paridale. She could not escape. Xander, who should be in Paridale at that time, suddenly appeared in Neese with Paxton and saved her from Ron.At that time, she thought it was just a coincidence that Xander was in Neese too. She had never imagined that Xander purposely flew from Paridale to Neese for her.Now, Abigail finally realized that Xander must have known Ron had been monitoring Emma in Neese and knew what she said to Emma. That was why Xander purposely flew to Neese to rescue her.Abigail also realized that because she di
Abigail shook her head. "I'm not sad. I'm very touched by all of you who treat me so sincerely."She was usually very tough. But her eyes turned red easily multiple times today. So, Xander was not sure if her eyes really turned red because she was touched. He responded, "Why don't you go back to your room and rest for a while? If you want to read the books in the study, you can come to read them anytime you want without my permission."His voice was still as mellow and strong as usual. But the tenderness in his tone was evident.Abigail thought that if her allergy turned out to be serious, she would cause trouble for everyone. Moreover, she still did not know how to face Xander with her new identity. So, she said, "Okay, I'll go and rest for a while."...The guestroom that Abigail stayed in was the same as the last time she was there. But with a closer look, she noticed there were some extra exquisite decorations.There was the same teddy bear she bought in Valtara last time, a
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