Shawn said, "Given today's scene, the media will have a field day tomorrow. If you don't clarify that your necklace is the real Astre Eternel, rumor mills will certainly churn out stories about Zane Corporation's executive assistant wearing a knockoff. You know as well as I do that this could turn into anything, from a small hiccup to a full-blown scandal."Abigail mulled over Shawn's words, finding sense in them. For ordinary people, wearing imitation goods was no big deal, but she was Zane Corporation CEO Xander's personal assistant; to some extent, she represented Xander. Therefore, she had to assert that her necklace was the genuine article. Taking a step forward, she declared to the onlooking crowd. "Indeed, I'm wearing the authentic Astre Eternel necklace."Hearing that Abigail's necklace was the real deal, Daisy's face contorted in fury. 'Not only did this woman embarrass me today, but she also possesses a genuine Astre Eternel? Why? She's merely a personal assistant; why shou
"Malcolm, Atty. Cooper, we didn't get a chance to grab a bite at the banquet. Let's go grab some food now," Abigail suggested, calling the two men. The trio began to make their way out together.After only a few steps, Abigail felt an intense gaze fixed on her. She followed the sensation and saw Mallory. Her eyes filled with unsaid words, staring at her as if longing to speak but unable to find the words. Abigail dared not approach her, knowing that everyone from the Guzman family harbored hatred for her—she could not risk what might happen to Mallory after she left. Pretending not to notice, she quickly sent a WhatsApp message to Mallory.Abigail: [I know you were forced into today's situation. I don't blame you. If you decide you want it, I can still help you find a job.]That was all Abigail could do for her.Glancing back, Malcolm said, "Guess we won't be welcomed at the Guzman residence anytime soon.""Do you still want to come back to this hellhole?" Shawn asked in response.
Shawn asked with a knowing grin, "Xander, who are you waiting for?"Xander's gaze immediately met Abigail's. He had quite a bit to say, but Abigail beat him to the punch."Mr. Zane, thank you for helping me out of that bind." Her words were a clear signal to him not to disclose their true relationship.Xander let out a rueful smile. "Get in. I'll drive you home."Since Xander disclosed his double identity as Nathan, Abigail's husband, their dynamic had changed; she was uncertain how to be alone with him. She quickly stepped aside and said, "Weren't you just saying you'd treat us to dinner, Atty. Cooper? Are you sticking to that?""Of course. But it mainly depends on whether Xander agrees," Shawn replied."Alright. We eat first," Xander said.Abigail said nothing."Where are we eating? Your call," Shawn said."The Deli," Xander replied.Shawn raised his eyebrows in understanding. "You're sure about The Deli?"Xander confirmed. "If we missed a moment there, we should make it u
Xander asked, "Is there anything else you want to tell me?"Abigail had a lot on her mind but did not know how to put it into words. She shook her head in response.Seeing her hesitation, Xander stepped in. "How about I ask, and you answer?""Go ahead, Mr. Zane." Abigail nodded."Still speaking formally to me?""It's a hard habit to break. And you are my boss; it's appropriate for me to show respect.""I don't want you to speak formally to me. I haven't wanted that for a long time. The moment I found out you were my wife, I didn't want that formal distance," Xander said."When did you find out I was your wife?""The day we were supposed to get our divorce papers from the district registry," Xander said.'So he had known for so long, yet he kept it from me?' Abigail asked, "If you knew that far back, why didn't you tell me sooner?"Xander paused for a moment. After a while, he softly spoke in his deep, sexy voice. "Because I was afraid... afraid that you would leave me. That y
"I'm not belittling your role as an assistant, Abigail," Malcolm, worried that Abigail might misunderstand, made a point to explain to her. "I just find Xander's actions odd. He brings you to a private party. His wife doesn't seem jealous and even lends you her pricey necklace. It's hard not to speculate, you know?""Hmm..." Abigail choked a little, her face flushing with awkwardness."Malcolm, mind your own food, will you?" Shawn interjected."What do you mean, 'mind my own'? Xander's actions are truly puzzling." Malcolm countered.Xander slid a shrimp ravioli into Abigail's plate before turning his gaze back to Malcolm. "Who said my wife didn't come?"Malcolm scanned the room, inside and out. There was no extra soul in sight, let alone a ghostly one. "So where's your wife, then?""She's right in front of you," Xander replied.Abigail was speechless. She wished she could shut Xander up before he said too much, but she lacked the courage."The only woman I see is Abigail. You p
Taking a moment to collect herself, she bounded toward him and wrapped her arms around him in a fleeting hug before pulling away. She then said, "It's late. You should head home and rest. See you tomorrow."She had come quickly and retreated even faster. So fast that Xander could not hold her, and she slipped from his grasp once again. Watching her retreating figure, a small smile curved up the corners of his lips. Not only had she initiated the hug, but she had also addressed him informally, omitting any honorifics. 'This is a good start,' he thought.Felix and Melody were still up when Abigail got home. Their gazes drilled into her like laser scanners as if trying to scrutinize her inside and out. Melody sidled up to Abigail, sniffing her with a nose that put a bloodhound to shame."Good-for-nothing," she chided."What did I do to tick you off now?" Abigail retorted."You've been alone with Xander for so many days, and nothing happened between you two?""Who said we were alone?
"Don't sweat it. If the scoop you've got is as juicy as you say, I'll cut you in for half of the profit." Justin assured her."Deal."Once she wrapped up the call with Justin, Abigail drafted a concise and clear message detailing the night's events. Then, she hit send.Justin's reply buzzed in almost immediately: [Any specific angles I should focus on?]Abigail: [You handle it. You media types know better than me how to grab people's attention.]Justin: [OK.]Melody and Felix were huddled close, one on each side of Abigail. They had read the contents of her message, and the injustice of it all made their blood boil."Those Guzman people are such low-lives! What have we ever done to them to warrant this kind of harassment?" Melody fumed."I'm going to rip them apart!" Felix smacked his hand on the table and rose as if to storm out. He could not stand to see Abigail treated unfairly, even if he could take the abuse himself.Abigail reached out to stop him. "Fee, cool your jets.
Abigail wanted to go to the studio before going to work. So, she purposely set the alarm clock an hour earlier.It was still dark when the alarm clock rang. Abigail quickly got up and got dressed before going to the shared washroom to wash her face and brush her teeth.This rented apartment only had one washroom. Normally, their work schedules did not clash. So, it worked out fine.But Felix wanted to use the washroom today. So, Abigail and Melody could only freshen up in the kitchen.Melody complained as she washed her face, "After our apartment air out for another two months, we can move in. Our new apartment has two bathrooms for each person. I don't have to share a washroom with other people anymore."Abigail teased, "Who knows, maybe by then you'll miss sharing a washroom with me."Melody replied, "Maybe."After taking turns to get ready, they went to the studio.Their studio's name was Trio Comic Studio, which simply meant that the three of them ran it together.After th
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