Abigail always knew Xander was ruthless, even though he looked gentle and elegant.However, she used to think he would only show no mercy to his enemies and opponents and not be violent toward others.It was only at this moment that Abigail finally realized that Xander had been suppressing his true self all along. Now, he was like a sleeping beast that had awoken.He kissed Abigail forcefully. His desire for her was extremely strong.Abigail tried to push him away. But he was sturdy. Even though she had used all her strength, she could not move him at all.As Xander kissed her passionately, she felt overwhelmed by his actions. Part of her did not want this, but she could not resist the pleasure.Her mind gradually went blank as they kissed with their tongues. She found herself simply going along with his lead. And slowly, the intimacy between them felt perfectly right.She even forgot that he was punishing her. She instinctively stretched her hands to hug his lean waist tightly.
Xander felt the pain. But he did not let go of her. He just chuckled in his low, deep voice.Abigail was speechless.She thought, 'What's he laughing at?'How can he laugh at a time like this?'After a long time, Xander finally stopped kissing her.Although Abigail could not see her own lips, she knew her lips must look terrible and that she could not show them in public.She lost the kissing battle. So, she raised her leg and wanted to step on his foot. But she could not bear to do it. Although she was very angry at him, she still could not do anything that might hurt him even a little.Xander held her flushed face. His piercing gaze shone unwaveringly at her through his silver-rimmed glasses. He did not allow her to look away from him. "Tell me, what's the relationship between you and that man?"Abigail pursed her swollen, painful lips. She blinked her dreamy eyes as she gently said, "I told you I don't know him. Why did you ask me again if you had believed me?"Although she
As Abigail continued speaking, she was angrier and felt increasingly unfairly treated. "When he broke up with me, he made it clear that we should act as if we never knew each other if we ever meet again. I did that. I didn't lie to you. Why did you call me a little liar?"There were tears in her eyes. But she refused to let them fall. Xander was extremely heartbroken when he saw it. He responded, "You're not a little liar. I was wrong."As usual, he was quick to apologize. He could always give Abigail boundless strength with just a sentence to give her the courage to face unfairness and criticism.Their collaboration with Supermoon Tech had just begun. They had to frequently meet Ben in the days to come for a long period of time.Abigail wanted to tell Xander what happened in the past at once to prevent any future misunderstandings and him from acting irrationally again.Abigail slowly calmed down. She continued, "And I want to tell you that he was the one who took the initiative
Keith thought, 'Why are they so impatient?'Can't they just wait a little longer?'They don't even close the door. Aren't they afraid of being seen by others?'While he was cursing them for being shameless in his mind, he attentively closed the door for them to make it easier for them to do things other than work.Fortunately, Xander's office had great soundproofing. Otherwise, it would be difficult to keep what happened a secret. After all, there were many people working in the secretary department. Someone could pass by the office at any time.Usually, men like Xander could easily get the women they wanted. And no one would dare to speak ill of them behind their backs.Many bosses with similar status as Xander had many mistresses. Their wives knew about it. But they did not mind that at all.Or perhaps, they were bothered. But they believed they could not do anything about it. So, they decided not to take any action.Although Xander was married, having an affair with his assi
Luna smiled coldly as she said, "I'm Abigail's closest colleague? You've overestimated me. She's never opened her heart to me."Abigail's personality made it hard for her to make a close friend. But once she did, she would treat that person wholeheartedly for a lifetime.Indeed, Abigail merely treated Luna as her colleague. They would politely greet each other when they met in the office. They would work together on tasks that required them to collaborate. Their interactions were strictly confined to work-related matters.Abigail and Luna never had any interaction outside of work.They merely had each other's work contact numbers. Luna completely did not know whether Abigail would post her personal life update on her social media.Luna admired Abigail's ability and for being more capable than her. She had always wanted to be friends with Abigail.Initially, she thought she could become close friends with Abigail. After all, there were over a hundred people working in the CEO Secr
Abigail said, "Mr. Zane, where are our grandmothers staying now? Give me the address. I'll drive there myself later."Xander replied, "You didn't drive here today."Abigail said, "I'll take a taxi then."Xander questioned, "Is my car dangerous?"Abigail awkwardly scratched her head. "It'd be bad if someone sees that."Xander asked, "Haven't you been in my car before?""I have. But..." Abigail had no other intentions in the past, so she had felt at ease. But now, she felt guilty and that was why she felt that everyone would look at her differently.However, Xander did not allow her to be a coward. He wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her.Abigail was so frightened that she screamed. She instinctively put her arms around his neck. She was afraid that she would fall.Xander chuckled. He then walked toward the CEO's private elevator with Abigail in his arms.Abigail felt safe when she knew Xander was holding her securely. She made a brief attempt to break free. "Mr. Za
The Zane residence, a standalone villa, nestled tranquilly by the lakeside. It boasted a three-story structure with two basement levels, not to mention the sprawling yard, its boundary stretching to include the entire lakeside greenery to the right. While the total area of the Zane residence could not quite match Xander's current residence at Monsoon Villa, it remained a symbol of absolute luxury, an embodiment of many people's ultimate aspiration.Adjacent to the yard entrance, parking spaces were occupied with a variety of vehicles catering to Margaret's diverse outings. A cobblestone path, roughly three feet wide, meandered toward the main building, an array of meticulously maintained roses serving as a charming edging. The yard, a spectacle of lights and adornments, was strewn with heart symbols and horseshoes at every nook and cranny, traditional symbols of love and good fortune. Small banners, carrying wishes of "everlasting love" and "blessings for a family", were scattered all
Esther was an effervescent, warm personality, a stark contrast to her brother's more aloof, reticent demeanor. It was as if they were cast from entirely different molds."Abigail, Abigail..." Esther called out, each mention louder than the last, as she enveloped Abigail in a tight hug. "Finally, I can call you my sister-in-law, no need for secrets anymore."Blushing with the novelty of being called "sister-in-law", Abigail's delicate cheeks tinged with pink. "You knew about this all along?"Esther clung to Abigail. "Not really. I only found out just before Easter that you're my sister-in-law."With a side-glance at Xander, Abigail pouted. "So, I was the only one out of the loop this whole time?"Esther shot back, "I didn't want to hide it from you. It was my brother who stopped me from telling you. Otherwise, you would've known sooner.""Ahem..." Xander adjusted the silver rim of his glasses. "Sorry about that."Esther, bolstered by Abigail's presence, dared to tease her brother
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