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
In a rush, Abigail said, "Grandma, I can walk by myself. There's no need for him to lead me.""Silly girl, of course you can," Margaret replied with a tender touch, ruffling Abigail's hair. "Here in Florivera, we have a tradition. On her formal entry into the house, a new bride is always carried through the front door by her husband. It's a symbol to ward off any future ill-treatment."Such traditions also echoed back in Abigail's hometown of North Florivera. For instance, on her wedding day, the bride would elevate herself; the higher, the better, signifying her high status in her new family. However, Abigail, living in a modern age, found little belief in these old customs. She saw marriage as a pact of mutual respect and support, a partnership of equals. But, considering Margaret's convictions and her best intentions, Abigail chose to humor her.Xander was not a believer in such rules either, but he respected the faith of others. And truth be told, carrying his wife was a delight
Margaret lit two candles, passing them to Abigail and Xander. "It's time to remember your grandfather."Abigail took the candle, sincerely joining Xander in a moment of silent reflection before the framed picture of their late grandfather. After their quiet homage, Margaret addressed the photo, "Dear old man, Xander has brought our new family member to see you. Take a good look at our Abigail. She's an exceptional woman, radiant both in beauty and spirit. By marrying Abigail, Xander has truly hit the jackpot."Abigail blushed, bashful from the praises, while Esther chimed in from the side, "I agree. It's Xander's good luck to have married Abigail."Margaret turned to Xander. "Why are you so quiet?""What should I say?""Do I really need to tell you what to say? You should be praising your wife to your grandfather."Xander looked helpless but followed through. "Grandpa, see this flushed girl next to me? She's my lawfully wedded wife, Abigail, from North Florivera. Today, in front
Abigail said, "I'm not just looking out for Esther, but you too, Grandma. You're all my family now, so it's only right that I stand up for you."How could anyone resist a woman as beautiful, kind-hearted, and eloquent? "Abigail, you've made me so happy today," Margaret exclaimed, her face glowing with a warm smile. As for her granddaughter-in-law, she could not have asked for a more perfect match.Naturally, Margaret was not the only one brimming with joy that day. Xander felt equal happiness. He was a man of few words, but he hung on to every one of Abigail's. He saw her defend him, stand up for his sister, and embrace their status as a family. Even though she had not fully adjusted to her new role, she was striving to adapt. Everything Abigail said and did feel like a gentle warmth slowly seeping into his heart.He watched Abigail, silent and intent, until Margaret broke the tranquil moment by calling his name. "Xander, what are you waiting for? Take Abigail upstairs to change int
She hung her head low, her voice sweet and soft as she replied, "It's different.""What's different?" Xander asked.Abigail wondered, 'Does he genuinely not understand, or is he just teasing me?'"Huh?" he pressed.His voice was so deep and rich that even a single syllable from him made Abigail's cheeks flush. "The way I feel about you and Grandma, it's different."Of course, Xander understood. He just wanted to rile her up, wanted to hear her say it out loud. "So, do you like me a little now?"That question stumped Abigail because she was not sure herself. "I don't know."Xander's eyebrows quirked up. "Don't know?"Abigail obediently nodded. "But what I'm certain of is, you're Nathan, my husband. The man I'll grow to love will only be you."This was her way of being accountable to their marriage. She, like him, was committed to making their marriage work. The question of love had not factored much into it. Xander had also maintained this attitude toward their marriage, but no