Xander's fingers, which were holding a cigarette, froze slightly. The cigarette slowly burned. He did not even notice the pain when the cigarette burned his fingertips.'I'm well aware Abigail doesn't belong to me. I don't even have the right to stay by her bed when she sleeps for an entire day because of the aphrodisiac. I could only learn about her situation from the doctor,' he thought.Dr. Sander watched from the side and suddenly felt a little bad for him.'This might be what people mean by meeting the right person at the wrong time. They can't be together,' she thought.When Abigail said she wanted to go home, Xander could have made her stay with just a single sentence. However, he did not do so.Xander was someone who would go to any lengths just to get what he wanted. But when it came to dealing with Abigail, he had been holding himself back.Xander lit another cigarette. Dr. Sander flipped out. "My goodness! Your temperature still hasn't dropped, and your throat hasn't r
Melody always had inappropriate thoughts, so Abigail did not want to talk about nonsense with her."Where's Fee? Let's get off work early today. I'll treat you guys to a good meal.""Why are you suddenly being so generous? Did you get a bonus?" asked Melody.Abigail nodded furiously. "Mhm, mhm. I've been working quite hard for the past half a year or so. But seeing how I've earned more in the past six months compared to the entirety of last year, all of the hard work was worth it."Melody was happy to see Abigail's hard work get rewarded."We'll have to have something expensive, then. The three of us must properly celebrate this.""How does The Deli sound?" Abigail had wanted to go to this restaurant for a while, but she had not found the time.Melody said, "I want to go there too."The three of them earned more than most people. However, they usually were not high spenders. Their common favorite hobby was eating."By the way, Caterpie. Previously, the things you asked me to h
Xander said, "If you have something to say, just say it."Shawn moved closer to Xander and said mysteriously, "I saw your wife and her boyfriend. They're also having a meal here at this restaurant. Do you wanna go over and say hello?"Xander moved sideways and looked into the room. Sure enough, he saw the disgusting pair of man and woman. The two were even talking and laughing."Let's go." Xander stood up and left.'I can't stomach anything if I eat in the same space as the disgusting couple,' he thought.Shawn quickly followed behind him. He said in a gloating manner, "Xander, at the end of the day, you two are husband and wife, so just end things nicely. After all, you're not the only man in the world who got cheated on, so there's nothing to be embarrassed about."Xander said irritatedly, "Have you informed her about our divorce tomorrow?"Shawn took out his phone. "I'll inform her this instant. Don't worry; she can't run away as long as she's in North Florivera."While Abig
Abigail took her suitcase as fast as she could. Then, she took a cab and rushed to the hospital.In the cab, Shawn called her again. He was really persistent."Ms. Renee, we had a deal yesterday. What exactly are you doing today?"Abigail was indeed the one who bailed on them, so she said, "Atty. Cooper, I'm so sorry! I didn't stand you up on purpose, but something happened back home last minute, and I need to handle it. Can we schedule another time for the divorce after I've settled this matter?""A divorce only takes a few minutes. Come and go through the divorce proceedings first. After you've gone through the divorce proceedings, I'll be your driver and drive you to wherever you want to go, okay?" asked Shawn.'Forget about being her driver. If Abigail can quickly come and go through the divorce proceedings, I think if she asks me to get down on my knees and call her grandma, I'll do it too,' he thought."I'm not in Florivera right now, so please stop calling me. I'll contact
Abigail felt incredibly guilty. "This is all my fault. If I had taken my grandma to Florivera to stay with me earlier, this kind of thing wouldn't have happened."Suddenly, loud swearing came from the lobby, interrupting Abigail and the doctor's conversation."That old wench is on her deathbed, yet she still isn't willing to give me her bank card and its password.""The reason she's not giving you her bank card is surely because she wants to give the money to that bitch, Abigail. When that old woman wakes up, you must find a way to get the password no matter what it takes. We certainly can't let that bitch win."Abigail instantly recognized these voices; they belonged to her uncle, Harvey Renee, and her aunt, Lauren Wright.'Grandma is seriously ill, and the two of them aren't thinking about how to cure her, but her savings instead. What a heartless couple!' she thought.Hearing the two's voices, Dr. Bishop frowned in disgust. "Abigail, it might be difficult for you to transfer y
"Come and follow us home. We'll have a welcoming banquet for you," Harvey and his wife said while moving closer to Abigail. One of them was on the left while the other was on the right; they attempted to reach out and grab Abigail.Abigail saw right through them. The two thought they disguised themselves well, but the greed in their eyes could not be hidden at all.Abigail did not dodge them. Instead, she looked sharply at the four hands reaching out to her."What are you two trying to do to me again?" she asked icily.'Not only did this girl get prettier, but she's also giving off an unapproachable feeling, making it hard for me to look straight at her,' they thought.Lauren was a little scared. However, she was reluctant to give up on an opportunity she almost got her hands on. "Oh, Abigail. How could you say such a thing? What could we do to you? We just wanted to invite you over for some tea..."Abigail laughed. "Going over to your house for some tea? Just like back then, I w
Harvey and his wife were completely oblivious to the gravity of the situation, speaking without shame. "When have I ever slandered anyone? You're the ones randomly arresting me. I should be suing you for defamation."A man dressed in a suit emerged from the crowd. "Officer, this phone contains videos of this couple causing trouble in the hospital and slandering others."Harvey sneered, "So what if I cursed someone? I cursed someone from my own family. What business is it of anyone else?"Abigail approached them with a smile. "Harvey, Lauren, I'm not the same Abigail you once knew. But you two haven't changed at all, not even worthy of being my adversaries.""You just wait, you little..." Harvey raised his hand to hit her, but the police did not give him a chance, taking him and his wife away without delay.Once the couple was gone, the crowd of onlookers dispersed, and peace returned to the area. The medical staff, previously harassed by the couple, gratefully looked toward the ma
"Seems like my Abigail has quite a status at home." The thought of her granddaughter and grandson-in-law living a good life brought renewed strength to Cassandra. "Alright, I'll listen to you, we'll go to Florivera."With Cassandra's agreement, Abigail felt happy. "I'll make the arrangements right away, Grandma.""No need to rush, I have something to give you first." Her grandmother reached into her gown, finding nothing, then remembered she was wearing a hospital gown. She anxiously looked around. "Abigail, where's my coat?""Don't worry, Grandma, I put it away." Abigail hurriedly handed the coat.Cassandra opened the coat and found a patch sewn inside. She tried to tear it open but was unable to. "Abigail, help me remove this patch."Abigail obediently did as asked, uncovering a hidden compartment with a bank card inside.Cassandra shoved the card into Abigail's hand. "Abigail, the compensation money from your father's accident and the dowry I prepared for you are stored in thi
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