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Chapter 690
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Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 691
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
Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 692
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Looking back now, it was glaringly obvious that his grandmother was pretending to be ill. But back then, he fell for her ruse hook, line, and sinker. Following his grandmother's instructions, he drove to Florivera University, parking his car under the plane tree at the north gate, waiting for the girl to collect her things.She came promptly after the phone call. It was pretty dark under the tree, and his car window was only partly opened. From the meeting to the handover, he never got a good look at the girl's face. Maybe he was too preoccupied with finishing his grandmother's task quickly so he could return to her side. Inside the car, it was dark, and considering the slight opening in the window, he guessed she probably did not get a clear look at him either.He still remembered this incident years later, mainly because he thought the girl was impolite—she grabbed the items without a word of thanks, and she ran off. That girl could very well have been Abigail. Meaning, his connect
Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 698
Xander asked, "Am I really that frightening?"Holding back her laughter, Abigail replied, "Mr. Zane, do you want the truth or a lie?""You don't need to say a thing." Xander released her, marching toward the third floor with purpose.Abigail hurried to keep up with him. "Actually, it's not that you were scary. I simply couldn't see you clearly back then. I thought there was a kidnapper in the car. I was afraid that if I got too close, the villain might snatch me into the vehicle. That's what frightened me. If I had recognized the handsome man in the car, I certainly wouldn't have run."Xander halted and shot her a one-word reply, "Superficial!"Abigail pouted. "Aren't you superficial too?" Xander remained silent, giving her the opportunity to continue. "If I were unattractive, would you have still agreed to marry me? Would you still take responsibility for our marriage? I speak my mind, unlike you, always hiding your thoughts and making others guess."He realized that she was mor
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Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 1738
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
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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
Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 1736
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
