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Chapter 696
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Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 697
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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"Xander nonchalantly responded, letting the words slip out effortlessly, "Just a hunch."'A hunch? Could he divine a woman's intimate measurements by mere intuition?' It was a disquieting notion that he might have done this for countless others. The mere thought of him being this familiar with other women caused a ripple in Abigail's previously tranquil mood. "Have you done this... lingerie shopping... for other women?"A bemused blink, followed by a laugh that could flay the sanity from a saint, escaped Xander. "Oh, are you jealous?"He was sinfully good-looking, the kind of man who could make hell seem like a day at the beach. His smile, devastatingly captivating, caused Abigail to shift her gaze, struggling to keep the conversation on track. "You're deflecting."Seizing her hand in a sudden, firm grasp, he placed it over his heart. "Do you feel that?""Feel what?""My heartbeat."His whisper, warm as a summer breeze, brushed against her earlobe, stirring an involuntary shiver
Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 700
Abigail's quick reflexes kicked in, saving Esther from a nasty stumble. "Essy, what are you up to?""I'm on a secret mission from Grandma to see if you and Xander are planning to start a family." Esther obviously could not spill the beans. She came up with a lie on the fly. "Actually, Grandma wants to know if you're craving anything special for dinner so she can whip it up.""I'm an easy eater. I'll happily eat whatever's on the table. But perhaps you could whip up something light and easy on the stomach for Xander. He's been under the weather lately."'Under the weather? Just after they've made their relationship official?' Esther's mind started to wander. 'Xander has performance issues? It seems like Abigail just confirmed my suspicion. I need to tell Grandma to cook up some power-packed meals for him, or the Zane line might be in trouble.' She gave Xander and then Abigail a quick glance, feeling a wave of sympathy for her. "I really feel for you, Abigail. It's rough, being so you
Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 701
Esther was slammed with a brutal truth: Abigail was not the rock she could lean on, but instead, could become an unyielding grasp, clutching her tightly."Abigail, you're not fond of me anymore, are you?" The pang of rejection was brief as Esther hastily devised a plan to win back Abigail's attention. "I know I've never been the cute, lovable kid. If you don't love me, I get it. From this moment until supper, ignore me. Let me find a corner to weep in solitude for a couple of hours."This move might soften Abigail's heart, but Xander was far from moved. "Alright, go find your crying corner then. Just don't get in Abigail's and my way."Esther held her tongue, only blinking at Abigail through teary eyes. The sight softened Abigail's heart as she quickly enfolded Esther in a hug, then shot a glare at Xander."Ease up on Essy. She's your little sister for crying out loud. Can't you be a bit softer on her?"Xander was well-aware of Abigail's tender heart. "This girl is all theatrics.
Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 702
"Try again," Esther said, sounding playful.Abigail tried again, her fingers feeling the interesting object. But she still could not guess what it was. "Maybe you could let me see?""Alright, go ahead."Abigail opened her eyes, looking at an object that looked like a globe. "A globe?""It's shaped like a globe, but the pictures on it aren't places you know. Look closer, Abigail, see if you can figure out what they are."Abigail held the small ball up to her eyes, looking at it really close. "Essy, could this be made from special glass? Is it showing two people?" It looked like it was made from special glass, even though normal glass pieces had designs you could feel. But this piece was smooth, even with its mixed-up pictures."I'm not sure what it is either," Esther said. "But this special thing has a powerful promise. People say that whoever keeps this treasure will have a love that lasts forever, growing old with the person they love. I want you and Xander to have that kind of
Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 703
Esther felt hurt."Grandma, Xander forgot about me after he got a wife. Do you not want your granddaughter anymore now that you have a granddaughter-in-law? Don't forget who gave you a massage this afternoon.""Do what you will, you little rascal. I need to talk to Abigail in private." Margaret smiled and waved at Abigail."Abigail, come over and sit with me for a bit."Abigail hurried downstairs and sat down beside Margaret.She subconsciously glanced around and wondered, 'Xander isn't in the third-floor room, nor is he in the first-floor living room. Where'd he go?'Meanwhile, Margaret saw right through her. She knew how easily embarrassed youngsters were, but she still could not stop herself from teasing Abigail, "It's only been a few minutes, and you're already missing Xander?"Abigail blushed and said in embarrassment, "Grandma...""What's so embarrassing about missing him? He's your man."Margaret laughed and continued, "Your grandma is almost home. I'll have Xander wait
Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 704
Margaret was not satisfied with Abigail's vague answer. She wanted to know what Abigail thought. "Abigail, I'm not pressuring you. I'm just worried that you two won't last long. I'm worried that there'll be a day when you don't want him anymore, leaving him all by himself."Abigail did not expect Margaret to say such a thing.'Xander is a great guy and has plenty of women who want him. Why does his family always worry that women won't want him?' she wondered.Abigail did not know the answer. However, the most important thing right now was not to find out the answer but to comfort Margaret."That won't happen, Grandma Margaret. He and I have promised each other that we'll both work together on spending the rest of our lives with each other, so don't worry.""Spending the rest of your lives together isn't something you can just promise," Margaret said with a hint of worry in her eyes.She continued, "Abigail, did Xander ever tell you about his parents?""Sort of," Abigail replied.
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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
Abigail's Absent Husband Is A CEO Chapter 1734
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
