Breakfast was quite a feast, full of all the things Abigail loved to eat.At breakfast, Susanna was insistent on serving Abigail. "Abigail, we weren't sure what you felt like eating today, so we made a bit of everything you usually enjoy. Eat what you like and leave the rest."With only two people at the table, a lot of food would go to waste. Abigail did not like this at all. "Susanna, I don't eat much in the morning. You really don't have to go through all this trouble.""Alright, if you say so," Susanna replied.The two grandmothers, Margaret and Cassandra, had already had their breakfast early in the morning. Now, they joined Abigail and Xander at the table. They kept glancing at the young couple. Add in Susanna, and there were three pairs of eyes fixated on Abigail, making her feel awkward."Grandmas, Susanna, it's kind of hard for me to eat with you all watching me like this," Abigail said."Okay, we won't look. Eat at your own pace," they agreed.They pretended not to wat
The issue started at the breakfast table when Abigail received a new message on her WhatsApp from Felix in their group chat.Felix: [Caterpie, Mel and I are going to the supermarket to buy groceries. Mel's boyfriend is coming at 10. Make sure to come early to help us cook. Don't forget to bring your guy.]Every year, regardless of whose birthday it was, the trio would celebrate at a nice restaurant and then find other fun activities. Abigail knew that this year Felix was cooking at home to take a closer look at Xander and see if he was husband material.Abigail: [Okay, we'll head over after breakfast. Just a heads-up: don't make things hard for him.]Felix: [Not even a little bit?]Abigail: [No! Promise me, or I won't bring him.]Felix: [You keep spoiling him and doing everything for him. You're gonna wear yourself out.]Abigail: [He wouldn't let me do that.]Melody: [If Mr. Zane were my man, I'd not only spoil him like Caterpie but I'd also treat him like a king and use him wh
On their way home, Xander was driving, with Abigail in the front passenger seat."Mr. Zane," Abigail started, "Felix invited you to his birthday party today because he wants to evaluate you. If he crosses a line or does something excessive, please don't mind it. I'll keep him in check.""Do you think I'm petty?" Xander asked."No, I was just—"Before Abigail could finish, Xander reached over and took her hand. "When you say things like that, it makes me feel like you all are a family and I'm an outsider.""But they've been my friends for over 20 years, while we've only known each other for a short while," Abigail explained. "We need time to adapt. Soon, you'll be the person I'm closest to."Xander seemed satisfied with her response but did not let her off the hook easily. "I remember someone saying that the length of time doesn't determine the strength of feelings."Abigail knew she had said this, but she did not want to admit it. "Who said that?""Who do you think said it?""
'Oh gosh, this is so annoying!' Xander was always so straightforward; it left her at a loss."What do you mean 'but'?" Xander asked."Don't like me too much, wait for me..." She thought, 'He should wait until I like him back. It's not fair if he's the only one liking me and not getting a response.'Her words were unclear, but Xander understood her. "I'll wait for you, no matter how long it takes."Abigail thought, 'He's using his deep, sultry voice to bewitch me again. No, I can't be swayed by him.' She quickly looked out the car window and opened it a bit, hoping the fresh air would clear her muddled mind.The car continued on, reaching Abigail's apartment complex after about 40 minutes. It was the weekend, so the place was particularly crowded, and the parking lot was full.Abigail looked around, saying, "The underground parking is full today, Mr. Zane. Should we find a spot in the nearby mall?""There are spots on the street. I'll find one," Xander replied."Parking on the s
A few gossiping women, envious of others' successes, started to chit-chat."That man obviously looks wealthy and handsome. When people choose partners, they usually go for someone in their league. How could he possibly be with a girl from out of town?""Maybe he already has a fiancée or wife, and he's just after her beauty, just to have a bit of fun. Whoever falls for it loses.""What kind of car was that again? The logo had a horse on it; it looked pretty pricey.""That's a Porsche. My daughter and son-in-law drive one too. To get the full package, it costs over 1 million dollars, so expensive. I cringe at the idea of spending so much on a car, but my son-in-law didn't even blink when he swiped his card. That's how rich people are; a couple of million is nothing to them.""This one has a bigger horse. It's not a Porsche; it's a Ferrari.""What's a Ferrari? It can't be better than my daughter and son-in-law's Porsche."A young man passing by interjected, "Even the cheapest Ferra
"I can carry this stuff. No problem," Xander said."Stinky Caterpie." Melody laughed and said, "Mr. Zane cares about you. If he wants to carry it, let him."'I guess Mr. Zane passes,' Felix thought, referring to it as the first little test.The group walked into the apartment complex and headed toward Block 10. It was an old building with two elevators, each serving six apartments. With so many people living there, the elevator was crowded and already filled with several people waiting.As the elevator rose from the basement to the first floor, the doors opened to reveal a full cabin. More people waiting outside rushed in. Abigail was worried someone might push Xander, so she pulled him tightly into a corner of the elevator. Melody and Felix, accustomed to the daily squishing in the elevator, ended up in the opposite corner.A young and attractive couple always drew attention wherever they went, and many eyes were involuntarily attracted to them. Although they were all neighbors i
As a clean freak, Xander could not stand having dirty clothes on. Abigail, seeing him put up with it, felt a pang in her heart."We're almost home. When we get there, you can change, and I'll wash it for you."Xander would not wear a stained shirt twice. So, he usually carried two or three extra outfits, just in case. Abigail was the one who usually prepared these for him. During their private outing today, she had not thought about it, and ironically, his shirt got soiled.Before Xander could say anything, Felix interjected with a hint of mockery, "Xander is a grown man, not a delicate little girl, Caterpie. What's the big deal if his clothes get a bit dirty?"Abigail gave Felix a warning look, and, reluctantly, he shut his mouth.Soon, they reached the 15th floor.Felix, picking up the lightest bag, stepped ahead. "Caterpie, I'll open the door first. You carry the rest."Abigail knew Felix was testing Xander, but it was unnecessary. She had spent more time with Xander than Fel
His kiss was unlike the few times he had kissed her before. This time, it was intensely assertive. It was as if he were not just overpowering her physically but was also intent on claiming her soul.After what felt like forever, he released her, caressed her flushed face and asked, deep-voiced, "Thinking of sleeping with all the handsome men in the world, huh?"Abigail did not answer. She knew this man, Xander, had a particularly strong desire to possess her and if he believed Melody's words, he would undoubtedly "deal" with her when they got home. She had never imagined that he would be so daring as to lock the room door and "deal" with her on the spot.'He's so overpowering. It's unreasonable!' she thought."Silent, huh?" He bent down again, passionately kissing her lips. But a brief taste was far from enough for him. He continued his eager exploration, savoring her. It took a while, a time so long that Abigail began to struggle for breath. She felt as if her soul was about to dr
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