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
Just as the word "divorce" was about to escape her lips, Xander swiftly silenced her with a kiss, blocking the word he disliked."I don't mistrust you. It's just that intense jealousy clouded my mind."Worried he might say something wrong, Xander said no more. He took the shirt from Abigail's hands and quickly put it on. It was also a white shirt, baggy and long when worn by her. But it fit him just right, as if it were made for him. Abigail ignored him, taking his dirty white shirt to clean it, leaving him alone in her room.This was Xander's first time in Abigail's room, which was much smaller than he had imagined. The room had a single bed that was five feet long, a row of wardrobes, and a desk. With these furnishings, the room hardly had any extra space. But it was tidy, warm, and cozy. A sachet hung by the window, filled with what must be herbs and spices, giving off a soothing and calming scent. On the window ledge was a cushion, a small table, and on it, a tablet and a notebo
"Why don't you help me wash the vegetables, Mr. Zane?" Before Xander could answer, Felix added another statement, "Never mind, I won't trouble you. I'll wait for Caterpie to return with the ketchup and ask her to help."Xander, a smart man, understood Felix's subtle hint. "I came here to help, not to have you test me with Abigail."Felix blinked in surprise, then said, "Really?""Abigail, my wife, counts you as her best friend and childhood companion," Xander replied.His words, both straightforward and sincere, touched Felix. He was not an unreasonable person; he just could not bear the thought of Abigail getting hurt again. When faced with Xander's sincerity, Felix's tone softened significantly. "As Melody mentioned, Caterpie truly is a gem. You must cherish her. Promise me you'll never hurt her or make her upset."Xander remembered Felix's words well. "She's my wife; it's my duty to keep her happy and protect her."Whether or not he could fulfill his promise, his words were co