Melody did not know there was a conflict between Abigail and Xander. She rolled down the window and excitedly greeted Xander, "Mr. Zane, did you come to pick up Abigail?"Xander nodded. He then looked at Abigail who was sitting behind Melody.Melody said, "Stinky Caterpie, your man is here to pick you up. Quickly go back with him."Felix stopped the car. "Do you want to get out and talk to him?"Abigail shook her head.So, Felix drove the car into the underground parking lot.Melody asked, "Did you two fight?"Abigail answered, "No..."Melody questioned, "Why did you two fight?"Abigail replied, "I said we didn't."Melody said, "Look at you. You didn't even greet him when he waited there for you. And yet, you told me you two didn't fight."Abigail did not respond. When they got back to their apartment, Abigail immediately went to the window and looked down. Xander was still standing in the same spot. He seemed like he was smoking another cigarette.She wondered, 'When I fir
Xander stretched his hand out and carefully grabbed her soft hand. "Abigail, after you left, I seriously reflected on it. It was ill-considered of me when I tried to force you to stay and move your belongings without your consent. I won't do that again in the future. Please trust me!"Abigail lifted her head slightly. She then met his sincere gaze under the silver-rimmed glasses. She thought, 'I believe he won't intentionally hurt me.'However, people act on impulse. And in those moments, one might lose control and act irrationally.'Just like what happened to Xander in the morning. If he truly wanted to hurt me, I wouldn't be able to escape. He was just carried away by his emotions. But he came back to his senses when he saw my tears.'Xander was a little panicked when he saw her remain silent. "Abigail..."Abigail's heart softened completely. "Have you had dinner?"Xander shook his head. "No."Abigail said, "You know your stomach isn't well. And yet, you still didn't eat on ti
"I've prepared." Xander took his phone out to make a call. After a short while, someone delivered a huge suitcase.The suitcase was filled to the brim. Not only were there clothes but there were also various daily necessities. It was very comprehensive. It was as if he intended to stay here permanently.Xander opened the suitcase and started unpacking. His clothes took up half of Abigail's wardrobe. And his daily necessities took up half of her dressing table.After a while, his things were all over the room, as if he had been living here for a long time.Abigail was speechless.After he was done unpacking, Xander took an outfit and said, "I'm sweaty. I'll take a shower now."He went to take a shower after he said that.Not long after, he went back to Abigail's room in casual wear.He looked very relaxed and showed no sign of feeling uncomfortable about staying at someone else's place.Abigail was left speechless again.She thought, 'I feel like he's taking over my territory!
Xander asked, "Do I have to wash them?"Abigail was speechless.She complained in her mind, 'He's a germaphobe!'I've never even seen him wear the same jacket for two days. How can he wear the same underwear for two days?'What should I do?'I suddenly feel quite repulsed by him!'Abigail suddenly heard him say, "I just throw away my underwear after wearing it once. I need to wear a new one every day. If you don't believe me, you can check for yourself."Abigail said, "I trust you!"She whispered in her thought, 'Well, I clearly don't know much about rich people.'I've never experienced the way wealthy people live.'Abigail then sat down at the dressing table and started her skin care routine.By the time she was done with it, Xander was already lying on the bed.Her bed was five feet wide. And Xander was quite big. So, after he had lay down, Abigail felt like there was not much space left for her.She slowly approached the bed. As soon as she sat down, Xander stretched hi
These injuries were something that she left on his body. He did not want to get rid of them. He wished these injuries could last as long as possible.Abigail said, "Do you think you're invulnerable? You always think that you're fine. But in fact, your body isn't even as strong as mine."Abigail was quite petite compared to Xander. So, he could not understand how she could daringly use the word "strong".Xander said, "I'm sleepy. Let's sleep now."The bed was small. So, they were sleeping close to each other. However, neither of them had any inappropriate thoughts. They just slept through the night without disturbing each other.The next day, they woke up very early.The bathroom was small. Two of them squeezed in together to brush their teeth and wash their faces. Despite their height difference, when both their faces reflected in the bathroom mirror, they looked particularly well-matched.Abigail accidentally got some toothpaste foam on her nose. Xander casually stretched his h
Abigail thought, 'Why, when a man and woman are together in a way others don't like, does everyone naturally blame the woman? Why do they think the woman must have tricked the man? Both are responsible. If you're going to blame someone, blame both of them. Why blame just the woman?'Luna's face turned bright red with anger. "How can you say such a shameless thing?" she yelled.Abigail did not have any close friends at the company. Luna was the person she liked the most, but not enough to tell her everything. 'Since Luna says I'm being shameless, I'll be shameless then,' she thought, and turned to leave.Luna was desperate. "Aren't you scared that I'll share the video and show everyone at the company what you really did?" she threatened.Abigail turned back with a faint smile. "If you wanted to share it, you would've already. What do you want?" she asked calmly.Luna was surprised by how calm Abigail was. "Are you and Mr. Zane hiding something? Did he make you do something? If so,
Xander grabbed a napkin and wiped the leftover pancake crumbs from the corner of Abigail's mouth. "I didn't know," he said."Why did you pick me out of the three candidates, then?" Abigail asked."Maybe it was a connection at first sight, or maybe your name sounded familiar," Xander answered.Abigail was not happy with this answer. "Was it not because of my skills?"Xander looked at her grumpy face and felt sorry for her. "Silly girl, just by being one of the choices for me to pick, you showed your skills. I picked you from the three people because I liked you best. This year, you've proved that choosing you was the right thing to do.""Did you like the way I look? Did you pick me because I'm pretty?" Abigail asked."Being pretty can be a skill too," Xander replied."I'm talking to you about something serious. Don't make jokes," Abigail said."Is someone saying you can't do the job?" Xander asked."I'm worried that if people learn about us being together, they'll think I got t
Abigail worked hard to ignore the strange looks people were giving her and focused on her job.Even though she had not been at work for a few days, she and Xander were still a great team. Seeing how well they worked together, Keith thought their relationship was like a match made in heaven. It was true not only for their personal lives but also for their excellent working relationship.A long time ago, Keith had to pass lots of tests to become Xander's assistant. When he first started, he had trouble keeping up and made some small mistakes. But the mistakes were not very bad, and Xander let him stay. After a while, Keith got really good at his job.Abigail was different. She was great from the very first day she worked with Xander, and she did not make any mistakes for a whole year. Keith thought, 'She's so good at her job, and she's even married to Mr. Zane! Other girls can't even come close.'As Keith was lost in thought, Xander's phone rang really loud. Xander picked it up and h
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