"What are you guys talking about? I don't understand a word!" Abigail exclaimed, looking at her two best friends in front of her. They had grown up together, but now their faces seemed so strange that she felt like she did not even recognize them.Melody took a step forward, wanting to hug Abigail, but Abigail quickly backed away, avoiding them as though they were venomous snakes or wild beasts. "You're not Mel and Fee. They wouldn't say bad things about my grandma," Abigail said, with her eyes wide and a look of mistrust and fear on her face. "Tell the truth, who are you really? Why are you pretending to be my best friends?""Caterpie, we really are Mel and Fee..." Melody and Felix, seeing Abigail acting like this, were very worried. Melody quickly tried to calm her down, saying, "Okay, we won't talk about it anymore. If you don't want to hear it, we won't say it." Right now, their main concern was calming her down."No. You're not Mel and Fee. Tell the truth, who are you really?"
Abigail grew up without parents, and when she was in elementary school, she often got picked on by other kids. Melody and Felix knew all about this. Little Abigail was too small to fight back. When others hit her, she would say the same thing she was saying now: her grandmother would protect her. But some bullies would not back down just because of her words. When the mean kids heard she wanted to tell her grandmother, they would tease her even more. They would not even let her go home to complain. Thankfully, her grandmother noticed something was wrong and found out about Abigail's situation at school. She talked to the teachers, and Abigail was not bullied again.In Abigail's heart, even though her grandmother was old now and might not do things as well as she could, her grandmother was still her hero, her superhero who could protect her and shield her from anything. No one could ever replace her grandmother as the superhero in her heart.Everyone knew how important Abigail's grand
Cassandra was lying peacefully in bed, with makeup on her face, looking as if she were asleep. She was not breathing. If not for that, people would not know she had passed away. Abigail looked up, silently staring at Cassandra. No one knew what she was thinking.Felix, standing beside her, said, "Caterpie, open your eyes wide and remember how Grandma looks. You won't see her again."Melody nudged Felix and whispered, "Fee, don't say that. Don't push Caterpie too hard. Give her some time to cope."But Felix was relentless, wanting to help Abigail understand what happened. "Caterpie, your grandma always wanted you to be brave and strong. In her eyes, you've always been strong. But look at you now; you don't even have the courage to face what's happened. You're acting afraid. If Grandma knew you were this weak, she would be really disappointed.""You all leave. I want to talk to Grandma alone," Abigail suddenly said, her voice flat and calm. She seemed totally different from how she h
Abigail did not respond, but Xander knew she had heard him. After telling her what she needed to do, he left Cassandra's room and gently closed the door behind him. Outside, he found Melody and Felix eavesdropping at the door, reminding him of how Abigail would sometimes act."Go wait in the living room. Don't eavesdrop here," Xander said.Melody protested, "Leaving Caterpie alone in there, we're just not comfortable."Xander replied, "Trust her."Melody and Felix wanted to stay, but seeing Xander's confidence, they followed him out.After Xander left, Abigail approached Cassandra, carefully holding her hand. "Grandma..." She started to cry just from saying that word. Her heart felt empty, and it hurt so much that she had trouble breathing for a moment. She took some time to catch her breath before continuing, "I haven't talked with you for so long. Today, I'll stay with you, and we'll chat."Cassandra's hand was cold and stiff, but Abigail still brought it to her face and rubbed
"You think that thing made a huge mark on my life, like a stain. But thinking that way is wrong. We're the ones who were hurt. Why should someone else's mistake be something bad about me? I used to be scared just like you, afraid people would talk about me, look at me in a mean way. Then I met Xander. He told me that we shouldn't feel bad. The people who did wrong should be the ones to get in trouble." Abigail kept talking about Xander. "I know you think Xander would make a great husband. He's rich and powerful, and he's good-looking too. It's hard to find someone like him. I promise to cherish him. But what matters most is that Xander is really nice. Sometimes, he's so nice that it doesn't seem real. He just told me he'll always be with me. But I'm scared to believe him. I'm scared that if I do, he'll leave me one day, suddenly not wanting me, just like you did."Abigail thought that hoping for something could lead to disappointment. If she did not hope, she would not be let down. Ri
Felix was pacing back and forth in the living room, clearly worried. Finally, he glared at Xander, but as soon as he met Xander's stern gaze, he calmed down. "Mr. Zane..." he began.Xander glanced at him lazily. "Speak up," he said.Felix gathered his courage again. "Caterpie has been alone for over two hours. Shouldn't we check on her? What if something happens? You'd feel terrible, wouldn't you?"Melody nodded vigorously. "Yes! If Caterpie does something reckless, we'll feel guilty for the rest of our lives."Compared to Felix and Melody, who were really worried, Xander was calm. "You've known her since you were kids; you should understand her better than I do. Abigail is a strong woman. Once she gets through this tough time, she'll be able to handle anything.""Strong?" Felix scoffed. "How much more do you want her to be strong?" Xander raised an eyebrow at Felix but said nothing. Felix continued, his voice softening, "When she was a little girl, her dad left her. She had to gr
People often said that home was the best place to be. After moving to Florivera, Cassandra never talked to Abigail about going back to North Florivera, but Abigail could feel that her grandmother missed it. She knew she had to take her grandmother's ashes back to North Florivera to bury her with her grandfather and father, so they could all be together again in a special place.Margaret did not want to let go of her dear friend and thought it was proper to keep the body at home for a few days, like people used to do a long time ago. But she still respected Abigail's wishes. "Alright, we'll do as you say," she agreed."Thank you, Grandma," said Abigail.Margaret reached out and ruffled Abigail's hair. "Remember what your grandma told you, Abigail. From now on, Essy, Xander, and I are your family."Esther came forward and hugged Abigail tightly. "I'll protect you and be with you from now on. I won't let anyone be mean to you."Susanna said, "And me too. I'm about the same age as you
Raymond had always done a great job at work, so he usually was not afraid of inspections. But this time was different. Xander and Margaret were coming themselves, and only Raymond knew about it. He thought something big might be happening and felt uneasy. He did not feel better until Margaret told him it was just a personal matter.He then said, "Mrs. Zane Senior, Mr. Zane, if you need anything, just ask. I know this place better than you, so I can help with whatever you need."Xander nodded. "Give me the car keys. You can go now."Raymond quickly handed over the keys.The van had seven seats, but no driver, so someone had to drive. Since Felix knew North Florivera well, he took on the task without complaining.Felix asked Abigail, "Should we go straight home?"Holding Cassandra's urn tightly, Abigail nodded. "Mm-hmm."Cassandra had an apartment in North Florivera, where they had lived together for many years. Last year, when her grandmother got sick, Abigail brought her to Flor
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