Abigail did not really sleep well that night because she was too excited. But she was still very energetic the next morning.Before she went out in the morning, she checked the documents in her bag again. She wanted to make sure she had everything before going to the office.After she finished her tasks in the morning, Abigail requested a half day's leave from Xander. "Mr. Zane, I have something to do in the afternoon. I want to apply for a half day's leave from you."Her mood was so good today that Xander could feel it without looking at her.'She's so cheerful. Could it be because she's really pregnant?' Xander thought to himself.Xander felt inexplicably annoyed with this guess in his mind. He fixed his collar. "Both of you can rest this afternoon."Abigail said, "Mr. Zane, you're giving us time off again?"Under Xander's leadership, the Zane Corporation had developed so well to the point where many corporations could not match. All the heads of departments in every subsidiar
Xander took out his personal phone. He then found the phone number labeled "that woman" in his contact list. But he hesitated to press the call button.He thought, 'What if the person who answers the call isn't Abigail...?'Xander only pressed the call button when Shawn urged him.When the call was dialed, Xander raised his head to stare unwaveringly at Abigail who was standing not far away from him. A voice in him was constantly praying hoping that Abigail would pick up his call.When the phone rang, it rang once, then twice, and just when he was nervously waiting, he finally saw Abigail take out her phone from her bag. He could then hear a sweet, familiar female voice from his phone. "Mr. Hart, I'm here. Are you guys here?"Xander did not dare to answer. He immediately ended the call and said to Shawn, "Pass me the marriage certificate.""Why do you need it at a time like this?" Shawn took out the marriage certificate from his folder and handed it to Xander.Xander opened the
"He's probably this kind of guy." Shawn looked at Xander as he intentionally said, "Ms. Renee, just forget about this kind of guy. Your marriage to him is meaningless. It's like you two aren't married anyway. If you want to get a boyfriend, just..."Before he could finish his sentence, Xander raised his arm to take his phone over and decisively ended the call.Shawn said, "You do know that she has a boyfriend. Why do you look unhappy?"Xander abruptly remembered the conversation between Abigail and Keith at noon. He asked, "What are the three happiest events in the modern day?"Shawn answered, "For men, it's getting promoted, getting rich, and that his wife dies. For women, it's getting promoted, getting a pay raise, and her husband dies."Xander thought, 'So Abigail was so happy this morning because she wanted to divorce me!'This realization made him look gloomy. "You can shut up now."Shawn was speechless.Xander opened the car door and got out of the car. He then got into t
Xander said, "What else?"Abigail was confused. "What else?"Xander did not get the answer he wanted to hear. He was silent for a while before saying, "Nothing."Abigail was speechless.She thought, 'There's something very wrong with my boss today.'She turned around and sat in the passenger seat obediently. About half an hour later, the car entered the Mangrove Bay Villa area.Mangrove Bay Villa area was the most expensive residential area in Florivera. It was near the city, but the view of the sea could be seen. Monsoon Villa was the most luxurious presence in the Mangrove Bay Villa area. The area that it covered was so big that most people did not even dare to imagine it in their lifetime.After entering the villa area and driving through several miles of a tree-lined driveway, they entered the Monsoon Villa area.The first thing that appeared in front of them was a Chrysalian-style garden. There were a few small buildings as they moved deeper.The outermost building was fo
Dr. Sander was startled. She immediately smiled even brighter as she said, "It's even better that you aren't bearing someone else's child. You can have kids with Xander in the future. Both of you are so good-looking. It'd be a waste of such high-quality genes if you two don't give birth to a few kids."Xander did not mind raising someone else's child. But he was the leader of the Zane Corporation. So, his child would definitely inherit the Zane Corporation.If his kid was not of Zane's bloodline, the Zane Corporation that had finally been stabilized would inevitably face many issues. Everyone in the Zane family did not wish that to happen."Dr. Sander, what are you talking about?" Abigail was so angry that her eyes turned red. She said, "Who do you all think I am? Is it okay for anyone to just humiliate me? To abuse me?"Dr. Sander realized she said something wrong. She quickly apologized, "Abigail, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to humiliate you. I was just happy for you."She just got
After Abigail's mother, Daisy Gardner gave birth to her, Daisy divorced Abigail's father, Leroy Renee, and she left North Florivera leaving Abigail and Leroy behind. They had not heard from Daisy since then.Leroy passed away due to a car accident when Abigail was five. Since then, she was raised by her grandmother. Abigail was bullied quite a lot when she was a kid.Abigail was sensible ever since she was very young due to family reasons. She always helped her busy grandmother to do housework. At the age of sixteen, she was the top student in liberal arts at North Florivera and was accepted into Florivera University.She thought everything would be better after she got into the university. But unexpectedly, during her second-year summer holiday in university, before she turned eighteen, she was framed and forced to leave North Florivera. And she had not been to her hometown for the next few years after that.After that incident, she went back to Florivera. The man who tried everyt
After watching Paxton drive off with Abigail, Xander got into the car driven by Liam. They then went to the Zane residence.Margaret stayed there ever since she came back from Southcrest Residence because she was worried about Cassandra's health condition.Margaret was unhappy when she saw Xander. She asked, "Why did you come back? Did you come back to see how angry you've made me?"Xander pushed the glasses on his nose as he said, "Grandma, how did I make you angry?""Nathan, you still dare to say you didn't anger me?" Margaret was so furious that she actually called his name that he would only use at home. Whenever she said that name, it would mean that she was truly angry, and it would be difficult to calm her down.Xander supported her as he said, "I came here to cool you down. Please hear me out."Margaret did not listen to him. She just kept complaining, "What did you promise me back then? And look at what you did. Just today I found out that the Big Four Families are talki
Xander said, "I want to arrange the best doctor and the best hospital for her grandmother. I want her sickness to be cured soonest possible so that Abigail is worry-free." This was the best way that Xander could think of to make up for Abigail. If he were to tell Abigail that, she would definitely not accept it. So, he could only ask his grandmother for help.Margaret said, "This is easy. I was planning to take Cassandra back to Southcrest Residence to live with me. But I was worried I couldn't find a reason for it. Now that you two aren't going to divorce, I can then openly take her with me to recuperate."Xander was relieved as he said, "Thank you, Grandma!"Margaret said, "But I must warn you. If you make any trouble once more, I'll be the first person to come after you.""I won't." After he said that, he thought to himself, 'This time I'll certainly take up the responsibility as Abigail's husband. I'll not let her be wronged again.'But is she willing to give me a chance to ma
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