"I don't care what my first name is. As long as my last name is Renee, I'll like it," Mallory said.Abigail said, "You can't just pick any name, you know." She thought hard for a while and finally came up with a name she liked. "What do you think of the name 'Lucia'?" Lucia meant light. Abigail hoped that with the new name, Mallory could leave behind any sadness. She wanted Mallory to have a happy and bright life."I like it. It's a good name," Mallory said happily."Lucia, Lucia," Susanna chimed in. "I think it sounds great too.""Okay, let's settle on the name then," Mallory said.Abigail nodded in agreement.After the excitement, Lucia started to worry again. "It won't be easy to get adopted and change our family records from the Guzman family."Abigail smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry about it. Leave it to me. No matter how much the Guzman family makes it difficult, I'll make sure the adoption goes through."As they were talking, the doorbell rang. Susanna hurried to open
Abigail said, "Let's not talk about the past anymore."Malcolm replied, "Then tell me, why did you two become sisters?""Because she really is my sister," Abigail replied.Malcolm's mind raced with drama. "Did Daisy, after getting married, adopt a child because she couldn't have one? And now her real family wants her back?"Abigail rolled her eyes playfully. "What kind of soap operas are you watching these days?" she teased."I started watching a show because I like the actress in it, and I'm trying to impress her," Malcolm said."What show is it?" Abigail asked, amused"High Society Chronicles."Abigail shook her head, not sure what to say."Am I right?" Malcolm asked eagerly."What if I told you Daisy might be our real mom?" Abigail said."No way!" Malcolm exclaimed. "You know, sometimes real life is even crazier than the stories we make up. But how can Daisy be your real mom? She was so mean to you at Gavin's birthday party. Did she know you were her daughter?"Abigail l
"Let me get this straight," Malcolm said. "I worked all day, and now I have to give you both a present?""Why not?" Abigail said, smiling."You might as well change your last name to Scrooge, like Scrooge McDuck," Malcolm joked."Malcolm," Abigail responded playfully, "you can give us a gift now, and when you get married, I'll give you an even bigger one. I promise it'll be worth it.""I don't even plan on getting married, so how would I get your gift?" Malcolm asked.Abigail rolled her eyes at him. "You have a new girlfriend every day and don't plan on marrying any of them? You're wasting these women's time. You're such a jerk."Malcolm defended himself, "Jerks say they love you but then go chasing after someone else. I'm honest from the start. I give her the money she wants, and she gives me happiness. We both get what we need, and if we get bored, we can split. How is that being a jerk?""Twisted logic," Abigail retorted."How is that twisted?" Malcolm argued. "I'm a good gu
Abigail asked, "What was he like to you before?"Lucia replied, "He's close with Max and Xander, especially with Xander. Whenever I see him, he's usually hanging out with Xander, so I always thought he was hard to get to know." Then Lucia realized something. "You've been so nice to me, and you even let me stay at your apartment. I hope I won't cause any problems between you and your husband."Abigail spoke softly, "I wanted you back in my life, and Xander knows that. He's kind and thoughtful, and he takes care of what needs to be done without me even asking. The best part is, even though he's important and has a big job, he's not like some guys who don't treat people right. He respects my choices and listens to what I have to say. He's really a great guy, the best person I know."Lucia asked, "Are you sure that's Xander you're talking about?"Abigail answered, "Who else would it be?"Lucia said, "Xander must really love you.""There isn't always a lot of love in the world. He's a
"You don't have to answer me right away," Abigail said. "I'll be here with you at home, taking care of you while you get better. Just take your time to think about it. Once you're all healed up, I'll take you back to North Florivera to visit Grandma and Dad. I bet they'd be so happy, looking down from heaven, knowing that I found you.""Okay," Lucia said, nodding. "You and Essy told me before that I should have my own career. I've been thinking about it, and I'd like to try going out to work," she whispered, afraid that Abigail might say no. When she was with the Guzman family, Max always belittled her whenever she talked about wanting a job, saying she was not cut out for any work. But she still wanted to prove herself.Abigail said, "Of course you can. You graduated from a top university and you've studied abroad. With your background, lots of companies would want to hire you.""Really?" Lucia asked."How about a bet? Put your resume online, and if you get a job, you can buy me a
Daisy took deep breaths, relieved to be free. She looked sadly at Gavin. "I've been with you for more than twenty years. I've given you all of me and taken care of you faithfully. Have I ever done anything wrong to you?"Gavin thought about it. Daisy was clearly motivated by money; she had married him for it and always acted sweetly toward him to get it. However, her transparent motives meant she had always supported him and never once betrayed him."When there was trouble, you thought I told the secret without even asking me. Do you think I'm dumb or that I'm tired of my good life?" Daisy blinked, acting sad, and fake tears fell. "I don't know what happened. Why are you blaming me?"Daisy cried pitifully, and Gavin, feeling sorry for her, hugged her. "It's alright. I shouldn't have blamed you," he said.Daisy, snuggled in his arms, felt like throwing up from his smell, but she hid it. "What's going on?" she asked.Gavin said, "Xander had someone from the Cobain family come see me
When Daisy brought up the company's problems, Gavin felt defeated. "Xander is so mean," he said. "Right from the start, he was after Guzman Corporation. He's got us figured out, planning our every move. If we don't find a solution, our company will crumble soon. We won't have any place to stand in Florivera.""I might have an idea," Daisy said."You?" Gavin raised an eyebrow, looking at Daisy with disdain. "I have to admit you're good at attending to men, but what do you know about business?""I may not know about business," Daisy said, "but I do know how to win a man's heart better than you."Gavin rolled his eyes. "Oh, please. If you were twenty years younger, maybe Xander would notice you. You might still be charming, but you're no match for young women."Daisy smiled. "Don't forget, my name is Daisy, just like the mother of those two kids. No one knows that I'm not their real mother. If I pretend to be their mom, Xander won't be able to hurt me."Gavin's eyes brightened, thou
"I'll give you the details later. For now, just go park the car, and then come over to the supermarket to help us carry things," Abigail said.Felix was anxious. "You need to tell me what's going on, Caterpie.""You're blocking the entrance to the parking lot, and other cars can't get through. Go park, and then come to the supermarket. I'll tell you what's going on," Abigail replied.Felix had no choice but to agree. "You'd better tell me everything later."As Felix drove into the underground parking garage, Lucia asked, "Felix seems really nice to you. Do you think Xander will get jealous?""Xander knows Felix is my childhood friend, so he won't get jealous," Abigail replied.'He'd better not be jealous,' Abigail thought. In the past, she had seen Xander get so jealous that it was not just a small feeling—it was like a huge storm. Some people might feel a little jealous, like a quick rain shower, but Xander's jealousy was like a big thunderstorm or even a hurricane. He always le
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