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
"You're right, Cassandra. I'll definitely need to give both you and Abigail an answer for this," Margaret said as she walked in, her voice so loud it could rip the roof off. "Nathan has gone way overboard!"After getting into the house, Margaret continued her scolding. "Back then, it was he who wanted the divorce, and now he's the one who refuses to divorce. Who does he take Abigail for? That punk, if he dares to show himself before me again, I'll break his legs if that's the last thing I do!"Seeing how much of a tirade Margaret was unleashing, Cassandra did not want to chime in, instead, she tried to calm her down. "Margaret, don't fret too much. Sit down and have a drink first. Don't hurt your body in a fit of anger."Margaret walked to Cassandra's bedside and grabbed her hand as convenient tears soon fell. "Cassandra, I know you're a kind soul, but I can't allow your kindness to let this matter lie."Seeing that Margaret was tearing up, Cassandra cried too. "We shouldn't blame
"Alright, we'll be leaving then. Go back home," Margaret said."Goodbye." Abigail reluctantly watched as the car drove away and was unwilling to look away even after a good while.In fact, Abigail knew very well that the reason why her grandma would follow Grandma Margaret to Southcrest was not to spend off Nathan's money at all. It was that she did not want to trouble her for fear of affecting her work.Not too far away, inside an inconspicuous MPV sat Xander.Seeing how lost Abigail was, he lit up a cigarette before extinguishing it without taking a puff as he pushed open the door and walked over. "Abigail..."Having her name called out suddenly like that, Abigail was taken aback, and when she saw that it was him, she let out a smile while still feeling suspicious. "Mr. Zane, why are you here? Are you here to see the doctor?""Just passing by, you?"'Passing by again. I've run into him twice today, and this is just too coincidental, it beggars belief.''Could he be thinking o
Being called a bastard by Abigail's friends, not only did Xander not refute that, he even felt that they were right. He was a proper right bastard.He, as a husband, not only did not provide his wife any help when she needed him the most, but he even caused her more trouble.If her friends were already so resentful of him, he could only wonder how much Abigail hated 'Nathan' in her heart.The three of them had totally ignored his presence and Xander had to speak up to make himself heard. "Abigail, are these your friends?"Abigail was speechless.'Shit! I got so engrossed with Felix and Mel I forgot that Xander was standing right here. Now he has heard all of my private matters!'It was only at this moment did Melody notice Xander and her eyes immediately lit up with stars. "Woah, handsome! Have we met before? Caterpie? He isn't Nathan, right? If he's Nathan, then just forget about the divorce. He's so handsome even if he's a useless piece of shit, taking him out as a companion wo
She laughed very happily, the kind from the depths of her heart, different from those practiced standard smiles during work hours.Oh, how Xander wished he could pull Felix's coat off and put his own onto Abigail, but his good sense stopped him from doing that.After all, seeing another man care about his wife while he could do nothing deeply frustrated him.Melody then asked, "Mr. Zane, were you driving?"Paxton was seated in the MPV but Xander shook his head. "No.""If you don't mind, feel free to take a ride in ours," Melody said.Even the cheapest of Xander's cars were at least in the millions, and Abigail was worried he would not be used to it and said, "Mr. Xander, how about you wait for your chauffeur to pick you up.""No need," Xander said as he got into Felix's car. He had chosen the co-driver seat, and that would prevent Abigail from sitting beside Felix.Melody got into the car next and Abigail immediately grabbed onto her as she whispered, "Mel, he's Xander Zane, a
'If her words meant nothing, then whose does?'Seeing that Abigail was unwilling to answer the question, Xander could tell what she was thinking, but he still insisted on an answer from her. "I'm asking you now."Unable to watch his darling Caterpie being 'bullied', Felix turned around and glanced at Xander. "Mr. Zane, whether your wife will forgive you or not is up to your wife, whatever my Caterpie here says means nothing in the grand scheme of things."Xander's sharp brow raised a little as an incisive gloom appeared in the eyes beneath his glasses. "Your Caterpie?"'Abigail is my wife, since when did she become another's?'It was an enmity that only men could see, and Felix could tell that Xander was a very dangerous person. "Yeah, my Caterpie. We have known each other since we were in diapers."Mel, who was so enchanted by Xander's good looks, did not even sense the tension in the air as she leaned over and asked, "Mr. Zane, do you want to know how Caterpie got her nickname?
Abigail still wanted to stop him, but Felix was faster as he ordered the soup and then ordered some other dishes that they liked.After he was done, he handed the tablet over to Xander. "Mr. Zane, have a look at what you like?"Abigail wanted to take the tablet but Felix refused to hand it to her. "I've already ordered your favorites. Let Mr. Zane see what he likes."Xander was a picky eater. He did not eat offals, nor this nor that, and the soup restaurant only had a select few dishes, and there was nothing he liked after a glance.He put down the tablet and said, "I'll eat whatever Abigail eats."In any case, his purpose here was not to eat, but to know Abigail better.Felix then smiled. "I ordered quite a bit, so don't be a stranger later, Mr. Zane."After ordering their food, the waiter came with the condiments. As the three of them were regulars here, the server knew them very well and had already come bringing their favorite condiment mixed with coriander.These were all
However, Xander did not care at all, and as if he was in rivalry with Felix, the two kept fighting one another to fill Abigail's plate and soon it was piling up so high that she could not even finish them.Abigail felt that the two men were acting really strange, but she could not put her fingers on what it was.It was until Felix proudly threw this line out. "I've taken care of my Caterpie for almost twenty years now. Our bond is as deep as the ocean, and isn't something that can be compared by just serving her food."Abigail almost choked on her food when she heard that.Felix and Melody were her childhood friends and Xander her boss, it was natural that the three of them were far more intimate but that was not something one would tell Xander in his face.Abigail silently nudged Felix and the latter too realized that he had gone overboard, so he turned to serve Melody instead. "Mel, eat more and fill your belly."It was only then did Melody, who was ignored all this while, pout
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