"If you don't have feelings for him, you won't care if you'll lose him." Samantha smiled at Abigail. "He's such an excellent man, he spends day and night with you, and he's also your husband. How can you not like him?"Abigail did not respond. She just looked at the sea of clouds and quietly thought, 'Samantha is right. If I don't like him, I won't care if Xander leaves me.'I'm afraid because I care about that. I'm afraid that things might change, I'm afraid that I can't grow old with him...'Samantha continued speaking, "Abigail, I'd like to tell you one more thing. Would you like to hear it?"Abigail asked, "What's that?"Samantha asked, "Do you still remember when Xander brought you to my shop to buy the dress?"Abigail nodded. "I do."Samantha said, "At that time, I asked him if he liked you. Guess how he answered?"Abigail turned her head and asked, "How did he answer?"Samantha replied, "He said you were his wife. I knew then that he didn't feel any love for you, but mo
Samantha replied, "This matter is serious. If the girl wants to step forward, we'll advise her and tell her the consequences."Abigail said, "The girl in the video is me!"Samantha had thought the girl's voice and body figure in the video resembled Abigail's. But she did not consider the possibility that it might be Abigail. She was extremely shocked upon hearing it. She asked, "The girl in the video is you?"Abigail nodded. "Yes. Since you all are planning a charity event, I want to take this opportunity as a victim to tell all the girls who have been violated that they should stand up for themselves through legal means."Samantha asked, "Does Xander know about this?"Abigail replied, "Xander and I discussed it before we decided to release the video."Samantha said "You're very brave..."Abigail said, "I once felt scared, backed down, and avoided facing it. I felt embarrassed that this kind of thing happened to me. And I couldn't face people."As I grew older and gained more e
Abigail replied, "I just learned that your close friend, Samantha, was invited by the Women's Union in North Florivera to participate in a charity event. I want to be interviewed by them as the victim from the video."After a moment of silence, Xander spoke, "You've decided to do it?"Abigail nodded. "Yes."Xander said, "Go ahead then. I'll support you."He did not ask further. He just supported her decision.This touched Abigail a lot. She responded, "Don't you have anything else that you want to say to me? Didn't you even think for a second to stop me from doing this?"Xander replied, "This is a good deed. And it's your decision too. Why should I stop you?"Abigail asked, "Are you really not worried that when our relationship is made public in the future, this matter will affect the image of Zane Corporation?"Xander seriously said, "Abigail, please remember what I've told you. Zane Corporation will always be your strong support. It's not an obstacle that'll block your progre
As they were talking about the Guzman family, Abigail's phone rang. It was an unfamiliar phone number.It was her work phone, and it was an unknown caller. So, Abigail thought it was a client and answered politely, "Hi!"She could then hear Daisy's voice. "Abigail, it's me. Your mother! I've bought a lot of things to visit you and your sister. But the security guards stopped me outside the residential area. In which building and unit do you live?"Abigail was disgusted by Daisy's voice. She responded, "Don't call yourself my mother. I don't have a mother like you."Abigail's resentment did not affect Daisy at all. "Silly girl, I think there are a lot of misunderstandings between the three of us. We should talk."Abigail said, "Get lost!"Daisy said, "You're carrying my blood. I gave birth to you. You can't just deny our relationship."Abigail did not want to listen to another word from Daisy. She immediately ended the call and blocked the phone number.As soon as she ended the
Lucia too thought this was a little too outlandish. "Sis, I know how much you hate her, but the chances of that are almost zero.""How come?" Abigail asked.Lucia then said, "Why would she pretend to be our mother? What can she gain from that? I've been with her for many years, and I know that she values what benefits her more than anything else. If she wanted to pretend to be our mother, that position must first benefit her. But for so many years, she had never gained anything from being our mother."Lucia's analysis was not without reason as Abigail leaned back dejectedly against the car seat. "Yeah, what good does she get from pretending to be our mother?"Abigail held her head as she pondered, hoping for a eureka moment that would justify the possibility of Daisy pretending to be their mother.Unfortunately for her, even she herself thought the idea was too outlandish.There was no such thing as a face-changing technique in this world, it was almost impossible for a person to
It was as if the elders had acknowledged Lucia as kin.Lucia exclaimed, "Sis, this is...miraculous!""Lucia, they must've acknowledged you as kin," Abigail said as she pulled Lucia over to say another word of prayer. "Grandpa, Grandma, Dad, don't you worry, I'll take good care of Lucia, and I too have her for company. I'm not alone in this world anymore, I now have a family and we'll live happily ever after..."Abigail was sure that her departed loved ones had heard her, especially her grandmother.She looked at Cassandra's portrait on the tombstone and whispered, "Grandma, I know you're worried about me, and I miss you too, but I want to tell you today that Xander and I will live on happily, and both of us will have a child soon. We'll bring the child along to visit after I've given birth..."Abigail blurted out everything in a single breath, unloading everything she wanted to say as if Cassandra was still around.It was because she knew that after this visit, she would not have
As Raymond drove the car, he said, "I've worked alongside Mr. Zane for a couple of years and had only come to North Florivera the year before. So, I do know him somewhat.""How so?" Abigail asked."Everyone outside says that he's a ruthless, heartless man, but he's not like that at all. He had never mistreated any of us loyal subordinates."Abigail then smiled. "How much truth can there be in those rumors? People would often believe what they want to regardless of the truth," Abigail said with a smile.It was just like what happened to her, even after what had happened was exposed and the police had made arrests, there were some who were still cursing her name.Some even believed that the expose was fake, questioning why it was not shown back then.Abigail had already seen through such people a long time ago."Mr. Zane is so powerful he no longer cares how the outside world sees him," Raymond said.Abigail however retorted, "No matter how powerful he is, he's still a living, br
Lucia then added, "Melody, you're much prettier and gentler than I've imagined.""You think? You're quite pretty yourself too..." Melody gushed."Oh, stop tooting each other's horns already," Abigail chimed in."What? This is just two pretty girls appreciating one another," Melody spat back.Raymond, who had been ignored thus far, parked the car and hurriedly walked to Melody. "Good day, Ms. Mane!"Melody was taken aback for a moment before realizing that she had met this person a few days ago. "Hello, Mr. Seabrook!"Raymond held his hand out to her. "Nice to meet you!"It was impossible for someone to reach the top level of Zane Corporation without ability or guile and Melody did not want to have too much to do with people like these.However, since Raymond had so enthusiastically held his hand out, Melody found it difficult to refuse him, so she politely shook his hand.Yet, who knew Raymond would not let go of her hand. "Ms. Mane..."Melody pulled her hand back. "Mr. Seabr
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