"Come on, Waylon, I don't know what you're worried about. Look at her! She's just an ordinary young girl. What tricks could she possibly pull off? You're worrying over nothing."Simon tutted a few times, looking over at Waylon and shaking his head. Seeing that Yaslyn remained silent, the two of them stayed put in the abandoned garage, making small talk while waiting for Zaylee to arrive. As time passed, without Zaylee showing up, they both started to get a little anxious."Do you think something happened to Ms. Ford? Why's she so late?""What are you talking about? Mind your own business," Waylon retorted.Suddenly, a rhythmic knock came from the door. Three long and two short knocks—their agreed-upon code.The two men broke into smiles and eagerly opened the door. Zaylee, wearing a mask and glasses, cautiously slipped in.She glanced at the three people inside, and when her eyes landed on Yaslyn, who was in a disheveled state on the ground, she could not help but let out a sinis
Yaslyn had not expected Henry to go to such lengths for her, and it tugged at her heartstrings. She had always thought that Henry's feelings for her were merely those of adoration—not genuine affection. She started to have doubts upon seeing him there."Henry, get up. You can go. I'll be fine on my own."Henry shook his head, feeling fists raining down on his back like hailstones. "How could I leave you alone? I have to stay with you. I won't abandon you."Zaylee got up and glared at Henry, teeth grinding in anger."So, Henry, you dare to attack me? You knew about Yaslyn and Xoan, and yet you still associate with her? You're disgusting!"Ignoring the pain, Henry mustered enough energy to respond."Zaylee, let Yaslyn go. The Warren family won't let this slide."Zaylee smirked upon hearing Henry's weak voice. "Quite comical, don't you think? Do I look like someone who was afraid to die? Henry, since you've presented yourself to me today, don't fault me for disregarding past friend
Xoan was worried. His brows were deeply furrowed, and beads of cold sweat dotted his forehead. Holding Yaslyn in his arms, his heart ached as if it was gripped by invisible claws.Xoan rushed her to the hospital. After a cursory treatment to bandage her wounds, he gently laid her on the hospital bed."Yaslyn, are you alright?"Yaslyn's thoughts were elsewhere, tethered to Henry. The dagger that struck him was not just sharp but tinged with a disconcerting shade of black—likely poisoned.Henry was in grave danger."Take me to Henry. Now.""What's wrong with you? Why are you so concerned about Henry right now?"Xoan was baffled. 'Just because Henry took a knife wound to save her?'Yaslyn replied urgently, "Henry's life is at risk. I need to go to the hospital.""I've already got the best doctors on Henry. Rest assured, he's going to be fine. Your job is to heal," Xoan assured her, jealousy veiling his concern.Yaslyn herself was far from well, weakened by a multitude of wounds.
"You're Sherman's disciple? Impossible. Sherman became a hermit ten years ago. Rumor has it he's teaching abroad at some medical university. How did you even meet him?"The doctor's disbelief filled the sterile room."I studied abroad, so it's not far-fetched that I'd meet him."'Teaching,' she mused. Sherman was merely enjoying his retirement in some obscure foreign town."What if your hospital is the first to make a breakthrough in AIDS treatment?" Yaslyn dangled this tantalizing prospect before him."AIDS? Impossible. Young lady, whether or not you're Sherman's disciple, no one has been able to completely cure AIDS in all the years since its discovery. Are you saying this now just to lure me into the operating room?""I'm not lying. There have been developments and even recoveries abroad. Doctor, think about the rewards, the advancement. Even if I fail to save Henry, I'll shoulder the blame. Xoan's right here. What have you got to lose?"Yaslyn's words stirred something in th
Henry replied angrily, "I saw you, Xoan, cuddling with a girl. How many times did you visit Yaslyn when she was in the hospital, huh? Marcus told me. The new design department director from your company showed up under the guise of visiting Yaslyn, just to provoke her. So, what's the deal? You and her shacking up already?""It's not what you think," Xoan said."I don’t care what it is. All I know is that Yaslyn needs me. You just make her unhappy," Henry retorted, his voice carrying a note of victory."She sent her SOS to me first. One day, I’ll mean more to her than you ever will."Though his words seemed naïve, they were Henry's sincere feelings.Recognizing the futility of the argument, Xoan rose from his chair."Fine," he muttered, leaving the room without another word.Yaslyn returned with water just in time to see Xoan gone. "Did he leave?""Yup. I scared him off," Henry smirked."Stay in bed. I'll take care of you. After you get better, then I’ll leave," Yaslyn said.H
Yaslyn was a water nymph—a mermaid without a tail. In her travels abroad, she had saved more drowning children than she could remember.The Holden River might have drowned weak swimmers, but it was nothing more than a creek to her. With a swift stroke, she reached the point where the river had closed over the child. The little girl had sunk, her strength expended.Yaslyn plunged down, her eyes locking onto the girl's figure as she gently swam toward the river's floor.Yaslyn swam upward as she grabbed the girl by her dress. The crowd exhaled. Everyone held their breath, their eyes wide with dread and hope."What are you waiting for? Grab a stick!"Yaslyn was still reeling, drained from the plunge.Someone snapped out of their trance, yanked a long stick from a pile, and extended it toward her. Yaslyn held onto it and was pulled to safety.Both were ashore, but the child was unconscious. An emergency call was made, but immediate action was needed. Pressing on the girl's chest and
Yaslyn's words stunned Wade and made Xoan lower his gaze."Then, I'll leave," Xoan muttered, slightly regretful."As for our collaboration, let's stick to the plan we agreed upon."With Xoan gone, Wade sighed deeply and sat down. "Why do you have to make everything so complicated, Yaslyn? Clearly, you both have feelings for each other. Why play this game without speaking your minds? What’s the point?"Yaslyn felt a whirlwind of emotions. "Do you think it's all my fault?"Wade glanced at her, searching for the right words. "I honestly don’t know. What I do know is that you both seem pretty into each other. Why not just admit it and be together?"Yaslyn let out a sudden, almost bitter, laugh. "Have you ever been in love, Wade?"His words stalled, but he confessed momentarily."Yes, in my freshman year. She wasn’t what most would consider pretty. Put her into a crowd, and you’d probably never notice her. However, when I was cornered by a bunch of thugs demanding money, she gave th
Yollanda was definitely trying to provoke Yaslyn. However, Yaslyn could not be bothered to waste more words on her."What are you doing here?" Yollanda continued. Her eyes narrowed."You have no ties to the Carden family. Why butt in?"Yollanda was certain that Yaslyn was there to cozy up to the Cardens."Why are you here?" Yaslyn retorted.Yollanda had been waiting for that question. She tilted her chin up, her eyes shimmering with smugness."The Simpsons and the Cardens are related. My mother is Mr. Carden's niece. Technically, Rachel is my 'cousin'. I have a good reason to be here."Yollanda had heard the news—the Cardens' daughter, Rachel, had fallen into the Holden River while on a family trip to Jefferson City.Seeing an opportunity, she had dashed over, postponing meetings to be by her 'family's' side. After all, if she could establish a close relationship with the Cardens', it would be like latching onto a giant, influential oak tree.Yaslyn chuckled. "Distant relative
Whitey glanced back and forth between them, shaking her head. "You two are a mystery."Suddenly, Doniel stood and waved Whitey over. "Hey, Whitey. Come here for a second."Confused but compliant, Whitey walked over.In a swift move, Doniel took her hand. With a smug look at Matheo, he announced, "I'm taking Whitey off your hands for a bit."Matheo's expression turned steely. "What's your game?""Don't sweat it, she'll be back soon."With that, Doniel led Whitey out.They reached a more secluded spot before Doniel finally released her hand. "Whitey, you're not hurt, right?"Whitey shook her head, twirling in front of him to prove her point. "See? I'm totally fine."Doniel reached out and gently tapped her forehead. "Someone hit you, didn't they? Your face is still swollen, and here you are, telling me it's nothing."Whitey playfully stuck out her tongue. "I just didn't want you to worry. Besides, I'm not the one who got seriously hurt. It was Matheo.""I know. Matheo really d
"Don't make that call!" Whitey screamed in a panic.A harsh slap struck her face as the ringleader yelled, "Shut it, woman! Who said you could talk?"The man, not satisfied after hitting her, gave in to his fury and kicked her. However, before he knew it, Matheo, who was standing nearby, had silently moved behind him. Suddenly, a sharp crack echoed as Matheo snapped the man's fingers with raw force.Matheo wrapped his arms around Whitey and quickly retreated."I can't take it! I'm done. I don't want anything else. Just do it!"The ringleader was seething with rage, the throbbing in his fingers ruining his will to fight Matheo.A few thugs had been itching for a reason to go after Matheo, and they wasted no time grabbing their weapons and launching an assault.Matheo fought back while dragging Whitey out of harm's way, but as the fight dragged on, he started losing ground.A vicious knife cut to Matheo's leg sent him tumbling down with a grunt."Matheo!"Whitey crouched beside
Whitey shook her head. She did not have a clue, and even if she could guess, she did not know what to do about it."I was actually about to..."Before Matheo could finish, a deafening crash rang out.Startled, Whitey clapped her hands over her ears. Matheo wrapped her in his arms and glanced at the rear window.A random stone had shattered the car's back glass, leaving a gaping hole.The chaos erupted out of nowhere, catching both of them off guard. They had been deep in conversation when suddenly, a line of cars barricaded the road, trapping them.Matheo gently patted her head, a silent plea for calm.Whitey, frantic, nodded and fumbled for her phone, only to find it had mysteriously powered down."Stay put in the car and don't worry," Matheo said, handing her his phone."If things go south, call the cops, call anyone."He was ready to step out and face the unknown threat head-on.Whitey protested. "Matheo, we don't know what we're dealing with. Don't just rush out there."
Whitey was back to her usual routine—classes by day, radio station by night. However, she had a luxury she did not have previously. A private car service, ensuring her safety was never in question.Doniel's lips were sealed, not breathing a word of her injury to anyone. Except for Matheo, who had somehow stumbled upon the secret.That night, after her radio gig, Whitey stepped out expecting to see the familiar pink sports car tucked away in its usual spot. However, it was nowhere in sight.Moreover, he had not even bothered to call her. A knot of worry formed in her stomach. Did something happen to him?Whitey had called his number three, maybe four times, but got nothing.As she was wrestling with her thoughts, a familiar yet unsettling figure approached her.Matheo.Why was he there?Nobody knew about Whitey's job at the radio station except Doniel."Doniel's tied up today, so I'm your ride," Matheo said.Alarm bells rang in Whitey's head. How did Matheo know about Doniel
The nurse nodded, gesturing for Doniel to give them some space.Once the bandaging was complete, Doniel returned with a treat—Whitey's beloved chocolate cupcakes."For you. Why didn't you say it hurt? He was so rough, and yet you asked me not to hold it against him."Whitey, her mouth full of frosting, mumbled a reply. "It's not that bad. Besides, you two are usually on good terms. Why fight over pointless things because of me?"Doniel tapped her head gently. "You're such a goof. What are you even talking about? Meaningless things?""I just thought that you two grew up together, so it'd be a shame to fall out over something so small, right?"Doniel huffed, "I never really cared for him, you know.""Okay, let's figure out a plan B. This mess means I might be stuck in the hospital longer, so I'm counting on you to smooth things over back home."Doniel looked at her with a teasing grin. "Relax, I've got this."Somehow, Whitey could always pick up a strange vibe from his smile, an
Whitey was injured, and Doniel rushed her to the hospital that very night. It was just a slash on her arm, but Doniel was beside himself with worry.Watching Whitey grit her teeth through the stitching, Doniel's face turned a shade of stormy gray. "I'll track down that driver's family if it's the last thing I do!"Whitey winced in pain, but seeing Doniel's fury, she tried to soothe him. "Really, it's not so bad."Doniel looked at her bandaged arm. "Thirteen stitches, Whitey. If you're not in pain, I'm in pain for both of us."Whitey was always the center of attention—a princess who was doted on from the day she was born. She had never experienced an injury as severe as that. As Doniel reached for his phone to call Whitey's parents, she quickly stopped him with a hand gesture, wincing as she accidentally grazed her wound, "Please don't call them. They'll just scold me again if they find out.""I told you to let me drive you home. Now, look at what happened because you didn't li
Whitey gripped the edge of her skirt, a new kind of worry blooming in her chest.'What if Matheo was…'She shuddered at the thought, her mind a garden where fears grew into giant oaks, so tall and dark that they scared her.Looking up again, Whitey's eyes widened as she noticed the taxi had taken a wrong turn, heading into unfamiliar territory.In the rearview mirror, she caught a glimpse of the driver's unsettling smirk.Taking a cab late at night was proving to be a bad idea, her heart racing with fear. If only she had accepted a ride from Doniel, none of that would happen. Regret washed over her as she scrambled for her phone, desperate to call for help.Sensing her panic, the driver floored it to a secluded spot and then abruptly stopped the car.Whitey's head snapped forward, hitting the seat, and as the world spun, her phone slipped from her grasp. Then, the driver was toying with her phone, his grin wide and wicked."Planning to call the cops or a friend, sweetheart?""
As time swiftly marched on, three years went by.Whitey nailed her entrance exam into the top university in Jefferson City—Jefferson City University.As for the others, Caleb turned 30, tied the knot, had kids, and took control of Sheldon's international ventures. He and his family packed up and moved overseas, while the rest stayed back."Thanks for tuning into 'Moonlit Wishes,' your go-to spot for all things heartfelt. I'm your host, Macie."At the stroke of ten, Macie's soothing voice filled the evening airwaves."Let's hear from our first caller tonight. Hey there, sir, what's on your mind?"Macie's voice was soothing, soft yet strong enough to coax secrets from the most guarded of hearts."Here's the thing, Macie. I've been head over heels for this girl, but she's always kept me at arm's length, saying I haven't done enough. However, today, I caught her in another guy's arms. What gives?"The man's voice quivered with barely concealed tears, slurred slightly by alcohol.M
"So, just because you're into him, you decide to set me up? How does that make any sense?"Whitey could not help but find her logic almost laughable."Because I noticed he always had a soft spot for you, jealousy clouded my judgment, and that's why I..."Jade inhaled deeply, as if bracing herself for what was to come. "Well, you've uncovered the truth, so there's no point in hiding anything. Punish me however you see fit."What was the point in pleading guilty then?Jade stood there, a mix of defiance and dignity, stubborn even in the face of her mistake.Whitey was not looking to lay blame. "I'm not going to take this to the principal, and I won't breathe a word of it to anyone else. However, as of today, our friendship is done. I'll find a new place to sit when we get back."Whitey let out a tired sigh. "There's something else you should know. He's got a girlfriend now."Jade's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, are you two an item now?""No, I'm not the one he's dating."Wi