"Marcus, I'm giving you one more chance to rephrase that."Yaslyn nearly exploded, and Xoan felt a pang of sympathy for Marcus.Marcus froze with a frown on his face, while Yaslyn's murderous expression displayed her growing rage."Yaslyn, I didn't mean…"Marcus grinned awkwardly, fearing that Yaslyn would slap his face.Taking a deep breath, Yaslyn asked, "Is it really that terrible?"Unable to outright lie, Marcus responded diplomatically, "It's not that it's bad. It just could use a little improvement…"So, in other words, it was terrible.Feeling disappointed, Yaslyn remembered Xoan's previous compliment and grew more discouraged.Xoan was probably just comforting her. Despite his seemingly cold demeanor, he was actually quite kind."It's good. Don't listen to Marcus's nonsense," Xoan interjected.Not willing to sit back and watch his girlfriend sulk, Xoan shot Marcus a cold glare before adding, "What Marcus meant to say is that it actually tastes quite decent, and he'll
"It's been a while, Ms. Lyon. How have you been?"Rowan's voice still carried that aloof, indifferent tone, as if nothing in the world could capture his interest."I've been well, thank you. Mr. Yackley, aren't you being too concerned about me?" Yaslyn asked.Although Rowan had no explicit intentions toward her, Yaslyn still sensed a hidden agenda."I've said it before. I admire you, Ms. Lyon. A bit of concern should be expected," Rowan said, leaning in with a light laugh."If I must give a reason, then it's simply that I like you."Yaslyn peered into his smiling eyes, feeling a chill creep up her spine for some inexplicable reason. "The world is filled with people, Mr. Yackley. Why focus solely on me?""It's not about holding onto you. It's that you possess something that I find appealing," Rowan replied, swirling his wine glass in high spirits."You should know, Ms. Lyon, my interest in you isn't something new."Yaslyn felt annoyed but held her tongue since they were in a pu
Rowan acted as he recalled something."Of course, it doesn't matter to you, but what if a journalist saw it? Zyra has always crafted a pure and innocent image. If people discover that their idol is in love and even kissed someone, her career would take a huge hit."Yaslyn admitted, "You have a point. However, we were the only witnesses, weren't we? As long as you keep quiet, no one else will find out."Rowan countered with a smirk. "How come someone as clever as you can't see the obvious? There was someone else spying on them."Yaslyn understood instantly. Rowan had meant to warn her. "So, do you know who it was?"Rowan responded slyly, "That's beyond what I can disclose. If you're so curious, why not trade some other information with me?""What would that be?" Yaslyn asked with a frown."Become the vice president at my company," Rowan offered.Yaslyn dismissed the idea without hesitation. "Absolutely not. I won't join your company."Rowan shrugged, feigning helplessness. "Wel
There was an eerie silence in the dim room with no lights on. Yaslyn was surprised but remained stoic. Reaching for the light switch, she paused when she heard a muffled voice from somewhere in the room. In the quiet atmosphere, she could hear the words clearly, "I told you, I can't drink anymore. Please don't make me..." The voice sounded vaguely familiar. Yaslyn could have sworn she heard it before.Shortly after, she heard the soft sound of someone turning on the bed. It seemed like someone drunk was sleeping it off in here. Could Yollanda's plan have been to bring her, drugged as she was, to someone inebriated—all to ruin her reputation?While lamenting Yollanda's lowly tactics, Yaslyn discreetly observed the room. The only smell was a faint rose fragrance, suggesting that this person was simply asleep, not drugged. Hesitant to take chances, Yaslyn turned on her phone's flashlight to illuminate the sleeper's face. The next second, her expression turned as dark as coal. The person
Xoan glared at her, his tone tinged with reproach. "Don't do that again. You had me worried."Yaslyn looked at him, amused by his anxious expression. "What would you have done if that had been me in that room?""I would've gouged out everyone's eyes and thrown them into the sea as fish food."Though the words were harsh, Yaslyn felt a wave of comfort from Xoan's protective stance."Of course it couldn't have been me. I'm smarter than most people," Yaslyn declared confidently. Suddenly, she remembered something and could not resist asking, "How did you know it wasn't me in there?"Yollanda had a similar build to her, which could almost pass for the real thing.Unblinkingly, Xoan said lazily, "The hair is different."Yollanda had soft straight hair, while Yaslyn had glossy black waves. The difference in their dispositions was evident.Suddenly, Yaslyn thought of the person inside being undressed and could not help but ask, "Are you sure you didn't peek?"Xoan changed his express
Actually, Xoan had ordered his security to encircle the Stewart family mainly out of concern for Yaslyn's safety, lest the culprits escape. Little did he know, his actions would prove to be useful."I still remember what the waiter who led me looks like," Yaslyn casually mentioned. The man's legs immediately weakened, and he began to tremble."What are you nervous about? I haven't said anything yet." Yaslyn folded her arms and paced back and forth in front of him, watching as beads of sweat rolled down his forehead. Deciding it was time to speak, she questioned, "So, was it Yollanda who asked you to lead me into that room?"Remembering Yollanda's instructions and thinking about his innocent child, the waiter hardened his resolve and declared, "I don't even know Ms. Stewart. I led you to the room because you were drunk and asked me to."Yaslyn raised an eyebrow. "Not telling the truth?"He was offered a way out and chose not to take it. Yaslyn felt no need to sympathize with him an
Yollanda looked at his perturbed expression and felt a chill run down her spine. "Xoan, what are you planning to do?""What am I planning, you ask? To make you face the consequences, of course."Yollanda's eyes widened as she looked around. "Xoan, do you realize what you're doing is illegal? There are journalists here. If word gets out, you won't escape unscathed!"Upon hearing this, Xoan did not display any significant emotional reaction. He leisurely scanned the surrounding crowd and asked, "Did anyone here see anything?"In all of Jefferson City, who did not know the name Xoan Warren? Though he was discreet in his dealings, that did not mean he was a man of compassion. A man once spoke ill of Xoan after a failed business deal, and the very next day, his entire family was driven out of Jefferson City. The scope of Xoan's influence was an enigma. The only thing people knew for certain was to keep a respectful distance and address him as Mr. Xoan Warren.The woman daring to threat
Yaslyn gave Zyra a comforting look as if to keep her from overthinking. "Don't take it to heart. Marcus has always talked like this."Upon hearing this, Zyra's strained expression fell apart. She was on the brink of tears. "I'm fine," she said, sniffing and forcing herself to be strong."Alright, don't worry. I'll give him a talking-to when I get back.""Thank you, Yaslyn," Zyra said, grateful for the support.Worried that Zyra might break down in tears, Yaslyn quickly left with Xoan.Once back in the car, Yaslyn noticed Marcus sulking in the back seat. She could not help but ask, "Why did you speak like that? Do you really not like her?""Of course not. Who could like someone as clueless and foolish as her?" Marcus said."So you're just being stubborn, huh? Then why do you care if there's another man in her house? Marcus, I didn't know you were so meddlesome."Noticing a slight change in his expression, Yaslyn continued, "And I suspect you're upset now because she asked you to
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