For the next two days, Stephen inexplicably avoided Yaslyn, leaving her feeling somewhat puzzled. She was helpless in that situation.Soon, Stephen’s birthday arrived. As prestigious individuals in Jefferson City, the Warren family naturally had many high-profile guests attending the celebration.Within the banquet hall, the four sons of the Warren family, clad in impeccably tailored suits, drew the gaze of many young ladies."The genes of the Warren family are truly exceptional. The boys are all so handsome," a guest remarked."It's Yaslyn who should be envied, being the fiancée of the Warren family. She gets to choose any man from the Warrens," someone else noted."Yaslyn is already with the most outstanding, Xoan. The others are still single. Does that mean we have a chance?" a group of girls asked."I choose Henry. His smile with his little canine teeth is bewitching!" one of the girls said, laughing.Upon hearing their jesting words, Yaslyn turned her head to look at Xoan a
"Indeed, a major star. Definitely unforgettable. Sadie is just being too modest," someone commented from the side."Absolutely! Who could be so forgetful? If it was me, I'd remember it forever!" another person interjected.The surrounding young girls, all fervent fans of Sadie, looked at her conflicted expression and felt that she was just being shy."Look. Everyone thinks you're being deceitful… Oh, no, I mean modest, Ms. Sabian. I'm just making a call. It's no big deal," Yaslyn said with an unbothered smile.Grinding her teeth, Sadie remained silent.The video call connected, and Wade appeared on the screen. He looked slightly groggy, seemingly awakened from sleep. His drowsy look did nothing to dim his allure."What's up, Yaslyn?"Sadie hoped that the man would be her seller. However, the moment she saw Wade's face, her hopes were crushed."Is the 'Prince Rupert's drop' watch with you?" Yaslyn asked.Wade took a sip of water and became a bit more alert. "Yes, it is. Why? "
Before they spoke further, there was a commotion greater than Sadie’s arrival at the entrance. Yerick, clad in a pure white suit, appeared exceptionally dignified.Yerick did not greet Stephen but went straight to Xoan and Yaslyn instead. "I just heard from Sadie that Yaslyn was going up against her. What's the meaning of this?"Sadie complained to Yerick, so he came to condemn.How amusing!Yaslyn replied nonchalantly, "I wouldn’t dare. How could I speak against her? She came over intentionally to mock me, so I had no choice but to retaliate. Interestingly, she dared to gift Mr. Warren counterfeit goods as a birthday present. "Yerick smiled flatly. "Even if Sadie's gift was fake, her heart was in the right place. You know she’s a public figure, yet you continuously humiliate her in front of so many people. "Was all the wrongdoing on Yaslyn?Yaslyn looked at Yerick’s face, her heart filled with contempt. She sharply replied, "Yerick, supporting her is your affair. I don't like
Sadie's expression softened. "Yes, they're doing business abroad and haven't returned. However, if you wish to meet them, I can call them to come back."Stephen waved his hand. "No need. It was just a passing thought. Your father and I used to be good drinking buddies when we were young!"The two conversed heartily, with Yerick occasionally chiming in, creating a lively atmosphere. Meanwhile, Xoan and Yaslyn were left out.Xoan, with his head lowered, whispered into Yaslyn's ear, "Are you truly not upset?"Yaslyn struggled to figure out her feelings. "It's fine."She smiled with a hint of strain in her eyes. Seeing Yaslyn's uncomfortable expression, Xoan left the hotel with her as soon as the gathering concluded.Yaslyn sighed as she went outside, feeling a bit sad."I can see that my dad's attitude toward you has changed," Xoan said. He held Yaslyn's hand tightly, his mind filled with worries.Yaslyn chuckled. "Indeed. If you noticed, how could I not?"Xoan stopped and looked
Brushing off Sadie's hand, Xoan spoke plainly. "It's my father's wish.""Xoan, am I still your girlfriend?" Yaslyn's eyes reddened as she teared up, but she held back.Seeing Yaslyn nearly in tears, Xoan's palm clenched into a fist."Yaslyn, I…"Words on the tip of his tongue, Xoan could not speak them and forcibly swallowed them back.Sadie, holding her chin high proudly, stated, "Yaslyn, I told you before, Mr. Warren prefers me. You simply cannot compare."Initially, Yaslyn did not believe it, but hearing those words, she found them particularly grating."Are you implying that I should leave Xoan and not interfere in your rekindled romance?"Her voice, a blend of amusement and resentment, echoed in the silence."I never said…"Sadie's face stiffened, her act momentarily crumbling, revealing Yaslyn's accurate read on her thoughts.With a fire lurking in her eyes, Yaslyn proclaimed, "Excuse me, I'm Xoan's real girlfriend. Please keep your dreams at bay."As long as Xoan has
After Fabia left, Yaslyn finally messaged Zyra, asking her to open the door.When Yaslyn entered, Zyra threw herself into her arms, tears rolling down her cheeks."What happened? How did Fabia find this place?""I don't know. He might've asked around," Zyra sobbed."Don't cry. It's over now. By the way, I've been meaning to talk to you about something I forgot to mention during the birthday party," Yaslyn comforted, patting Zyra's back.Wiping away her tears, Zyra asked, "What is it?""It's about what I mentioned last time. After you get released from your contract, I'm thinking of having you join Mango Tree Entertainment."Zyra's tears turned to laughter, her face in disbelief. "Really? Can I really join Mango Tree Entertainment?""Have you forgotten who founded Mango Tree Entertainment?" Yaslyn teased, tapping Zyra's forehead lightly."If you put it that way, then I won't refuse."Zyra snuggled closer to Yaslyn, fully aware that if Yaslyn stopped hiding her identity, she wo
Yaslyn picked up all she needed from Stephen's reaction. He plainly did not want her to be with Xoan. However, nobody had told her why, rendering her condemned."I'm full. I'm going to bed," Yaslyn said calmly and left for her room."Yaslyn, what's the matter?"Marcus gazed at Yaslyn's untouched bowl of rice, bewildered by her sudden loss of appetite.Sheldon glared at Marcus. "Mind your own business, kid!"Sheldon was the most discerning among them. Although he was oblivious to the disputes among them, he inferred from their reactions that Yaslyn was almost being deprived of her status as Xoan's fiancée.However, it was none of his business, and he did not wish to intervene.Retreating to her room, Yaslyn sat on the bed in a daze, still unclear as to why she was being treated so.Then, the phone rang. It was Wade."What's up?"Wade quickly sensed her mood. "What happened, Yaslyn? You sound dispirited. "Hearing the noise on Wade's end, Yaslyn frowned. "Are you at the bar ag
"Xoan, what would you like to drink? I'll order for you."Sadie, no longer maintaining her innocent demeanor from her university days, cozied up to Xoan flirtatiously.With his eyes slightly closed, Xoan seemed somewhat repulsed. "Leave."However, Sadie persisted, leaning in closer. "Xoan, I just came to see you. You won't be so petty, right?""How did you know I'm here?"Xoan, with a grave expression, pushed Sadie away, radiating an icy demeanor."We must have a psychic connection… Just kidding. It's because Yerick told me. He said you were here.""How would Yerick know I am here?" Xoan squinted, feeling a bit uneasy.Thinking that Xoan was finally paying attention to Yerick, Sadie hurriedly responded, "Yerick must be worried about you. After all, you're his older brother. He regretted the conflict and told me he wanted to apologize to you privately. "Xoan did not believe it and before he could retort, he noticed Yaslyn walking toward them. Following his gaze, Sadie also not
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