Yaslyn gently tapped Zyra's head. "How can a young lady speak so rudely?""I was just in a hurry to comfort you. I forgot," said Zyra, rubbing her forehead and pouting in grievance.A thought popped up in Yaslyn's mind. "Zyra, did you inform Marcus about your visit here?"Zyra bit on her fork. "I did. He initially wanted to come with me. He wanted to take time off from school, but I didn't want him to, so I snuck off without telling him the exact time."Why? Don't you want him to be with you every day?" Yaslyn teased.Zyra frowned. "I did think that way initially, but Marcus is too much like my dad! You have no idea. He even wants to control whether I apply hand cream when I go out. I can't stand him!"Yaslyn knew that deep down, Zyra still liked Marcus. It was just that the affection was no longer one-sided; it was becoming more equal."If you say so, I'll tell Marcus to stop looking after you," Yaslyn joked as she laughed.Zyra's face changed instantly. "Hey, Yaslyn, don't!"
"Ms. Lyon, I am truly sorry. I was overly arrogant. Please forgive me. I'm willing to act in any scene you assign me," the girl pleaded, her face pale.She had bragged to her classmates about acting in the drama, and if she were to be sent away, it would be impossible for her to hold her head high at school again.Yaslyn squinted. "Any scene?""Yes!" the girl exclaimed in agreement."Then, how about the scene where your character swallows poison? Since you want to showcase your acting, let's have you fall into the lake,"Yaslyn flipped through a few pages of the script and discovered that the evil female character the girl was to portray had to commit suicide by poisoning."In such cold weather, falling into the lake could lead to catching a cold..."The girl was clearly terrified as her voice trembled and her face turned an even whiter shade.Yaslyn raised an eyebrow, her eyes full of doubt. "What is it? Didn't you just say you would do anything? Now, you're unwilling to even
"Anyone can talk. If you're capable, do it yourself!"How could Sadie admit that her own acting was subpar?Soon, the director became aware of the matter.Unwilling to admit that there might be a problem with the actor he personally selected, he said with a stern face, "Since you seem to know so much, Ms. Lyon, why don't you demonstrate so we all can see?"Yaslyn had never acted. Having some insights was good, but asking her to act was evidently intended to embarrass her.Sadie was convinced that Yaslyn could not act. She tilted her chin up, a triumphant expression painted on her face as she thought, 'Let's see how she'll recover this time!'Zyra, aware that Yaslyn had never acted before, quickly stepped in front of Yaslyn. "This is bullying! Yaslyn is an amateur. How could she possibly know how to act?""I thought Ms. Lyon was here to cause trouble, speaking so confidently. Turns out, she's just all talk. " The director's face contorted in displeasure.Yaslyn chuckled lightly.
"That settles it. I will not act, nor will I step into show business."Yaslyn politely rejected the director and looked at Sadie. "So, Ms. Sabian, did you understand everything I just said?"Sadie instantly felt like a spare tire, getting the chance only after Yaslyn rejected it.'Why should I accept such a thing?' Sadie thought, her anger growing.She promptly removed her costume, causing a scene as she demanded to leave the cast.The clever director knew that Yaslyn was likely unswayable and hurried to appease Sadie."You mustn't leave. I was momentarily confused. You're the lead actress, so how could we give it to someone else?"Xoan, having invested 42 million dollars into the play, was the biggest sponsor. The director, in his haste to retain Yaslyn, nearly overlooked that fact."Don't you favor Yaslyn? Go ahead. I won't act anymore. We'll withdraw our investment!"Sadie furiously pulled out her phone, her voice breaking slightly. "Xoan, someone in the crew is harassing m
Yaslyn pulled out her phone, and the first news under trending posts explosively drew her attention.'Yaslyn Boldly Provokes Sadie at the Film Set, Xoan Furious, Defends Sadie.'In the photo, Yaslyn stood alone, confronting Xoan and Sadie. The line drawn between both parties was as clear as day."What a great shot!" thought Yaslyn, observing the clarity of the image."What's going on?" Zyra came over to rest, taking a sip of water. Noticing Yaslyn's distressed look, she leaned over to glance at the news.The next second, she exploded, "This must be Sadie's idea to hold you back! Saying you provoked Sadie… It's clearly that woman who approached you deliberately to create trouble! "Yaslyn tugged at Zyra's sleeve, trying to calm her down. "It's alright. Let them say what they wish. After all, it's not true.""If it were me, I wouldn't tolerate it!"Zyra pointed to Xoan in the photo, the disdain in her eyes especially apparent. "Xoan defended Sadie in front of so many people… Isn'
"Is there no way to use a stand-in?" Yaslyn asked with a puzzled expression.Zyra rolled her eyes. "I wish. However, no matter what I say, Henry refuses. He says the proximity is too intimate, and he is inclined to resist."'Henry… So prudish indeed. Wait, is he really this prudish?' Yaslyn thought. Her mind suddenly went back to the time when Henry brought her on stage and planted a fervent kiss on her forehead, leaving her astonished."Yaslyn, you have a good relationship with Henry. You must help me persuade him," Zyra implored."I understand. I'll go to him shortly."True to her word, it was not long before Yaslyn approached Henry.Henry, who sat beside the lake to clear his mind, blushed as Yaslyn approached. "What is it?""I heard you have a kissing scene with Zyra. Is that right ?"Henry nodded. "Yes, but I don't want to do it.""Henry, you're bound to encounter such scenes eventually in your acting career."Yaslyn did not know how to persuade him. After all, kissing a
Yaslyn shot Zyra a glance. "You haven't sorted out your own issues, and here you are, hastily gossiping. I should've left you at the police station."Zyra immediately frowned. "I'm sorry."Although Yaslyn was thankful to Rowan, her expression remained calm. "Regardless, thank you for helping Zyra today."Rowan suddenly replied suggestively, "How about you offer yourself in gratitude then?""Over my dead body," Yaslyn spat, not giving him a pleasant look for even a second.She then glared at him and added, "Get lost."Rowan, undisturbed by Yaslyn's words, laughed joyously. "Alright. I have some matters to attend to, so I won't keep you company any longer.""Just go. I'd prefer that!"After Rowan left, Yaslyn noticed Henry looking a bit off. "What's the matter?"Henry shook his head and sighed. "It's nothing. I'm just feeling worthless."Henry felt inferior to both Xoan and Rowan. It seemed like he was never worthy to stand by Yaslyn's side."Not at all! You're an artist. If y
"I... I don't know," the girl stuttered nervously, her speech beginning to falter under the strain.Yaslyn frowned as she looked at her. "You don't know? This is your last chance. Don't waste it."The girl trembled. "This... A stranger asked me to do this. She said consuming this herb would cause diarrhea, slowing down the film crew's schedule. I never thought it'd be poisonous..."Yaslyn let out a soft chuckle and replied gently, "How much did she pay you?""Fourteen thousand dollars in cash."'Just fourteen thousand dollars? Sadie is really stingy!' Yaslyn thought.She raised an eyebrow and leaned closer to the girl. "What's your name?"After some hesitation, the girl honestly replied, "My name is Lexi Hassel."Yaslyn shook her head in disappointment. "I've already called the police. You'd better turn yourself in. Perhaps you might receive a lighter sentence."'Prison…'Lexi broke down instantly, sobbing uncontrollably on the ground.However, Yaslyn had no patience to list
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