"Why don't you tell me exactly where you are?"Yaslyn hesitated for a moment, her words taking a sharp detour. "I'm safe and in a secure place. However, the person helping me has requested that I don't reveal my whereabouts. It could bring unwanted trouble."Quinn sounded unconvinced. "Is that so?""Have I ever lied to you?" Yaslyn chuckled, feigning nonchalance.Quinn snorted at this. "When haven't you? Remember three years ago when you tricked me into delivering toilet paper to the women's restroom, leading to a group of girls branding me a pervert? What about four years ago, when you dined and dashed and pinned it on me?"As Quinn's list of grievances grew, Yaslyn hastily apologized, "I'm sorry, alright? It was all my fault. Please forgive me, but this time, I'm genuinely not lying to you."Had it been any other time, Yaslyn would have played innocent. However, she could clearly hear the bustling noises in the background, indicating Quinn was in a bar. If she continued to argu
"Really? You're going to the Carden family today?" Yaslyn's eyes lit up as she held Yerick's hand tightly. She prepared herself for a long wait, but Yerick was acting faster than she expected."Yes. If I don't go soon, someone might turn my house upside down." Yerick looked down at their intertwined hands and carefully pulled his hand away, a hint of disdain evident in his voice."Who could possibly cause such a ruckus?"Rolling her eyes, Yaslyn popped a cherry tomato from her salad into her mouth. "Do you need me to accompany you to the Cardens' residence?" she asked, trying to push past the tension between them.Placing down his spatula, Yerick looked at her casually eating the salad and remarked, "You want to come with me, given your situation? Aren't you afraid of getting caught again?""Tsk!"After finishing her salad, Yaslyn reconsidered her urge and thought of Mr. York Carden's unwillingness to let her go. "Then you better go by yourself."Completing the steak and sprinkl
Meanwhile, in Jefferson City.Xoan stared at the newspaper on his desk, and fury bubbled in his eyes.This could not possibly be true!Just 10 days ago, Yaslyn had been vivacious by his side. How could she suddenly fall ill and pass away in such a short span? Xoan refused to believe it.Was that it? Perhaps he did not want to believe it at all.His aide, noticing the president's furious expression, hesitated to intervene.After a tense silence, Xoan crumpled the paper and threw it into the wastebasket, the dense atmosphere immediately lifting."President, about the department head, he—"Xoan's gaze cut him off. "Let him handle it."The aide felt a bead of sweat trickle down his forehead. The matter was of utmost importance. Could they really trust the department head with it? Alas, the president in front of him seemed utterly disinterested.Weighing his options, the aide turned to leave.Alone in his expansive office, Xoan loosened his tie, feeling an unexpected tightness in
As Yerick observed Yaslyn's reddening eyes, a hint of compassion stirred within him. "Alright," he conceded. "If you wish to leave today, then we leave today.""What about my mother's illness?""You can trust me to keep my word regarding your mother's health." Yerick reached out to comfort her, but she evaded his touch with a spark of irritation in her eyes."I'll handle the tickets," Yaslyn declared, rising from her seat. However, Yerick stopped her, his brow furrowing. "Have you forgotten that as far as the world is concerned, you're dead? Are you planning on booking tickets and alerting Mr. York Carden of your existence?"A cloud of frustration darkened Yaslyn's face. She sank back into her chair, absorbing its soft embrace. She tried to quell the rising anger inside her. "What do you suggest, then?"Lighting a cigarette and taking a deep drag, Yerick said, "We'll take a ship out of the capital today. Once we reach another country tomorrow, we'll then fly to England." He paused
"What kind of trouble?" Xoan demanded, his voice filled with underlying tension.Yaslyn's expression shifted as her emotions battled each other. "I can't tell you right now."Xoan stepped closer, looking as if he might hold her wrist. "I'm your fiance, aren't I? What could you possibly be keeping from me?"Stumbling back, Yaslyn looked horrified. "What's gotten into you today? Why would you even mention that?""We did get engaged, didn't we?"His question was heavy with implication. "Yes, we did," Yaslyn responded cautiously. "But since you no longer have feelings for me, bringing up our former status seems redundant."The very deliberate distance Yaslyn put between them struck a discordant note in the atmosphere.Xoan, feeling a strange vulnerability, persisted, "Why did you fake your death?"Realizing Xoan's perceptiveness, Yaslyn responded defensively, "That's my business, and it has nothing to do with you anymore."Before she could make her departure, a firm grip halted he
Yaslyn gave herself just half an hour to process the heartbreak. During that time, she carefully revisited the memories she and Xoan made, ultimately tucking them away deep within her heart.She could not afford to be sentimental; she needed to save her mother. Heartache would not be her downfall.Gathering her composure, Yaslyn dialed Xylon's number. As the phone rang, her fingertips quivered, revealing her anxiety.When the call connected, she asked hesitantly, "Xylon?"There was a prolonged silence on the other end. Just as Yaslyn was about to assume she had called the wrong number, a voice, both familiar and foreign, broke the silence. "Yaslyn.""Sheldon?" Yaslyn was taken aback, swallowing the words she was about to say. "Why are you answering? Where's Xylon?"From his end, Sheldon glanced over at Xylon, who was taking a shower. "He's in the shower. Why do you need him?"Yaslyn hesitated momentarily, then said, "Are you okay?"A soft laugh came from Sheldon. Although she c
Sheldon's car arrived at Yerick's doorstep the next morning, and a woman in a black dress holding a pearl handbag stepped out.Sheldon's face lit up with a faint smile. He had recommended Yaslyn over WhatsApp to wear a black dress the previous night, and she happily followed his suggestion.Just as Yaslyn reached for the car door, Sheldon rolled down the window, looking at her with playful eyes."What are you staring at?" Yaslyn asked, raising an eyebrow, her tone anything but friendly.Sheldon replied mischievously, "I've always believed black suits you better than those white dresses you're so fond of. They never captured your essence."Yaslyn chuckled. "You seem to think you're quite the expert."Sheldon did not retort. Instead, he turned his head and began driving. Soon, they reached the mall. Considering it was Independence Day, the mall was bustling with people.Yaslyn looked at Sheldon and frowned. "Why are we here?""Do you remember the first time we met with everyone?
'Am I cursed with fire incidents?' Yaslyn thought as she faced another flame.Sensing the urgency and noticing that Sheldon was still in shock, she grabbed his arm and ran to the emergency exit.While running, Yaslyn discovered the fire started on the third floor. They were on the fifth floor, and the fire had blocked their path. Stairwells were filled with flames, and smoke clouded the air.Taking the elevator was not an option. A crowd had gathered at the third-floor stairwell's entrance, but the fire's intensity made it impassable.Without hesitation, Yaslyn sprinted in another direction. Still dazed, Sheldon tightened his grip on her hand and asked anxiously, "Where are you going?"Yaslyn glared at him. "Do you really have to ask? Where else would I go during a fire if not to find a fire extinguisher or a water source?""I'm coming with you!"Yaslyn shook her head. "Stay here. The fire's too strong. One distraction could be fatal."Sheldon's confusion was evident. "Do you v
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