Wrenley smiled slyly, sparked by a triumphant realization. Could it be that Xoan had subtly acknowledged her affection?In her eyes, persistence was everything. The conversation between Yaslyn and Xoan had seemed straight out of a soap opera, with Yaslyn as the remorseful ex-girlfriend and Xoan as the weary former flame.If Yaslyn truly valued their past relationship, she would not be returning so desperately. As for Xoan, he likely had little patience left for Yaslyn.With renewed hope, Wrenley thought that if she played her cards right, becoming 'Mrs. Xoan Warren' would not be just a daydream after all.Wrenly was daydreaming when Xoan asked her curiously, "Why are you smiling so wide?"Caught in the moment, her heart thumped as she replied sweetly. "Just thinking about something pleasant.""It's good to see you happy," Xoan replied before subtly removing her hand from his shoulder."I still have some work to attend to and won't be able to accompany you for a while. Perhaps yo
Santiago frowned, feeling that his moment with Yaslyn was interrupted.Yaslyn blushed as she quickly stepped away from Santiago. Trying to sound composed, her voice trembled slightly."I got it. I'll be right there."Wade nodded and briefly looked at Santiago before leaving.As Yaslyn tried to calm herself, she wondered who could be looking for her. Santiago did not give her time to think as he scoffed, "Wade really has no sense of timing.""Santiago, just get back to work," Yaslyn replied, casting him a brief, annoyed glance. She grabbed her coat from the chair and walked out, with Santiago watching her with a dark gaze.Following the directions given by Wade, Yaslyn walked to the reception room. Through the glass door, she saw a woman inside seated with poise. The woman had a gentle demeanor and was sipping tea with her head lowered.Yaslyn greeted her with a forced smile as she opened the door. "What a surprise, Ms. Jurado. Visiting our company."Wrenley was bitter behind he
Inside Xoan's office, Wrenley hesitated before meeting his gaze, biting her lip. "Xoan, tomorrow's the weekend. Could you find some time to shop with me? I promise it won't take long."Even though her words were modest, it was genuinely how she felt."I don't have time. I have a meeting tomorrow," Xoan responded.Wrenley unexpectedly proposed, "Xoan, if the meeting isn't important, could you perhaps reschedule it for some time together?"Wrently was used to people always accommodating her, so she forgot that she was asking Xoan."Wrenley, be reasonable," Xoan responded, feeling an odd pang of discomfort. He was instantly reminded of Yaslyn, knowing she would never have posed such a brazen request. Absorbed in his thoughts, he missed the disappointment on Wrenley's face."Xoan, are you even listening to me? Why are you daydreaming?"What was occupying Xoan's thoughts? Wrenley instantly suspected it was Yaslyn."Just thinking about some stuff," he replied.Wrenley asked with a h
When Santiago left to change outfits for the upcoming meeting, Yaslyn made a discreet call.Yaslyn's voice was both assertive and questioning. "Xora, I asked you to investigate the matter concerning my mother. What have you found?"Xora paused for a moment before replying, "Yaslyn, Mrs. Carden has covered her tracks masterfully. I've combed through the entire country—nothing."A chill went down Yaslyn's spine, and she muttered softly, "If she's not on land, what about the sea? Could she be there?"Xora paused again before realization set in. "The sea... Of course. I'll start searching immediately."Yaslyn hung up, composing herself as she prepared to introduce Santiago to Belicia.Belicia was ethereal, like a fairy brought to life. She was the kind of beauty that Yaslyn secretly admired.However, Santiago snorted the moment he locked eyes with Belicia. "This is it?"Belicia had put out hand to greet him, but she dropped it, and her smile froze."Don't mind him," Yaslyn replied
Yaslyn noticed Santiago turning on his charm again, but it was aimed at the innocent Belicia.She slapped him playfully on the forehead and thought, 'He never changes!'"I wasn't thinking of anything else," he replied.Although Belicia had never been in a relationship, and despite having rejected many admirers, she could not help but feel a flutter in her heart when charmed by such a handsome man.Yaslyn intervened. "Enough of this. Don't tease her anymore, Santiago. Belicia is very shy. Both of you, get ready. We'll be shooting a short video soon."Since they were a contractual couple, they needed to make the most of the moment.Santiago frowned, looking confused. "So soon?""Of course. I've already thought of the theme.""What theme would that be?"Yaslyn slapped her thigh in excitement. "The love story between a school bully and the innocent top student."Santiago, the school bully. Belicia, the innocent top student.Santiago frowned even more, pointing to himself in disb
Surprisingly, the campus video received widespread acclaim after its release. The views mysteriously surged over a hundred million in just a day, causing a massive internet sensation.The fame of both lead characters rose in tandem.Scrolling through the video's comment section, most commentere gushed about the undeniable chemistry between the duo.'Wow, these two are just made for each other!''It's been so long since I've seen such a refreshing and genuine campus couple!''The best part is how good-looking they both are! They just look so right together.''Santiago's gaze is lethal. I swear, I'm completely smitten!''Keep dreaming! He's all Belicia's!''However, didn't everyone say Santiago was into Yaslyn? We all saw it during that live stream…''Well, who knows with these internet celebs? Changing partners every other day is probably the norm…'The soaring popularity of the video indicated more collaborations between the two in the future.However, the success of the vid
Yaslyn instantly understood Belicia's discomfort."Of course not. I just thought..."Belicia's face burned with embarrassment, wishing the earth would open up and swallow her whole."Enough of that," Yaslyn replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I'm starving. Shall we eat?"It was only then that Santiago looked away and nodded. "Let's have the waiter serve the dishes."The atmosphere held an unmistakable tension. Yaslyn could not help but regret her impromptu dinner invitation, thinking perhaps a bonus would have sufficed.Throughout the meal, Belicia ate with her head bowed. Santiago was mischievous, his eyes stuck on her.Yaslyn smiled playfully when the dinner ended "When you get home, check your phone. There's a surprise waiting."A notification chimed almost immediately. Beliciaapeeked at her screen to see a jaw-dropping transfer of a hundred and forty thousand dollars from Yaslyn. She had never seen such an amount in her life. Her heart raced, realizing she had made
The spotlight flashed, lighting up the main stage. As the lead singer danced, the crowd became excited. The audience crowded together, making it nearly impossible to move.In the midst of the commotion, Yaslyn was shocked when someone from the crowd bumped into her. The force separated her from her friend."Oh no!" she exclaimed, recognizing her vulnerable position. Getting swept away could be disastrous.However, as she braced herself for the impending fall, it never came. Instead, she found herself caught in a firm yet oddly chilling embrace. The scent that greeted her was all too familiar.Blinking rapidly, Yaslyn's gaze met Xoan's grim eyes, his face a storm of restrained emotions."Xoan? What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice quivering..Without answering her question, Xoan effortlessly steadied her, ensuring she was back on her feet. Feeling a little sheepish, Yaslyn stepped back."Ah... Thank you.""Just be careful next time," he murmured, starting to turn away.
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