Yaslyn's abduction had taken place at night, escaping the notice of everyone involved. As the car moved slowly along the windy roads, its jolting movements roused a groggy Yaslyn from her daze. The focused man in the driver's seat had yet to notice her. A cunning plan began to take shape in her mind.Although Yaslyn's wrists were tied behind her back, they had overlooked the ring on her finger. Hidden within its intricate design was a tiny blade. With nimble fingers, she activated the mechanism, causing the blade to emerge discreetly.Thanks to the car's rhythmic vibrations and the driver's distraction with the thumping music, the soft scrape of the blade went unnoticed.Finally, she broke free and held the blade to the man's throat, causing him to gasp with surprise. "Miss, how did you wake up so suddenly?"Ignoring his questions, Yaslyn menacingly scraped the blade across his neck. "What are you planning to do?" he stammered, gripping the steering wheel with clammy hands."Miss,
Desperation drove Yaslyn to seek out Xoan, for answers she desperately needed. However, as she was about to make her move, Hendrix's face suddenly shifted, a hint of urgency and apprehension in his aged features."You can't go out right now," he warned, his voice steady and commanding."Why can't I?" Yaslyn replied in frustration.Hendrix took a deep breath. "You see, the young man from the Warren family is about to marry my Wrenley. If you go out now, you could jeopardize the whole wedding."Yaslyn's hands tightened into fists, tension creeping into her voice. "What if I insist on leaving?"Hendrix sighed deeply, a melancholic gaze in his eyes. "There are only two outcomes if you leave. One, you'll be treated indifferently by the young man from the Warren family and sent back here. The other is that you could die out there. Little lady, I've observed your condition. I fear you don't have much time left."Lately, she had indeed been feeling the symptoms worsening. The chest pains
Hendrix practically jumped out of his skin when Yaslyn accepted his proposition with such willingness. His eyes widened in disbelief. "You're agreeing so readily. Are you trying to trick me?"Yaslyn replied with a cunning smile, a plan already formed in her mind. "Why would I? Since you've agreed to teach me everything, you better not go back on your word."Realizing he might have underestimated her, Hendrix chuckled, stroking his beard. "You're a crafty one. Fine, I'll keep my word. Just promise you won't wander off and that you won't ruin their wedding."With a swift nod, Yaslyn masked all her earlier emotions. "Agreed."The old man's face broke into a grin. "It's good to see some sense in youth. The room to the east, that's yours now. From today on, you'll be staying here."The atmosphere in Xoan's office was tense and oddly unsettling. Zyra stood before him, a murderous look on her face, as though she wanted to grab him by the tie and lash out."Where have you hidden Yaslyn?"
The city of Jefferson was abuzz. Xoan, the president of the Warren Group, was soon to marry Wrenley, the treasured daughter of the esteemed Jurado family.The news spread rapidly within a day, fueling rampant speculation and chatter. Many were jealous of Wrenley, considering her lucky to have won over such a sought-after bachelor.However, some preferred to speak in hushed tones, feeling sympathy for Xoan. To them, Yaslyn, his previous fiancée, was far superior to Wrenley in every aspect—lineage, beauty, grace, virtue, and ability.Distressed by the murmurs and discrete states, Wrenley grew increasingly anxious. She was set to be Xoan's bride, yet some dared to tarnish her name. Wrenley vowed to banish the woman if she ever returned.For the time being, she tried to sway public sentiment by posting pictures of her and Xoan online, showcasing their apparent love.However, her efforts backfired. The photos seemed , leading to a wave of online backlash.Criticisms highlighting Xoan'
"Are you implying that once you're healed, you might go and…"The unspoken words 'ruin the wedding' hung in the air. Hendrix hesitated, wondering if he was being unfair in his assessment. Although Yaslyn did not strike him as someone who would do such a thing, he could not shake off his doubts.Yaslyn, noticing the old man's unease, stated firmly, "I gave you my word, Mr. Hendrix Jurado. I won't interfere. When I make a promise, I keep it."Reading the resolute intent in her eyes, Hendrix felt a pang of shame for doubting her. "Given the love you have for your mother, I'll expedite your treatment and set you free."Gratitude and relief danced across Yaslyn's face. "Thank you so much."Hendrix's voice took on a serious tone, "However, you'll need to study the medical arts I've practiced before you leave. When you find your mother, you can treat her yourself."Touched by his unexpected concern, Yaslyn felt a warmth in her heart.Inside the Jurado family mansion, Xoan stood before
Although Wrenley had once considered the idea of making Yaslyn disappear forever, she never imagined it ending so cruelly."Are you suggesting we kill her to eliminate all potential problems?"Wrenley finally realized the implications, her voice tinged with fear as she whispered, "Dad, don't you think that's a bit excessive? After all, she hasn't done anything unforgivable. If we just silenced her like that, wouldn't it be too..."Before she could finish, Mr. Jurado shot her a glance so icy it seemed to freeze the words in her throat."Your mercy is your weakness," he declared, the disappointment in his voice cutting through the tension. "You'll never achieve greatness or keep a man by your side with that mindset."He sighed with unresolved ambitions and unmet expectations. "Go ahead and do what you must, Wrenley. The entire Jurado family stands behind you. Remember, anticipate every outcome and avoid unexpected complications."Encouraged by her father's words, Wrenley's courage
Upon being abducted, Yaslyn had not brought anything with her, so the opportunity to discover what was written on the back of the love letter was out of reach. However, she was sure Quinn was not one to lie."I understand.""You don't," Quinn interjected, pain evident in his voice. "If you did, you wouldn't be treating me this way. You wouldn't have fallen for..."Realizing he was veering dangerously close to saying too much, Quinn snapped his mouth shut. However, Yaslyn grasped the unsaid implications."Times have changed, and we've moved on," Yaslyn reasoned, her voice tender but firm."Perhaps it's best if some memories stay buried as bittersweet reminders of our past."It was an honest reflection. Even with her newfound knowledge of Quinn's sentiments, Yaslyn's heart had long since stilled its romantic beat for him."Is that truly how you feel?"There was an unmistakable hint of melancholy in Quinn's question.Yaslyn replied with a false happiness, "Of course. We're friend
"You don't need to know."Hilary's laughter erupted almost immediately. "Let me break it to you, Quinn. Yaslyn's heart is set on Xoan. She doesn't fancy you anymore."Quinn touched his chest lightly, his voice a soft whisper. "I'm aware.""Knowing that, you still yearn for her? Quinn, have you ever considered being with me?"Hilary had never been one to hide her desires. If she wanted something—or someone—she went after it with all she had. No exceptions. Not even for a man.Quinn responded bluntly, "I feel nothing for you. We'll never be together."Without another word, he turned around to leave.Hilary's voice trembled with a mix of anger and determination. "You may not feel anything for me now, but I'll make sure you do someday."From behind him, Quinn could feel the air growing tense, as though Hilary was balling her fists. He hesitated, sensing her persistence.In a move of defiance and desperation, he grabbed the nearest girl without a second glance, pressing a hasty kis
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