After much contemplation, Yaslyn decided against revealing the sad news of her mother's passing to him. She reasoned that such a revelation would only weigh him down, further clouding his troubled mind."So, I guess it's time for me to let you rest," Yaslyn said, rising from her seat.However, before she could make it more than a few steps, a strong grip enveloped her from behind, drawing her into a warm embrace. The sensation sent a flutter through Yaslyn's heart."Stay with me tonight."Xoan's voice was raw with emotion, clearly missing the warmth of her presence beside him. For so long, he had feigned disdain for her, a ruse that threatened to drive him mad.Yaslyn playfully responded, turning her head to meet his gaze. "So, tonight, I sleep on your bed and you on the floor?"Without hesitation, Xoan retorted, "We sleep together."The audacity of the statement nearly made Yaslyn choke. "What on earth are you thinking?""I mean, together on the same bed," he clarified hurried
Yaslyn rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "I don't know about that. Maybe you should ask Xoan yourself?"Zyra gulped, the imagined scene sending shivers down her spine. "Or maybe I could introduce you to some other guys? There are plenty of good men out there, you know...""If Xoan heard you suggesting that, I think he'd resent you even more," Yaslyn half-jokingly replied.That was the moment when the gravity of who she had angered truly hit Zyra."Let's just move past that, shall we?""Alright, alright. Stop fretting. The real show's about to start," Yaslyn said, glancing at the clock.Only one minute remained.Suddenly, the door to the adjacent room was violently kicked open. The ensuing chaos was accompanied by the unmistakable shuffling of reporters' footsteps.Yaslyn, donning a mask and glasses, headed out, instructing Zyra to stay put. Outside, a crowd of journalists jostled, their cameras flashing incessantly. Overcome by curiosity, Yaslyn peeked in.There it was—Wrenley, se
The statements Yerick made were strange, almost nonsensical.Xoan would have dismissed him as mad, but something tethered his feet to the ground. Perhaps it was his curiosity to know what other absurdities might fall from Yerick's mouth."Stop spewing your nonsense," Xoan said with his trademark coldness.Yerick, long accustomed to Xoan's distant demeanor, just chuckled. "I've told you what I wanted to. The rest? You can find out for yourself." Yerick left with that cryptic remark hanging in the air.Watching Yerick's receding figure, Xoan's eyes frosted over, the disdain evident in his gaze.Xoan went to a nearby restaurant. As he approached its entrance, he spotted Yaslyn waiting, her smile radiant. Teasing her was Zyra, and a step away from them stood Tyler, who seemed as immovable as ever.Yaslyn's eyes lit up at the sight of Xoan. "You finally made it! I'm starving."Looking at her brilliant smile and recalling Yerick's disturbing insinuations, Xoan's voice softened. "Sorry
Yaslyn smirked as her gaze drifted toward the serene lake, an attempt to avoid the intensity of the moment.Xoan's voice pierced the silence, his tone playful yet demanding. "So, Ms. Lyon, how do you plan to make it up to me?"Yaslyn could feel Xoan's fingers wrap securely around her hand, pulling her close until she was pressed against his chest.She tried to reply, but all that came out was, "I don't know. Don't ask me."Even through the layers of fabric, Yaslyn felt the rapid rhythm of Xoan's heartbeat. Was he nervous? Or, perhaps, was his heart fluttering for her?"I know, so what then?"He seemed adamant about resolving the matter right then and there.Suddenly aware of the curious glances from bystanders, Yaslyn's cheeks flushed. "People are watching. Let go," she murmured, attempting to free herself.Xoan was not one to give in quickly. He delighted in her shyness, a noticeable gulp in his throat as he swallowed. However, just as their playful tussle peaked, he drew her
Yaslyn felt an overwhelming urge to flee.Staying in that situation might not lead to death, but it surely would mean some kind of harm. However, the daunting demeanor of the man before her rooted her to the spot, and she could only observe his expression with extreme caution.Xoan's insides raged with anger, but seeing the innocence in Yaslyn's eyes, he commanded, his voice chilling, "Close your eyes."Hesitating briefly, Yaslyn obeyed, a whirlwind of thoughts rushing through her mind. 'Is he going to strike me now?'However, in the next moment, a fierce ane passionate kiss consumed all her thoughts. His kiss was punishing in its intensity, and Yaslyn did not dare to open her eyes, letting herself get lost in the moment.After what felt like an eternity, he pulled away. Stunned, Yaslyn slowly opened her eyes and saw a softer expression on Xoan's face. She sighed with relief."I'm giving you one more chance. Tell me the real reason you came to find me."Rushing to respond, Yasly
For the first time, Yaslyn saw Santiago looking so lost, so vulnerable. A pang of guilt clawed at her, but she knew she could not let his hopes soar.Not again.Her voice took on a businesslike tone. "Of course not. You're an employee of my company. If anything happens to you, I'd be directly responsible."It was a statement so formal, so devoid of emotion, that it was impossible to argue with. It was also equally impossible for Santiago to find the reassurance he was so desperately seeking.Santiago trembled as he asked, "Just because of that?"Yaslyn let out a soft chuckle, not one of joy but of exasperation. "Haven't I made it clear? There's no chance I'd ever fall for you. Best you let go of that idea soon."With alcohol making his steps uncertain, Santiago staggered slightly, leaning heavily against the doorframe as he slurred, "I know you'll never like me in that way, but I still want to try.""Why waste your time on something so fruitless?" Yaslyn replied, genuine confusi
"Why did you suddenly show up?" Yaslyn's voice trembled, revealing an unease she could no longer conceal. It was as if her worst fear had appeared before her eyes."Have I interrupted a private moment between the two of you?"Xoan's voice remained calm, devoid of any discernible emotion. However, Yaslyn knew him too well. She could sense the dormant volcano within him, ready to erupt."Of course not. I was just surprised."Xoan's suspicious eyes darted to the man inside, who seemed blissfully busy. "Care to explain why he's here?"Xoan's gaze then settled on Yaslyn's pajamas, and dark shadows flitted across his eyes, suggesting a dire realization.Yaslyn hurriedly clarified, sensing Xoan's mounting rage. "Santiago came over last night. He had some matters to discuss and couldn't get a cab afterwards, so he stayed here. He slept on the couch! Nothing happened between us!"For anyone else, Xoan could have let it slide. However, it was Santiago—the man whose intentions toward Yasly
The idea of firing Santiago weighed heavily on Yaslyn. Not due to any deep emotional bond, but purely for the colossal profits he raked in for the company.Moreover, she had pulled Santiago from the clutches of the Qasim family after a lot of effort. Letting him go would be a substantial financial hit.As Yaslyn hesitated, Xoan's deep voice interjected, "Warren Group will cover any losses."Yaslyn replied, "You're quite generous, but isn't this a bit too extravagant?"Yaslyn knew, of course, Xoan would never let her suffer a loss. However, in her heart, she mused that Xoan's money would one day be hers too. Money given as compensation just did not have the same joy as money earned.Reading the subtle play of emotions on her face, Xoan understood her inner turmoil. "I'll double the compensation."Yaslyn chuckled. "Since you're being so upfront, I guess I have no choice but to agree."Xoan's face finally relax, revealing a gentle smile. "Today's Thursday, shouldn't you be heading
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