"We're done, remember? I told you to stop chasing after me."Zyra's face was a storm cloud as she recalled her own words to him, her irritation plain as day.Tyler seemed unfazed by her aloof demeanor, his eyes boring into her as if trying to see right through her. "Mind clearing up the latest online drama?"Suddenly, Zyra understood what Yaslyn meant the day before.She huffed, fussing with her dress. "That's just tabloid trash. Why should I care?""You're saying you didn't shed those tears over him, is that it?"Tyler was sharp, piecing together the puzzle in no time with a smug smile. "You were crying because of me, right?"Zyra was caught off guard, her composure slipping, but she was not about to give in."As if you had anything to do with it!"Tyler raised an eyebrow, his face a mask of neutrality. "Well? Got any good explanation for that?""It's none of your business," Zyra said, cornered without an excuse.She sighed and continued, "Fine, the rumors are true. I cried
Not seeing each other that way...Zyra gave him a once-over and could not contain her laughter. "Silvestra didn't fall for you, huh...""However, you're right about one thing—Silvestra does have a beau overseas who hasn't come back yet. She snuck back this time for a blind date, keeping it a secret from her folks. We agreed to sabotage the date in a way that wouldn't upset our parents, just to make it clear that we're not a match."Zyra was taken aback by the revelation."My folks are digging into my love life, and they're bound to stumble upon you. I've been staying away on purpose to keep you from getting involved. I kept you in the dark to make our little performance believable. If you were in on it, you might have accidentally given it away."Tyler was really looking out for her.Zyra felt a twinge of guilt, but her pride would not let her admit she was wrong. "Okay, I understand. However, now that you've told me, aren't you worried I might slip up?"Tyler watched her with a
Zyra giggled. "Haha, you caught me. If you'd rather keep it to yourself, I won't pry."She did not want to push Tyler to the point of annoyance. That would just be counterproductive."We first met in Jurgensen City, remember?"Zyra's mind drifted back to her sixteen-year-old self, to Jurgensen City...Of course, she had lived there before turning sixteen.Back then, the Stewart family's roots were deeply planted in Jurgensen City, a bustling southern metropolis with all the charm of the South Land. The Stewarts had always adored living in homes that had an antique feel, and she had resided in an elegantly refurbished mansion in the city's southern district."I just can't seem to recall..."Tyler looked at her with sadness in his eyes. "So, you really don't remember me, huh?"Zyra blushed. She had no memory of Tyler whatsoever, she even suspected he might be spinning a tale."Back then, you were just a fourteen-year-old diligent student. On your way home from school one day, do
Zyra blushed awkwardly when she heard those words. "So, what happened after that?""I dedicated two years to finishing college before taking over my dad's company. I was going to reach out to you to help you with your weight loss journey, but by then, you'd already slimmed down and were on the verge of making your big break."In your debut year, I made sure you were the talk of the town. I secure your spot in every fashion magazine out there. Honestly, you can thank me for about eighty percent of your stardom."Zyra was taken aback. She had no clue about his actions that boosted her fame. It was almost too much to believe."Why didn't you ever come forward?" she asked, bewildered.To think she had such a prestigious patron all along, and she had been none the wiser. Not to mention that Tyler had kept quiet the whole time."Yeah, I never planned on telling you. I was about to, but then I learned you'd fallen for Marcus."Memories of her youth flooded back to Zyra.Those days wer
"So this was all part of the original plan, huh?"Shylah's eyes lit up with surprise. She had never imagined that Zyra was the one who had saved her son, nor that her son's early takeover of the family business to pave the way for Zyra's success was actually a way to thank her.How fascinating."Mrs. Stone, are you upset?" Zyra nervously asked.After all, Tyler had spent a fortune on her over the years. Would Shylah not have a reason to be angry?Shylah chuckled, shaking her head. "Why would I be upset? You two youngsters helping each other out, that's a good thing, isn't it?"Helping each other out...Zyra was at a loss. She could not think of anything she had done to help Tyler."Mrs. Stone, maybe there's been a misunderstanding. We've broken up, I..."Zyra's words trailed off as she suddenly felt overwhelmed. Did Shylah actually approve of their relationship? If so, what was the point of their rushed and panicked breakup?Shylah let out a deep sigh and sipped her tea. "I’m
Xoan and Yaslyn had been in a standoff for three days straight.As the silent standoff began, Xoan was oblivious to his mistake. He wrapped his arms around Yaslyn from behind, his hand grazing her shoulder, and that's when he felt the chill of her rigid, distant body. The vibe was all wrong."Upset?"Yaslyn turned around and replied wearily, "I'm going to sleep."Xoan studied her with a deep look before grabbing the comforter to bring to the spare room.Somehow, they started sleeping apart.Usually, it was just Xoan and Yaslyn in the house during the day. Xoan would typically rise early to whip up breakfast for Yaslyn, but he did not bother that day. Yaslyn woke to an empty, unwelcoming table and let out a sigh.Trouble was definitely brewing in paradise.However, Yaslyn stood her ground, pregnant and proud, expecting Xoan to come crawling back with an apology.Three days passed without a peep from Xoan. Instead of him, Yaslyn got a call."Yaslyn, it's been ages."Yerick's v
Yaslyn knew very well that her health was failing. That nagging worry was one of the reasons she hesitated to keep the baby.However, Yerick's words carried a grim implication—childbirth could be the death of her.Yaslyn's fists tightened in her lap, though her expression remained calm. "What's wrong? You've discovered something new?"The worry on Yerick's face seemed genuine. "I know more than you might expect, and I'm here to warn you. I don't want anything bad to happen to you."Yaslyn was skeptical but pressed for answers. "You'll need to give me a solid reason."She would not take Yerick's words at face value, but she would keep her eyes open."If I tell you, will you believe me?""I'll do my best."It dawned on Yaslyn that he held back because he feared her disbelief.Yerick chuckled ruefully. "I figured as much. You can't take me at my word, but for your own health, I have to tell you. When Wrenley's grandpa treated you, he was careful. You might look fine, but your bod
Yaslyn wavered for a moment but found herself standing at the hospital's entrance.It was as if the tiny life inside her knew what was coming as it made a small movement. Yaslyn scoffed at herself.A one-month-old embryo moving? Impossible. It was just her imagination running wild."Yaslyn, I knew you'd show up." A voice she knew all too well called out from behind.She turned around and found Yerick, the last person she wanted to see. He was like a shadow she could not shake.Yerick's gaze softened as he saw the paper in her hand. "Came for the abortion, did you?""That's none of your business."Yaslyn turned slightly, trying to shield her belly from his prying eyes."You should've just listened to me and taken care of this sooner, but it's not too late. I'll make sure you get the best care, no strings attached," Yerick said, his obsession sending shivers down her spine.Yaslyn frowned. "Stay out of it!""Don't worry, I'll take care of everything," he said, smirking as he wa
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