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
Yaslyn could not find it in herself to grieve for her lost child. Her thoughts were a jumbled mess, so much so that she could not make sense of them.The nurse's voice was a distant buzz, listing off aftercare instructions that Yaslyn just could not grasp.Stepping out of the hospital room, she locked eyes with a figure at the door, and the tears came unbidden."Yaslyn..."Zyra's arms were open, and Yaslyn collapsed into them.Yaslyn had always been the strong one—the protector. However, Yaslyn seemed so delicate, like a doll that had been dropped one too many times."Yaslyn, are you in pain?"Zyra had never been through childbirth, but she knew the aftermath of a miscarriage had to be rough.All she could do was offer soft words of comfort, her own tears mingling with Yaslyn's.Yaslyn managed a weak smile, caressing Zyra's cheek. "Why the tears? You're not the one who went through surgery.""It's because I care about you."Zyra's voice cracked, and her anger flared. "Xoan i
"Are you saying there's something seriously wrong with you now?"Xoan was about to check on Yaslyn's condition when she gently held his hands back. "I'm okay, just… My body isn't cut out for having kids. We'll need to get the doctor to take a closer look to figure out what's up.""If you need anything, anything at all, just tell me, okay?"The tension that had gripped Xoan instantly melted away. He clutched his head and let out a muffled groan."What's the matter?" Yaslyn asked worriedly as she moved closer."Too much booze," he admitted with a sheepish grin.Yaslyn looked over the pile of empty bottles on the floor, and she inhaled sharply. "Promise me, no more heavy drinking.""I promise."Xoan pulled her close, his lips brushing her neck in a soft caress. "Let's go to bed.""Right now, I...""I just want to cuddle up with you for the night.""Alright."They retreated to their room.As they lay in bed, Xoan wrapped his arms around Yaslyn from behind, feeling the chill of
As she stooped to gather the shards, her spirits sank even lower.Out of nowhere, Quinn crouched down beside her."Watch out."The voice was deep and soothing, laced with an undercurrent of care. Josie looked up, her eyes brimming with tears, at a loss for words."Why the tears? It's just a bowl that's broken. I'm not going to bite your head off."Quinn watched her, feeling a mix of frustration and pity. He reached out to wipe her tears away, his touch meant to be gentle, but his calloused fingers only made her sob more fiercely."You're like a faucet that won't stop leaking..."Quinn had seen Josie cry more times than he could count. She was always quick to tears, and he had gotten used to it. However, whenever she broke down, he felt helpless, just waiting for the storm to pass.Josie's sobs subsided quicker than usual. She sniffed, working hard to smooth out her voice, "If Yaslyn was crying in front of you here, what would you do?"Quinn half-smiled as if the question was a
"It's all true," Quinn replied firmly."Am I not good enough?" Josie asked with a serene smile.Quinn steeled himself against her smile. "Good enough? You think you're the only one who's kind to me? You can't possibly believe you're my only suitor. I snap my fingers, and there are people ready to get into bed with me. Can you offer that? Don't overvalue yourself. You need to understand where you stand."The words hit Josie like a slap in the face, shattering the fragile peace she had just managed to find.Her gaze locked onto Quinn, eyes blazing with a mix of weariness and resolve. "Alright, if that's how it is, let's test it out. I've heard that when you like someone, you can feel it."Quinn's smile seized up as he listened to her, and when he finally looked at her, it was as if he turned to stone.With delicate fingers, Josie began to undo the buttons on her blouse—one, two—her movements soft, her expression a blend of youthful sweetness and bashfulness.It was not until she s
Yaslyn gently pulled on Xoan's fingers, a silent plea for him to soften his words. Xoan, honoring Yaslyn's discrete signal, chose to let the matter go without further dispute."I heard you were expecting?"Caught off guard by his knowledge, Yaslyn paused, realizing Josie must have spotted the pregnancy test during her last visit and let it slip."I... I lost the child."She could feel the shift in the atmosphere, with the man beside her suddenly warming up. "Then you should rest."Strangely, when she spoke those words, his heart remained calm—no ripples of complex emotions as one might expect."Would it be too much if I brought Josie by today? I wouldn't want to interrupt your recovery.""You've mentioned it now, so go ahead and bring Josie. I'm okay."Relieved to hear she was doing alright, Quinn exhaled deeply. "Okay, I'm on it."However, home was a whisper of stillness, a cavern of silence."Josie?"Quinn's voice echoed unanswered. Guilt gnawed at him—he was to take her a
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