Tyler withdrew his arm, facing her squarely. "She’s got it all wrong. I've told her the truth, there's no need for any more drama."The tears Silvestra had squeezed out vanished as she sulked, "Well, why didn't you clear that up sooner? I went and pinched myself for nothing, and it really hurt."Tyler was not the least bit flustered. "You never stopped to let me explain, going on about your 'sperm donor' the moment you stepped in."'Sperm donor?'Zyra felt a wave of revulsion, her eyes roving over Silvestra with suspicion.Realizing the misunderstanding, Silvestra's face went pale. "It's not like he said, 'sperm donor.' That's the father of my baby!""The baby's father... You’re pregnant?"Zyra's hand wavered as she pointed at Silvestra's stomach, her voice filled with astonishment."Yeah, it's totally normal to be in a relationship and share a bed these days. What's up, haven't you and Tyler hit that milestone yet? Tyler's not exactly Mr. Smooth, but it makes sense, right? Des
"Who's lying? We're a couple. I..."Gary gave her a sly look with his arms folded. "Alright then, prove it. Kiss him, and I'll believe you."Silvestra shot a look at Tyler, who was clearly in a foul mood, and quickly backed down."You know what, I just can't say it. Not with his girlfriend right here. You're quite the sneak."Zyra, caught off guard by the mention, shivered, "Oh... um...""Tyler and Zyra's romance has been all over the news, their faces plastered on every paper. You think I just got back and am clueless?"Gary stared at her, her beauty belying a certain fierceness, and his irritation grew. Without thinking, he pinched her cheek hard enough to make her wince."I'd love to crack open your head and see what kind of trash you're hiding in there.""Okay, you two can keep flirting and fighting. We'll stay out of it."Tyler slung his arm around Zyra and strolled off, not even glancing back at Silvestra's anguished calls.The deadline was originally two days, but Yeri
Yerick had this nagging hunch he needed to check out. He nudged the door open, and the colors that flooded in were all wrong for Henry's old room.Sophie, hovering by his elbow, bit her lip and said, "This used to be Henry's space, but Yaslyn's taken over for a while."Just as Yerick suspected.He strode in, eyes roaming the room. They landed on a cute illustration framed on the desk, something Yaslyn probably doodled in a spare moment. He ran his fingers over it, his gaze carrying a hint of longingness.There was a twinge of worry knotting in Sophie's stomach. Was Yerick into Yaslyn? She tried to shake off the thought but could not."Yerick, you mentioned you needed to talk business with your brother. What's up with that?" Sophie blurted out, curiosity getting the better of her."We're talking about taking over Warren Group," he said casually."Taking over? What's up with Warren Group? Why take it over?" Sophie's heart skipped a beat.Yerick put on a show of sorrow. "Bro's bee
Xoan's eyes flashed with icy resolve as he threw the document down on the table. "I won't sign this."Yerick's patience snapped as his anger boiled over. "Don't bite the hand that feeds you, Xoan. I'm here to end this fight because I've still got a soft spot for you. If Warren Group ends up in the claws of those sharks, do you think they'll show you any mercy? With the enemies you've made, they'd be happy to see you destroyed!" Yerick sounded almost like he was looking out for Xoan.Xoan gave a harsh, humorless laugh as he looked at Yerick with nothing but disappointment. "Yerick, all you want is to get your greedy hands on the Warren family's fortune and take over Warren Group. Spare me the noble act.""Don't get too cocky, Xoan. My intentions are good, and that's all that matters. It was you who destroyed Warren Group from within. What right do you have to point fingers?" Yerick stood tall, the very image of a conqueror, gazing down at Xoan.Xoan was no fool, but somehow, he ende
Henry, on the other hand, stood silently. He looked hollow.He could not wrap his head around the fact that his third brother, the one he idolized and followed after all his life, could have such a dark side. The victim was their younger brother, the kid they roughhoused with and watched grow up.Henry had been hustling in show business since he got wise to the world, so the family drama was mostly off his radar. However, he always believed that beneath Yerick's icy exterior was a heart that beat for their family.It was all a front, a cold play for the family's wealth."Brother... I still can't believe you'd do such a thing," muttered Henry in disbelief as he stared at Yerick's contorted expression."Little Marcus always tagged along, full of pep. He told me once how you looked depressed, even though you kept it cool. He thought we should get more laughs out of you."Those words plunged Yerick into a deep silence."He'd always been there for you and held you close to his heart.
"Yerick, you can't possibly believe that's love," replied Yaslyn with a hint of laughter in her voice at the absurdity."You've only ever acted for yourself, and it was out of selfishness. You coveted the Warren family's wealth, and that's why you plotted against Xoan. You claim you want me? That's just a game to get under his skin. Haven't you figured it out yet?"Yerick was deaf to her words, lost in his own delusions. "This is all nonsense! I did it all for us, for a future without worries!""Ever heard 'you can't turn a pumpkin into a carriage'?"Yerick responded with a wild laugh. "I don't care. I'll bend that pumpkin to my will and see for myself just how glorious it can be."Completely unhinged, Yerick was beyond reason.Yaslyn looked at the terrified assistant in his grip and steadily said, "So you claim you have feelings for me?"Yerick was caught off-guard by her question, pausing for a split second before nodding. "Yes.""If you're into me, how about we swap places?"
"If even you believe I'm wrong, I see no reason to stop now."Yerick was alone.Not even Yaslyn, the one he cherished most, ever truly understood him. Yerick could not quite put his finger on the feeling. It was a mix of heartbreak, despair, and a growing sense of hopelessness about Yaslyn."I might have let you go," Yerick whispered, the knife handle caressing her cheek, his tone soft but his words like daggers. "Your words cut me deep, Yaslyn. You don't deserve my love."Alarm bells rang in Yaslyn's head.In a heartbeat, Yerick's knife slashed the air as he aimed toward her face.She was quick, having sensed his odd behavior, and managed to pull back. However, his tight grip meant she could not escape a scratch.A crimson line bloomed on Yaslyn's cheek, and blood seeped out of the wound.Xoan's heart twisted with dread. "Yerick, don't do something you'll regret, or I swear, you'll answer to me!"Xoan's heart ached at the sight of Yaslyn's wound."Oh, does it hurt to see her
"You'll let her go if I agree, right?"Yerick nodded, his promise seeming genuine. "Sure. If you agree, I'll do as you say and let her go.""Then I'll take you upstairs to sign the contract.""What's this about going upstairs? Just print the contract, and bring it down."Yerick's impatience was growing, and his tone turned nasty—almost to the point of being unbearable.No one noticed how Santiago, who faded into the background, silently crept behind Yerick, ready to strike.Xoan kept his cool, acting as if he had not seen a thing. "How about we make a deal? You let her go, and I'll head to the office to get the paperwork for the shares transfer.""And why should I trust you? If I release her, what's to stop you from backing out?"Yerick was not fooled; he knew they were just trying to trick him."But snagging the president's seat isn't a walk in the park; it's up to the Warren family to cast their votes."Yerick barely gave it a second thought, his grin sharp as a blade. "Wel
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