"Yaslyn, I still think it's too risky."Yaslyn was aware of the impulsiveness behind her idea, but she was determined to give it a shot. No matter the outcome, she felt compelled to try."Don't worry, I'll think it through. I won't dive into it without careful consideration."Knowing Yaslyn to be level-headed, Wade's concern eased. "Well then, I'll get back to the company's matters," he replied before coughing.Hearing his persistent cough, Yaslyn felt sympathetic. "If it's too much, take a break. I can manage things at the company."Wade had indeed sacrificed a lot for the company."It's nothing serious, just a few minor issues."Yaslyn's worry lingered as she gave a few last words of advice and ended the call.Days later, a headline caught fire online.[Celebrity Attorney Tyler Stricken, Fate Uncertain]Yaslyn's heart raced upon hearing the name.'Tyler?'She read the article intently until she fully grasped the reality—it was indeed him. Her emotions were a mix of sympat
Yaslyn's heart sank as she realized the implications of her visit. She had been in his house and spoke to him. If he was contagious, she was at risk too.Her face grew serious.Xoan, picking up on her concern, asked urgently, "Are you feeling sick at all, maybe feverish?"Yaslyn shook her head. "I feel fine. No symptoms."If she were sick, she would already know it. However, Tyler had been ill for three days, and she felt nothing."They say there's an incubation period for this thing."Yaslyn offered a comforting smile. "Don't worry, I might not have caught it.""If you did catch it, and there's no treatment yet... You could be in for a rough time."The thought of suffering was bad enough, but the possibility of no cure was terrifying. Xoan could not bear to think further, his worry growing by the second.Yaslyn's heart was full of doubts and fears. However, with the crisis at hand, she felt powerless to change anything."Xoan, I've got an idea about the company."Xoan was t
"It's not reverse psychology. I just need you on board with my plan."Sherman was silent."Is the infection hitting other countries yet?"Sherman, in the middle of slipping on his gloves, rolled his eyes. "Of course not. It’s only here.""What’s your take on where this bug came from?"Sherman threw up his hands. "How should I know? I didn't start it."Yaslyn's mind raced to a daring conclusion. "Are you suggesting someone unleashed it on purpose?"Sherman, alarmed by her accusation, tried to shush her. "Don't talk crazy. You can't just throw around claims like that.""No, this thing hit us out of nowhere. It's got to be more than just a fluke."Sherman sighed. "Look, I get you're worried, but let's not rush this. We won't find answers overnight, and right now, we need to focus on finding a cure."Yaslyn, taking his earnest advice to heart, dove into her work with the medicines.Under Brad's attentive care, Roselyn realized for the first time that she, too, could be cherished
Roselyn was baffled by Brad's insistence. "Why are you coming with me?""We've been hanging out together these last few days. What will I do if you take off? Just sit around by myself?""Look, taking care of myself is enough of a hassle. Don't make things harder by tagging along."In her eyes, Brad was a kid who had not quite figured out how to fend for himself. He was younger than her, so her feelings made sense.Brad spoke with a mix of stubbornness and embarrassment. "Who said anything about needing your care? I'm not going there to be babied by you. Also, remember when you were sick recently? Who was it that looked after you, huh?"Roselyn had to admit he had a point.When she was bedridden and could barely move, Brad was there, making her wheatgrass juice and telling her stories to help her sleep.Brad really did have a knack for caregiving."Cut it out with the doubts. I'm just going to be there for you in case things go south. If you need help, I'll be there to step in."
Roselyn's heart skipped a beat as she nearly stumbled backward in shock.She whipped around to see who had startled her and there he was—the security guard. Somehow, he had managed to sneak up on her while she was perched on the wall, ready to leap into action and drag her down."Feeling bold, are you? I told you not to leave, and here you are, climbing over the wall," he scolded.As he approached, muttering under his breath, Roselyn took a deep breath, made up her mind, and leaped.Brad caught her with ease, just as he had promised."What in the world are you two doing? I tell you to stop and you bolt?"The security guard was huffing and puffing. Unable to climb the wall himself, he could only yell, "Get back here, now!"However, Brad was not about to listen. He hoisted their bags, grabbed Roselyn's hand and dashed off."Hey, you two!"Their escape left the guard's shouts trailing in the distance.With the escape from the neighborhood behind them, the pressing issue was find
"Boyfriend?"Amelia never saw it coming.Roselyn with a boyfriend? She had always been alone, and Amelia had spent some time fretting over it.She understood Roselyn's hesitance to dive into romance. Her job ate up her time, and deep down, she feared she was not enough for anyone.That persistent self-doubt? It was the lingering shadow of her family's absence—a void Roselyn could not fill."What? Aunt Amelia, don't buy into his tall tales. I'm not his girlfriend!"Roselyn spun around to face Brad, her glare sharp enough to cut. "Cut the crap. What are we even?"Brad just shrugged. "Come on. We live together. Doesn't that count for something?"Amelia's eyes nearly popped out of her head. "What? You're living together?"Roselyn was tongue-tied, shooting daggers at Brad with her eyes. His grin only widened, so she pinched him hard on the arm.Brad yelped. "Ouch! What's that for?""Just a little lesson," she snapped.Brad, however, disagreed. Gesturing toward her aunt in front
"Three days ago, you bailed on movie night, claiming a gas leak after three hours of no-show. Two days ago, you were supposed to take me out to eat, but you just ordered in instead. Now? Give me one good reason to trust you.""Hey, I can explain that."Zyra crossed her arms and glared at him, out of patience. "Go ahead and explain. I'm all ears.""Three days ago, I slept in," he admitted.Zyra arched an eyebrow. "What next?""The restaurant was closed two days ago.""Then?""Today, I promise we'll go. No excuses."Zyra glared at him, checking that he was presentable before nodding her approval. "Well then, let's head out now."To her surprise, Colt was the one sizing her up. "You're going out in that?"Zyra looked down at her outfit. Her black leather shoes and white chiffon skirt, along with her blindingly shiny jewelry, screamed 'gala-ready'."What's wrong with my outfit? Is there an issue?"Colt removed his sunglasses, his eyes brimming with disapproval. "That look is ju
Colt was not about to engage with Eldon.Outside, Colt took Zyra's hand and gave her a once-over. "The guy may be a bit much, but he does good work with makeup."Zyra huffed with mock arrogance. "I'm naturally gorgeous, thank you very much."Colt's smile softened. "Of course, of course. You trust my judgment now, don't you? Come on, let's get going."Zyra nodded, having thought it was merely another social gathering. However, as she stepped into the venue, a wave of unease washed over her. She watched the crowd, each person more stylish and polished than the last, and suddenly felt out of her element.Colt gave her arm a gentle push. "Hey, you were all excited a minute ago. What's got you so jittery now?"Zyra blushed. "I just... I didn't realize there'd be such a crowd.""It's a star-studded gala, after all. Lots of people."Colt's smile was easy as he accepted two glasses of champagne from a passing server, offering one to her."So, what's the reason we're here today?"The
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