Zyra ended up staying in the hospital for another week, with Yaslyn administering a stronger dose of her medicine.After being treated for a week, Zyra was back to her old self, full of life and energy.Over the weekend…Zyra clasped Yaslyn's hand, her eyes brimming with earnestness."Yaslyn, it's been more than a couple of weeks since I've been cooped up here, and I'm feeling much better. Plus, the doctor gave me the all-clear today—seven negative tests in a row! I'm good to go, right?"Her words hung in the air, but her eyes were shouting louder than any plea: She was itching to get out of the hospital.Worn down by Zyra's relentless coaxing, Yaslyn caved. "Okay, you can get out of here. I'll set you up with a new scene, but you have to promise me you'll stay put at home. No gallivanting about. I'll sort someone out to look after your essentials."Zyra's face fell. "So you're saying I'm just trading one prison for another?""That's not what I'm saying," Yaslyn replied, hands
Yaslyn brushed off the reporter and kept engaging with the other journalists.The snubbed reporter's face turned a shade of red. "What's the big idea? I'm asking you a question. Why are you ignoring me?"Yaslyn shot him a look that dripped with disdain, and he bristled."It's my turn to speak to the crowd. I don't have time for your questions right now."However, the reporter would not let up, determined to get a straight answer. "Why not? Aren't my questions important?"Yaslyn let out a soft laugh. "Sure, your questions were important, but ever heard of not interrupting when someone else is talking?"The reporter realized he had overstepped and sheepishly scratched his nose. "We're in the middle of a serious epidemic, aren't we? It's only natural to be concerned."Yaslyn arched an eyebrow. "Well, in that case, I'll address your question first."The reporter tilted his head up proudly. "That's more like it. Why waste time on all that trivial stuff earlier?"Yaslyn gave a quick
Yaslyn let out a relieved exhale as the reporter backed down.The room cleared out, leaving only the lingering reporter. Yaslyn walked over to him, obviously wanting to talk."You're a journalist from Exclusive Memory, aren't you?" Yaslyn asked, startling the reporter.He straightened up, a bit flattered by the recognition. "What if I am?" Yaslyn eyed him, a hint of skepticism in her tone. "Do you even know who owns Exclusive Memory?""Of course I do. How could I not?" he retorted. "Then why come at me with such hostility?" she said.The reporter bristled, "Hostile? I'm just asking questions here. You haven't exactly been forthcoming with answers, have you?" "Just questions?" Yaslyn scoffed, feeling the tension rise. "Feels more like an interrogation to me.""So you think I'm here to grill you?"Yaslyn shook her head, dismissing the idea. "You've got it all wrong. I'm not here to pick a fight."The reporter mistook her calm for weakness and thought he would let her off ea
He had kept those pieces of evidence to himself, thinking they would be his insurance policy if Linton Group stiffed him. To his horror, Yaslyn figured him out.Yaslyn looked at him and cleared up his confusion. "You seem quite astute yourself. As a journalist, preserving evidence is the most fundamental professional ethic, isn't it?"The reporter never saw it coming—his offhand mannerism laid bare for all to see. He acknowledged his defeat without a fight.With a determined clench of his jaw, the reporter accepted the terms. "Alright... I'll hand over the evidence, but you have to guarantee my safety. If Linton Group comes after me, you can't let me get hurt."Yaslyn could not help but silently scoff at his fear, yet she offered him a reassuring, almost saint-like smile. "Absolutely. You've trusted me with such critical information, so I'll make sure you're safe."'Yeah, right.'Of course, Yaslyn kept that thought to herself.The reporter took his time as he clumsily pulled out
As dusk settled, Yaslyn arrived alone at the base of the Linton Group skyscraper. She kept her end of the deal.The workday had ended, which meant the building was nearly deserted. The only soul she encountered was the security guard by the door.He eyed her with a mix of duty and curiosity. "Miss, the place is pretty much empty. Who are you here to see at this hour?""I'm just meeting someone," Yaslyn replied with a reassuring smile, keeping the details to herself.The guard scratched his head, clearly not satisfied with her answer but decided to let it slide. "Alright, but don't stick around too long after. Nights can be risky for a lady on her own."Yaslyn appreciated his concern, even though she could handle herself just fine. She offered him a smile before she headed for the elevator.It was odd, she thought, that Youri chose the rooftop for their rendezvous instead of an office. She pressed the button for the top floor and rode up, all while her mind raced with possibilitie
"Is that why you keep making trouble for everyone?"Youri caught the madness in her voice and fought to regain her composure. "What does it matter? I've never been treated right, so why change anything now?"Yaslyn shook her head, a mix of frustration and concern in her eyes. "You're driven by revenge, and it's going to eat you alive one of these days.""Do you really think I need a lecture? I'm well aware," Youri snapped back, her voice tinged with bitterness.She staggered to her feet and made her way to the rooftop's edge, gazing down at the glittering lights along the riverbank."Ever noticed how stunning Jefferson City looks at night? From up here, everything seems so tiny, almost like it's not real."Yaslyn eyed the wobbly railing with unease, sensing it was not the safest spot to linger."Almost every night, after the day's done, I come here to unwind. Too many people to handle, and too many games played. It's exhausting. This is my little escape, my secret spot. And now,
Youri expected Yaslyn to be intimidated by her threat, but to her surprise, Yaslyn merely laughed."What's so funny?""Youri, do you actually believe you're the one giving me a chance?"A twitch in Youri's right eye betrayed her annoyance. "What's that supposed to mean?""Maybe you should call your lab and see how things are holding up."All at once, Youri got it. She whipped out her phone, and her eyes widened at the barrage of notifications lighting up the screen.She had only called Yaslyn over an hour ago, and so much had gone down."You kept me talking just to catch me vulnerable so you could trash my lab?" Youri spat out.Yaslyn sighed, a hint of frustration in her voice. "How can you say I kept you talking? Weren't you the one who wanted this chat?"In a rage, Youri chucked her phone to the ground. "Yaslyn, you jerk!""It's all part of the game," Yaslyn shot back, done with the back-and-forth. "Looks like your plan's a bust. If you've got any sense of right and wrong,
"Like I said, I don't have the power you imagine, and I certainly have no interest in the Stone family. If you're set on making me take down the Stone family, then maybe this is where our chat ends." Yaslyn rose from her seat, signaling she was no longer interested in continuing their conversation."Wait up, I might have another deal to discuss.""Save it. I'm not biting, no matter the bait.""Even if it's about Zyra's future?"Yaslyn froze. "What are you getting at?" she asked cautiously.Radman saw her pause and knew he piqued her interest. "Oh, nothing major. Just some old tales about Zyra's past."Yaslyn's expression hardened. "What do you think you know?"Radman reclined, feigning nonchalance. "Just the usual drama. She and Marcus were an item, then they weren't. Marcus's death had something to do with her. And if my memory serves, didn't Marcus donate bone marrow to her?"Yaslyn kept her composure. "And how exactly would bringing up this history mess with Zyra's future?"
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