Shylah had always known the day would come when Zyra would learn the truth. With a heavy heart, she reluctantly allowed her to enter.Dressed in a sterile gown, Zyra cautiously pushed the door open. The sight of Tyler, so weak and fragile on the bed, brought tears to her eyes."Tyler, I'm here," she whispered.Tyler's first glimpse of Zyra sent his heart rate monitor into a frenzy. Zyra caught the alarms and understood—he did not want her there.She bowed her head. "I'm sorry. I know you don't want to see me, but I had to come. I needed to know how you were doing."Tyler was not on oxygen yet, but his voice was faint. "Why are you here? Haven't I made it clear? We're over. Stop looking for me."Zyra knew Tyler was not feeling well, but his words still cut deep, leaving her feeling wronged. "I already told you. I just want to make sure you're okay.""Zyra, let me be clear, we're over."Zyra snapped defiantly, "I get that we're over, but can't exes stay friends? I'm close with Mr
Early one morning, Yaslyn was having breakfast when suddenly she felt a sharp pain in her lower abdomen.Sophie, witnessing Yaslyn's ghostly pallor, panicked. "What's happening to Yaslyn? Why is she doubled over in pain all of a sudden?"Yaslyn was clueless herself, only knowing the pain was fierce, like a knife was carving through her, leaving her breathless and struggling for words."We need to get her to the hospital now, or it could be bad news for both her and the baby." Without a second thought, Xoan scooped Yaslyn up in his arms.Only when Xoan mentioned the baby did it hit Sophie—there was a little life at stake. Fear gripped her. "Is the baby in danger?"Xoan was too focused on Yaslyn to think about the baby. He turned to the flustered Sophie, his voice laced with urgency but calm, "I'm heading to the hospital with her. Bag up whatever she ate this morning. We'll get to the bottom of this when I'm back."Somehow, he had a gut feeling that breakfast was to blame.Sophi
"'Excuse me'? Is that a no?"Xoan pondered for a moment. "The Warrens' last doctor left to get married. If it's all the same to you, I can offer a monthly paycheck of forty-two thousand dollars with the promise of a raise for a job well done."'Forty-two thousand dollars?!'Sebastian's mind raced. His salary as an intern was mediocre in comparison. How could he not leap at the chance?Sebastian shook his head, eager to clarify. "It's not that. Just... Shouldn't there be some sort of trial period?"After a moment's thought, Sebastian chose to be upfront. "I'm just an intern at the moment, with limited experience. I'm worried I might not meet your expectations.""Responsibility, modesty, and talent—you've got it all. Experience will come in time," Xoan assured him, checking his watch. Time was slipping away, and they could not afford to waste another minute."If you're ready, let's go," Xoan said.Sebastian was over the moon. That was the break he had been dreaming of. He nodded
Jane's expression instantly turned particularly unpleasant.Nevertheless, she still wanted to maintain a fragile image in front of others. "What are you even talking about? Why would I take a bribe from anyone?"She squeezed out a couple of crocodile tears, the picture of wounded innocence.Jane's act could have won her an acting award since anyone else wouls have fallen for it. However, Xoan was unmoved by her performance. "Last chance. Tell me the truth—who's been lining your pockets?"Jane stubbornly refused to tell the truth. "I told you, there's nothing to tell.""Alright, then. Enlighten me."Xoan's eyes locked onto Jenny. Jenny had thought she was in the clear, but the intensity of his stare sent a ripple of doubt through her."To be honest, I don't know all the details, but that night, Jane crept out of bed in the middle of night, claiming she needed the bathroom. Something felt off to me, so I followed her. That's when I caught her talking to some guy I'd never seen bef
"She didn't happen to promise me an antidote, did she?" Xoan challenged.The assistant's eyes bulged, and he shook his head. "No, she never said she'd hand over an antidote after leaving."A chilling fierceness glinted in Xoan's gaze. "So, we're talking about a con—not a trade."The assistant, well-versed in Xoan's ways, caught on immediately. "You mean there's no antidote at all, don't you? She never poisoned Mrs. Xoan Warren—it was all just a clever ploy to make her getaway."A sly smile played on Xoan's lips. "Exactly.""That means you never intended to release her, right?"The assistant was well aware that Xoan had a short fuse, much like Yaslyn herself.There was no way he would just let that woman walk away scot-free. No, she was in for a world of hurt.With a smirk, Xoan said, "Anyone who messes with mine better be ready to kiss their life goodbye."Jane was riding in the backseat, silently patting herself on the back for the quick thinking that had saved her skin.If
Another three hours ticked by, and the operating room lights finally dimmed. A doctor emerged, his face etched with gravity. Zyra's heart lurched. "Who is the patient's family?"Before Shylah could utter a word, Zyra burst out, "I am." She immediately felt out of place and sheepishly stepped back.Taking a deep breath, Shylah moved forward and asked, "I'm his mother. How is he doing now?""The patient has been stabilized for the moment, but I recommend a transfer to another hospital for further treatment. We can't delay any longer with his condition."Upon hearing that, Shylah felt a wave of dizziness wash over her.Jefferson City's finest hospital was their last hope before considering treatment abroad—a prospect Tyler's frail body could not endure. Shylah was almost in tears when Zyra approached Yaslyn with pleading eyes. "Yaslyn, can you do anything to save him?" Yaslyn responded with a comforting pat on the back. "Don't worry. I've made a promise to help, and I intend to
The second Yaslyn stepped out, Zyra jumped from her seat. "Yaslyn, how's he doing? Is it serious? Can he be treated?"Yaslyn, seeing the worry on Zyra's face, let out a heavy sigh. "Well, it's hard to say with this illness..."Zyra started crying instantly. "Is it that bad? Can't he be healed?"Yaslyn had not expected such an immediate flood of tears. She could not bear to keep up the act any longer. "I haven't even gotten a word out, and you're already filling in the blanks with your wild imagination," Yaslyn said with a playful click of the tongue."Okay, okay, I'll stop messing with you. He's stable for now. I'll talk to the doc over lunch about his treatment plan. Don't worry, I'll make sure your sweetheart makes it through."'Sweetheart… What a quirky term of endearment.'However, Yaslyn had promised to do her best for Tyler, so Zyra did not have much to say. She simply nodded and murmured a grateful 'thanks'."Don't just thank me. Go in there and comfort him. Get him to
The food Jennifer clutched tumbled to the floor."I...""No buts. We laid it out clear—you were in on the act, and now that the show's over, so is your part. You're free to go.""Tyler, after all this time, all these months by your side, don't you feel anything for me?"Jennifer's heart sank. She could not believe his indifference. Six months of close quarters, of shared days and nights, and she had fallen hard for him.She moved to wipe his brow, as she had countless times, but he deflected her hand with a firm gesture."Remember, we're nothing to each other now."It was as if she was saying there was no point in Jennifer trying to impress herself anymore.Jennifer's heart felt like it was in pieces.She glanced away, and there was Zyra, standing to the side, lost and looking at her with helpless resignation.Jennifer always thought Zyra was just putting on an act of sorrow, especially with that look of pity that seemed to slice through her heart.In a burst of fury, Jennif
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