Matheo, recognizing the misunderstanding, attempted to clarify the situation.However, Yaslyn, believing he was in peril, comforted him with a gentle pat on the head before swiftly turning to cast a stern gaze at Xoan.Xoan stood there, appearing utterly bewildered and wronged, despite being the one who had been hurt."Don't worry, I've got your back," Yaslyn assured Matheo.A bead of sweat trickled down Matheo's forehead. "Mom, you've got it all wrong.""If you're being coerced, just blink."Matheo instinctively blinked."There, you see? He's being coerced.""Mom, everybody blinks. It's just a thing people do," Matheo replied.Yaslyn fell silent. However, she was not about to stand by while her son was apparently being pushed around.Xoan caught her eye, his look filled with an unreadable emotion. Before she could get a word out, his face took on a look of such sorrow that was almost too much to bear."I can't believe I came all this way to see you, and this is how you trea
Radman was usually laid-back, and he kept his composure, though the twinkle in his eyes did not quite light up his face. "Alright, let's hit the road."He sounded as mellow as ever, but Yaslyn knew him too well. After all those years, she could tell that beneath that calm, Radman was anything but thrilled.Xoan's piercing gaze was giving her a headache though.The talk was over, and they all headed out of the daycare. However, they hit an issue when they reached the parking lot.Who was driving?Xoan was quick to swing his car door open, taking the lead. "Hop in with the kid. I've got snacks ready in my car."Yaslyn's eyes widened as she saw not just snacks but also a big bunch of flowers—her favorite bellflowers, no less.She paused, a bit taken aback, as the man behind her chimed in. "I picked out these flowers just for you."She would be lying if she said she did not like them. What girl would not be charmed by a big, white bouquet of bellflowers?However, coming from him,
Once they left, Yaslyn was once again caught in an uncomfortable silence.Xoan's gaze lingered on the woman before him, his suppressed emotions brimming beneath the surface, leaving him with nothing to do but watch her intently."How have you been over the years?"Yaslyn could not quite grasp the depth of feeling in his eyes, but his intense gaze made her feel uneasy."I've managed quite well," she replied.With an awkward smile, she asked without thinking, "What about you?"Immediately after, she wished she could take the words back.Xoan's emotions were a mix of detachment and deep sadness. "Life hasn't been kind to me. I've missed you terribly all these years.""How did you find me?"Yaslyn's curiosity was piqued, yet she could not shake off her concern for Matheo's safety.The fact that Xoan had pinpointed Matheo's kindergarten so precisely was unsettling."For the first few years, I had no solid leads, but recently, I've picked up some clues. Someone gave me a tip durin
"Mr. Stone?"Matheo was about to launch into another one of his long-winded analyses when Yaslyn playfully tapped his forehead. "That's enough, kiddo. Time for bed."Matheo clamped his mouth shut, but not before batting his eyelashes and asking, "Does that mean I can skip kindergarten tomorrow?""And let me take your place?" Yaslyn replied, her hand raised in false threat.Matheo ducked his head and trotted back to his room.Once Matheo was tucked in, Yaslyn checked her phone and saw a text from Radman.[Where are you? I'm at the restaurant.]Her mind went blank. She forgot to tell Radman she was home. Stumped on what to say and with Radman probably worrying on the other end, her phone rang.Yaslyn took a deep breath and answered."Where are you?"The background noise sounded busy, clearly still at the restaurant."Oops, my bad. I'm home. I completely forgot to update you," Yaslyn said, a tinge of guilt in her voice."It's all good as long as you're okay. I'll head out then
"Yeah. When I recovered, all I could think about was how to repay Radman for his kindness. That's why I accepted his offer to be a manager at his company."Xoan was lost in thought. Radman had made his intentions clear even before Yaslyn's memory loss—he was set on bringing her into his circle. Then, with her memory gone, it was the perfect chance for him.It all clicked into place.Yaslyn noticed the storm of emotions on Xoan's face and became concerned. "Is something wrong? You don't look so good.""I'm alright."Xoan chose to keep his suspicions to himself for the time being. He planned to confront her with solid proof later on.When they got to the company, Xoan did something out of the ordinary. He did not go in with her but walked away alone.Yaslyn watched him go, surprised to find his departure seemed so resolute.She had not expected to find Radman waiting for her right at the company's entrance. She had just checked in when she caught sight of Radman's warmly smiling
The fireworks, following their cue, burst into the night sky. However, to Yaslyn's astonishment, the sparkling lights spelled out her name.Before she could even process that, the music around her shifted into a swoon-worthy melody.There was Radman, looking sharp in his suit with a bouquet in hand.As he stepped closer, Yaslyn's gut reaction was to step back. "Radman, what's this all about?"He offered her a smile, and as the music came to a sudden halt, he dropped to one knee. His voice was smooth and almost melodic."Yaslyn, will you marry me? I've waited four years. I can't wait any longer."Yaslyn sensed that Radman's feelings were a bit more than friendly, but she had always kept him at arm's length, never considering anything more.However, there he was, making a public spectacle with a proposal. Was he trying to pressure her into saying yes?Yaslyn frowned. "Radman, not here, not with everyone watching. Let's talk later."She was trying to be considerate, to spare him
'For me?'Yaslyn was taken aback by Xoan's ridiculous statement. "Why would you go to such lengths for me?""It's all because of Radman. He had the nerve to propose to you during the fireworks show, fully aware that you're already my wife—legally and truly. I just couldn't stand by and watch him get away with it."Xoan's voice was unnaturally steady as he spoke."You call me your wife, but Xoan, you know that I..."Yaslyn struggled to meet his intense gaze. She felt out of her element.To her, Xoan was just a name—a stranger who had appeared out of nowhere in her life. She felt nothing for him.Seeing the guilt flicker across her face, Xoan stepped closer and tenderly took her hand."I know you've lost your memories, and I've never wanted to pressure you about your feelings. However, I need you to understand how much you mean to me. Yaslyn, I've waited five years for you, never once giving up on us. So please, don't give up too easily, will you?"Yaslyn found herself without e
Radman kept his word, taking Yaslyn home and later bringing Matheo back.Yaslyn's face lit up with joy as she embraced her son, who was bubbling with excitement. "Matheo, where did Mr. Stone take you today?"Matheo was eager to share every detail. "We went to so many cool places! The zoo, and I even got to eat KFC, even though you say no... You know, having Mr. Stone as a dad wouldn't be the worst thing."Yaslyn shot him a look. "Don't say such silly things. He's not going to be your dad."However, when she noticed Yaslyn's troubled expression and the redness in her eyes, Matheo's concern flared up, and he rolled up his sleeves as if ready to defend her."Mom, what's wrong? Did he upset you? Tell me if he did—I won't let him get away with it!"His protective stance was a stark contrast to his earlier eagerness to bond with Radman."Everything's fine, sweetheart. However, remember, your dad is always going to be Xoan, okay?"Matheo was puzzled but trusted his mother's words, nod
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