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
"Xoan!"Yaslyn's voice shot up without thinking, but he quickly silenced her with a kiss. His lips were gentle, and with every touch, her protests vanished into the warmth between them.Her heart skipped a beat at the familiar tenderness, and she let her eyes fall shut, sinking deeper into the kiss.When Yaslyn looked up again, she found him watching her with a mischievous glint, his voice a raspy whisper, "Keep it down. Matheo's probably dreaming by now."Yaslyn blushed, and she thumped him on the chest, half in embarrassment, half in jest."Fine. If you're not drunk, then get out of my house right now!"Xoan leaned in closer, his voice a teasing rumble in her ear. "Just like that, you're kicking me out?""Xoan, think about the kid, will you?"Yaslyn's head whipped around, paranoid that any little sound might wake Matheo and expose him to sights meant for adults only."He's out like a light. Don’t worry."With a soft laugh, Xoan swept her off her feet, causing Yaslyn to wrap
"Dad wouldn't have crashed into that other car if I didn't keep talking to him. It's all on me. What if he never wakes up?"The memory of the accident sent shivers of fear through Matheo.Yaslyn's heart twisted at the sight. She ran her fingers through his hair as she comforted him. "Matheo, don't fret. He's a good man. He'llbe just fine.""Really?" Matheo asked in tears."Absolutely. Stop worrying. You just rest up and heal. I'm going to check on your father now."After a few more soothing words and seeing that Matheo had calmed down, Yaslyn left the room with a heavy heart.Outside the emergency room, the harsh red light glared down at her, and a throb of anxiety filled her chest.They had only just found each other. That accident could not be the end.In the depths of her heart, Yaslyn said a silent prayer for his safety.One hour...Three hours...Seven hours...Thirteen hours...From dawn to dusk, the hours ticked by, and with each passing minute, Yaslyn's anxiety tig
The hospital's cameras were down.Yaslyn, frantic with worry, racked her brain for another plan. Then, like a lightbulb moment, she dashed out of the hospital and across the street to a little shop.Spotting the bright surveillance camera above the shop's door, Yaslyn pleaded with the owner, "I'm so sorry to ask, but my son's missing. Can I take a look at your surveillance footage?"The shopkeeper, a kindly old soul with a gentle face, saw the desperation in Yaslyn's eyes and nodded. "Sure thing. The computer's right over there."Yaslyn fired up the surveillance system and got a clear view of the hospital entrance. She combed through the footage but could not spot a toddler.The old lady, noticing Yaslyn's persistent frown, offered a gentle suggestion. "Miss, don't just look for a boy. With all the kidnappers around these days, he could've been smuggled out in a box or a bag."That struck a chord with Yaslyn.She dove back into the footage with renewed focus and, sure enough, at
"Don't worry, you're not to blame for what happened."Xoan closed his eyes, remaining silent."Matheo's really worried about you, you know."With a nod, Xoan opened his eyes, revealing a flood of emotions. "Could you bring Matheo over tomorrow morning? I'd like to see him."Yaslyn froze for a moment before replying, "Kids can be a handful. What if he disturbs your rest?""Don't fret about it. I just want to see him. Matheo's a good kid, he won't cause any trouble.""Maybe we should wait a bit longer? You need your rest. In a few days, I could..."Xoan fixed her with a deep, searching look. "You still don't want to be honest with me, huh?"Yaslyn was speechless. She had always known Xoan to be sharp, but she had not expected him to catch on so fast."What's really going on with Matheo?"Xoan's coughing fit broke the silence, his face etched with concern."Where is he now?"With no other choice, Yaslyn let the truth spill out. "This afternoon, while I was waiting for news out
Yaslyn stared at Radman, feeling a profound despair settle in her heart. His casual stance, hands in pockets, could only mean one of two things.He could have taken Matheo, which would explain his audacity, or he had never truly cared for Matheo at all. Despite their four years together, Matheo was just a pawn in his game.Either way, Yaslyn was repulsed by the man standing before her. "Forget it," Yaslyn said sharply, turning to return to the hospital room. However, as her fingers grazed the doorknob, Radman's voice stopped her abruptly."You might regret walking in there like this." Yaslyn clenched her jaw angrily and turned around. "Radman, what's your game? Spit it out. Why are you messing with me?" Radman smirked, oddly fitting on his seemingly innocent features. Yaslyn had once trusted him wholly, especially during her amnesia, because he did not look evil and had a mature, steady presence. He seemed so kind.However, she saw the truth when her memories came back. The m
The moment Sherman was mentioned, Radman's face twisted as if he had been hit by a lightning bolt.Yaslyn's gut screamed that something was off and she immediately questioned, "We were both in that lab, so why did only I get out? Where's my master? What did you do with him?" Radman tried to look as if he did not care, standing with his hands outstretched. "I'm clueless. I have no idea where he's gone." "Cut the act. We were close by. If you rescued me, you would've seen him too."Yaslyn locked eyes with him, her voice slicing through the air. "You're lying!" Radman's expression soured. "I'm not lying. I really don't know where he is." "Radman, why won't you tell the truth now?" "I don't know this 'truth' you're talking about." "Radman!" He saw her distress and smirked. "You're still in the mood to fret about others? Don't you care about your son?"The mention of Matheo hit Yaslyn like a punch to the gut. Yaslyn's voice turned icy. "Radman, whatever your motive is, if
Yaslyn stood her ground, her resolve unshakable."There are only two things I ask of you. Meet them, and I'll stand by you with all my heart. Fail, and I'll never find peace."Radman studied her composed expression, almost convinced she was not bluffing. Despite his tough stance, he did not want it to sour their future relationship."Alright. I'll agree to your terms, but you have to promise me one thing. Once Xoan leaves the hospital, you'll cut all ties with him."Yaslyn smiled subtly. "It's a deal. Now, will you tell me where you've stashed Matheo?"The question brought back Yaslyn's anxiety. Matheo was probably injured from being hauled off like that.Radman pondered for a moment. He had wanted to bring the boy back himself, but ultimately, he gave her the address."He's in my villa's basement. It's safe. Trust me."Radman had grown fond of Matheo and could not stand the thought of hurting him, even if he had taken him by force. He made sure the boy was safe in his home.Y
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