Sheldon laughed, ruffling his son's hair. "No way. Tell them, Caleb, have I ever been tough on you?"Caleb smiled. "Never. You've always been great, Dad.""See? My boy's got manners."Yaslyn could not help but whisper, "Your boy, your boy, as if having a son's such a big deal. It's not like you're the only one."At the dinner table, Matheo's head shot up. "Mom, what's that supposed to mean?"Yaslyn was at a loss for words.Sheldon stroked his chin thoughtfully. "So, when are you going to change the kid's last name?"That was when Yaslyn realized Matheo still had her last name.Xoan, unfazed, just sipped his tea. "Why change it? I like it as it is."Sheldon looked at him, puzzled. "Xoan, he's your son. Don't you want him to have your last name?""He's Yaslyn's son too."Yaslyn's heart skipped a beat when she heard those words."Anyway, it's not like we can't have more kids. The next one can just carry my last name," Xoan added with a shrug.Yaslyn, her temper flaring, punch
In Jefferson City, Tyler lounged on his office's plush leather sofa, scanning the day's headlines with a frown.His assistant, no stranger to drama, watched with a mix of awe and anxiety."Should we pull this piece of news?"It was a bit of a scandal. The president's soon-to-be wife was on the front page for the thirty-eighth time that month!Last time, it was a kiss with a co-star that got blown out of proportion.Before that, a playful flirtation with a fresh-faced actor had sparked a fan frenzy.Before that...The words 'passionate kiss' emblazoned on the paper nearly knocked the assistant off his feet."We've pulled enough stories for her. She can handle this one," Tyler declared, massaging his temples to ease the headache."How come you're never angry about these incidents?" the assistant ventured to ask, noting the lack of expected rage."It's because they're all just her way of getting a rise out of me," he explained.Sweat trickled down the assistant's forehead. Some
Zyra could not help but laugh."Tyler, what are you to me? Why should I be obliged to eat with you every single day? I let it slide when you used your mother to guilt me a couple of times, but now you expect me to join you for dinner again?"Tyler pulled out his phone with a calm demeanor. "My mom asked you to come over for dinner today."Defeated, Zyra collapsed into the driver's seat. "Tyler, you win, okay? Can't you just leave me alone? I've told you, there's no way I'm getting back together with you.""I'm not chasing you. I'm simply inviting you to dinner at my mom's request."Zyra felt a pang of sadness but quickly covered it with defiance."If you're not interested in chasing me and you're not showing any real commitment, then why should I bother going to your place for dinner?Tell Mrs. Stone that we're just not a good match, status-wise. Come on, let me go. I need to get home."Tyler, however, did not release his grip. "If it's a matter of status, I could just marry yo
Zyra stood there with a lump in her throat. The man before her had steered the conversation to a point of no return, and she was too mortified to object.With a heavy heart, she nodded in agreement. "Oh yes, Mrs. Stone, the sweet and sour grilled fish is really tasty..."She bit back her frustration.Shylah's face lit up with a warm smile as she took Zyra's hand. "I just knew you'd love that flavor. Tyler mentioned you have a sweet tooth. I figured being in the film industry would make you strict about desserts, but then I thought, what's the harm? A young woman should enjoy her food."Tears welled up in Zyra's eyes. Shylah had always treated her like her own, showering her with genuine affection. That was why Zyra could not say no to her, and why she found herself there with Tyler."Mrs. Stone, I'm not a kid anymore. I'm twenty-five," Zyra protested gently.Shylah rolled her eyes and gave her hand a reassuring pat. "Nonsense, you're still so young. At twenty-five, you're definit
Shylah was always kind and courteous, but Zyra had never seen her plead so earnestly with anyone before. Zyra's gaze softened as she looked at Shylah, who had always been as caring as a mother to her. "Okay, I'll give it some more thought. Please, don't worry.""Alright, alright."Zyra was set to head home after dinner, a nightly routine. However, with the sky darkening, Shylah suggested Tyler drive her.Tyler simply nodded in agreement.During the drive, Zyra stared out at the passing city lights, keeping conversation with Tyler to a bare minimum. Tyler was aware of the tension between them and kept to himself.Midway, Zyra turned to him infrustration."Tyler, back there with Mrs. Stone… Why didn't you back me up? You know we're not an item, yet you let her go on thinking we are. The longer this goes on, the harder it'll hit her when she learns the truth."Tyler did not immediately respond. Instead, he pulled the car over and turned to face her.Zyra blinked in surprise. "Why'
There was no way Tyler would come to her rescue, not after the way she would lashed out at him. Anyone else would have been long gone by then.Zyra's heart sank, and she scrambled for another plan.The man's slimy hand was about to graze her cheek when Zyra, fighting back nausea, sank her teeth into his flesh."Ah! You little demon, biting me? I'm going to make you regret that!"He was livid, trying to rip her shirt open. However, before he could get any further, his hand was suddenly twisted behind him and he yelped in agony.The man raised his head, his eyes locking with Tyler's, who had just twisted his wrist with an iron grip.A flicker of fear crossed his mind. "Who are you, and why are you sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong?"Tyler's gaze shifted to Zyra, trembling in the corner, and a sharp pang hit his chest. His expression turned icy."You mess with my girl, and you're asking why I'm involved?"The man's pride was wounded, but he yelled anyway, "Your girl?!
Zyra had zero interest in chatting with her brother. She rolled her eyes and shot him a scathing look."You know, Tyler really went out of his way to chase you down, even buttering me up a lot. Should I tell him about your date?"Zyra clenched her teeth in frustration. "What's your motive, Zander?""Whoa, whoa, whoa, I'm not implying anything. Just thinking out loud, that's all."Zander might have been a jerk, but he could tell when Zyra was about to blow a gasket, so he quickly dropped the subject."Okay, ease up. I'll spill who you're meeting this afternoon. How's that?"Zyra snapped, "Spit it out.""Colt."The name hit Zyra like a thunderbolt.It had been five years without a single word from him. She had ignored Colt's advice and stubbornly returned home to chase after Tyler. Worried about Colt's reaction, she never reached out, and as time passed, their connection faded to silence.Why him, of all people?Zander let out a low whistle. "I didn't see this coming. Looks li
Zyra gave a disinterested hum, not bothering to respond.Colt, reading her expression, figured she was not in any real trouble and let out a quiet sigh of relief."What made you think of coming to this matchmaking thing? Did you lose feelings for him?"The thought sparked a flicker of hope in Colt. However, the woman in front of him turned away, clearly not on the same page as him."You think I wanted to be here? If my parents hadn't been on my case, I wouldn't have bothered showing up. It's just for show, not like I'm here to actually get hitched."Colt looked disappointed. "Well, that works for me. I'm just here for show too. If there's nothing else, maybe we should get out of here."Zyra nodded. "Let's sneak out before they come back."Colt let out a dismissive snort, "Why the hurry? Can't stand another minute with me?""That's not it. Didn't you say we're just here for show? I thought you'd be eager to leave."Zyra got to her feet and, seeing him still sitting, tugged at h
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