"Rest assured, Yaslyn, I'll take good care of Marcus," said Zyra, gleaming with assurance."Who needs you to take care of me?" Marcus shot back as he squinted.Yaslyn nodded. "Alright, you two go ahead."With that, she left Marcus and Zyra and headed to the hospital alone. The DNA test results were ready, and Yaslyn knew without even looking that she could no5 possibly be related to Xoan.It was a ruse concocted by Sophie to keep her and Xoan apart. Yaslyn took the report and went home. She ran into Yerick, who was getting dressed."What have you been up to, Yaslyn?" Yerick teased mischievously.Since their last encounter, Yaslyn had no patience for Yerick's games. "What I do is none of your business, Director Warren. Don't you have your own affairs to attend to?"Yerick's face paled momentarily, but he quickly composed himself. "You'll see, Yaslyn. Being with me is the right decision for you.""Right decision?" Yaslyn scoffed, "I wouldn't dare be with you. What if you turn on
Sophie trembled with anger, unable to counter Yaslyn's smooth talk."Mother, please stop talking. I like Yaslyn. From start to finish, it's always been Yaslyn," Xoan declared, glancing at Yaslyn.Yaslyn looked indifferent, but her ears blushed red. He found himself surprised by the bold thought that she was truly adorable. It was a feeling he had never experienced before."I will never agree to the two of you being together. No matter what you say, I will never consent to it!" Sophie exclaimed, suddenly standing up."I regret ever letting Yaslyn into our home. If it weren't for her, how would you all dare to disregard my words?"With that, she stormed upstairs, leaving the six of them looking at each other in confusion.Henry was the most affected. He could not help but question Yaslyn. "Did you really fall for Xoan?" he asked, a hint of frustration in his voice.Yaslyn looked at him and smiled. "What's wrong?"Henry frowned. "You were the one I noticed first. How could you lik
Zaylee's eyes widened, and she darted behind Xoan, fear evident in her voice. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to! You pushed me... You pushed Mrs. Warren!"Her face looked like she had just witnessed Yaslyn pushing Sophie down the stairs, filled with fear and terror."Zaylee, it was you who caused this! You pushed me from behind, so I couldn't hold on to Mrs. Warren. What are you playing at?" Yaslyn snapped, her face furious.Zaylee's tears flowed. "Yaslyn, Mrs. Warren raised me since I was a child. Even if I were injured, I would never betray her. You were the one arguing with her. How could I possibly do this?"Xoan looked conflicted, his gaze shifting between the two women."Xoan, do you suspect me too?" Yaslyn's voice trembled, anger bubbling up inside her."Xoan hasn't said anything yet, Yaslyn. Why are you so agitated? Is it because you're guilty?" Zaylee interjected, clearly enjoying the tension."Yaslyn, that's not what I meant, but…" Xoan paused, his voice serious. "My mother
"I'm not hungry. You can go eat on your own," Xoan said.Sensing Xoan's bad mood, Zaylee knew that staying would only make things more awkward. She stood up and hastily left the room in silence.Xoan pulled out his phone, instinctively dialing Yaslyn's number. Nobody picked up.He immediately called for Yerick to keep watch and drove to his company. Yaslyn should have been at the office by now, preparing for work. When he arrived, the HR department called him."Mr. Warren, Ms. Lyon called to resign. Her resignation email is in your inbox," the voice informed him.Xoan checked his email, and there it was, an official resignation letter. Yaslyn had vanished completely.He called Wade, who answered impatiently."Mr. Warren, are you calling to discuss next quarter's collaboration between the Lukesh Company and the Warren Group?""No, I want to know where Yaslyn is," Xoan replied firmly.Wade laughed. "Yaslyn? Mr. Warren, doesn't Yaslyn live with you? How should I know?"Xoan was
Yaslyn didn't recognize the man's face until it was almost pressed against hers. Memories flooded back, and her eyes widened in recognition.He was the man always around Xoan, was he? She recalled seeing him when she first met Xoan in a bar, and during a drunken teasing episode with Xoan, he was there as well. Clearly, he and Xoan were close."You look familiar," the man said."Oh, Yaslyn, isn't it? Why are you drinking alone in the bar? Didn't Xoan come with you?"His initial shyness vanished when he realized she was alone, and his hand stealthily grabbed Yaslyn's waist. Her attire was such that his touch found her smooth, pale skin, making him reluctant to let go."What are you doing?" Yaslyn snapped, struggling in vain to free herself and glaring at him.The man was slightly sleazy but attractive—probably a rich playboy. Yaslyn's defiance seemed to excite him more."Yaslyn, allow me to introduce myself properly. I'm Zander Stewart from the Stewart Group. You've heard of it, h
Zyra's face turned bright red, embarrassed and shy that her crush was exposed."Come on, let's go back," she said, forgetting Zander's earlier flippant behavior.Zander seemed much friendlier with Yaslyn. "How about joining us, Yaslyn?""I'll pass. You guys go have fun," Yaslyn replied.Zander pouted and turned to leave.Zyra, seeing Yaslyn's nonchalant expression, touched her shoulder and said, "Yaslyn, I know what happened before must be bothering you, but don't worry. The truth will come out, and your name will be cleared.""I know," Yaslyn answered."Since that's settled, why don't you come sit with me? We can chat. I don't want to sit with the others anyway," Zyra suggested, her face filled with anticipation.Yaslyn was about to refuse when her phone rang. Wade called to say there was an urgent matter at the company, and he could not stay."Your friend can't join you either, so why not keep me company?" Zyra said.Without waiting for a response, Zyra pulled Yaslyn to a n
"Fine, it's none of my business. You two enjoy your time here. I won't disturb you," Zyra said, holding back tears.She then ran off and started crying.Yaslyn, who was not far away, watched Zyra's retreating figure with a frown. Just as she was about to go after her, her right wrist was suddenly grabbed."Yaslyn."Yaslyn turned her head and saw Xoan's emotionless face."What are you doing here?"Xoan had come from the restroom, so Yaslyn was surprised. Considering Xoan's close relationship with Zander, she had thought he would be at the party."Oh right, it's Zander's birthday today. I suppose you should be here," Yaslyn said sarcastically.Xoan did not seem to care and simply stared at her.Yaslyn was impatient and anxious, wanting to catch up with Zyra but being bothered by Xoan. "What do you want? If it's nothing, step aside, and don't hold me up."Xoan paused, looking stunned. It was the first time Yaslyn was so unwilling to see him."Since we've met, I want to talk to
"Who's the artist you're talking about?"Yaslyn understood most of the situation. Another pitiful soul."Heh, it doesn't matter who it is. What matters is… All of this is your doing!"The man had lost his sanity. In his mind, all that mattered was capturing Yaslyn and tormenting her. He would only feel relief then. "You and Zyra, both of you are the root of my misfortune. You both deserve to die!"He pulled out a dagger and lunged at her. Yaslyn's reflexes were sharp, and she caught his wrist, pushing him aside. He fell to the ground with a thud."You!"The man did not expect Yaslyn's sharp reflexes. He was momentarily frozen, even forgetting to pick up his dagger."Spencer, I know you might be upset about being fired. You want to take it out on us, but do you really think you'll feel better after dealing with us? If I die, countless people will hunt you down. Your wife and children will be bullied. Is that what you want?"Yaslyn's words were powerful, striking fear into Spen
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