From then on, Whitey made it a point to steer clear of Matheo.No matter how he grilled her, she stuck to her guns, insisting that boys and girls needed to keep their distance as they got older. However, that did not stop Matheo from drowning his sorrows more often than not.Her mind snapped back to reality, and she found herself face-to-face with him, words failing her. "Look, I'm fine, really. Please, just stop pushing me," Whitey begged, her eyes downcast for the first time.Matheo's words were lodged in his throat. They were locked in a silent standoff until Whitey had enough."If there's nothing else, I'm out of here.""Wait."The word froze Whitey's hand mid-reach for the doorknob."I need to explain about that day... I was drunk, I..."Whitey turned away, her face a mask of forced composure. "Matheo, I was just a kid back then, and I don't remember much. Let's just forget about it, okay? I treated you as my brother, no matter what."That simple plea somehow managed to

When he made the suggestion, Whitey's grip tightened, making Doniel wince."Hey, what's the big idea? Are you trying to kill me or something?""Spout that kind of nonsense again, and I'll do more than just press a little harder."Whitey casually twirled a towel around his face."What's so nonsensical about it? Is there something wrong with wanting you as my girlfriend?"In all of Jefferson City, there was a queue of people dying to be his girlfriend, yet Whitey, who had grown up with him, could not seem less interested."Sure, all those other women might be dying to be your girlfriend, but I honestly couldn't care less about you."Whitey chucked the towel into his lap. "Ice it yourself. I've got to get home before trouble starts."The moment Whitey stepped out, Doniel followed her. "I'll give you a lift."Whitey let out an uncomfortable chuckle. "No need, I can make it on my own. Plus, the subway's pretty handy these days.""Great, that settles it."Doniel did not wait for a

Ever since Matheo started his job, he had become a different person, and Doniel's teasing was enough to send shivers down Whitey's spine."Come on. Didn't you say you'd show me somewhere fun? Let's get going."Whitey nervously clutched at his shirt.Doniel reached out and gently patted her head. "Don't worry. We'll head out now."Whitey looked up at him, her eyes filled with thankfulness.Matheo watched them from the side, his eyes turning icy. "You're not going.""Why not? Matheo, why do you care so much?"Doniel scoffed, his voice dripping with contempt. "Whitey's all grown up. She can make her own choices. It's her life. Why are you so controlling?"Matheo stayed silent, his gaze deep and tranquil.It took a while, but Whitey finally let go of the shirt."I guess it's getting late. I should head back and get some sleep."She smiled weakly and walked away.Nobody talked about what happened that night, but it left Whitey feeling more anxious about being alone with Matheo.

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

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