Chapter 4
The big moment of Tyler Krieger’s 18th birthday rolled around the next day
Janie was also prepped for the show–makeup, fancy dress, the works, When she was all dolled up, Kathy couldn’t help but beamed in delight.
“Oh Janie, you look amazing. She said, Definitely the best–looking in the family, hands down?
But the second she said it, Kathy remembered Xena standing nearby. Uh–oh She paused mid–gosh and quickly recovered herself, worried she’d offended her. “And look at that! Both of you together! What a knockout duo
Xena was rocking a custom white gown with flawless makeup, expertly hiding her flaws, looking so sweet and bubbly–the classic spoiled litle princess.
“What a super start Smiling at Janic, her words sugary as ever. “Once people find out you’re my six, they’re going to be mad jealous. Bet dudes’ll be lining up around the block to shoot their shor
Right on the cue, Ryan and Zion walked in, just to stop in their tracks and completely floored by Janic
Janie wasn’t just preny–she was breathtaking. Her features were sharp and striking, and in that delicate lilac gown with soft makeup? She looked. untouchable, like royalty. With that kind of beauty that turned headh–flawless skin, sparkling eyes, and a vibe that just screamed elegance, she was a total showstopper.
Zion didn’t say a word, stubborn as ever. No way was he going to admit how good she looked. But Ryan, on the other hand, flashed with a wide grin.
“Look at you, Janie!” He showered Janie with praise without holding back. “You’re a total knockout–drop–dead gorgeous! Seriously, ever thought about going into showbiz? With a face like that, you’d have fans eating out of your hand
“Ryan” Kathy shot him a look, “Don’t go dragging your sis into your nonsense.
Zion brushed it all off, making a beeline for Xena instead. “Our Xena’s the real star here! Come on, let’s track down Tyler.”
Xena forced a smile, though it felt more like a grimace. Of course, she knew–next to Janie, she didn’t even stand a chance.
Thanks a ton to Lindsey, the fumed silently. Really nailed it, handing her all the “good” genes and letting Janie waltz back safe and sound. What a low blow!
The party was on The Krieger Family was loaded, and their only heir, Tyler Krieger, was throwing a massive blowout for his 18th birthday. Big names, big money–everything was over the top
Janie, however, couldn’t care less about the glitz. She was just here for the vibes. No point in getting tangled up in their drama.
So, While the Jenkins were busy mingling with their chiques, Janie slipped away to get some fresh air. The Jenkins probably wouldn’t be keen on dropping her identity before hosting another party, and it’d be better for her to skip the hassle now.
She strolled outside with a plate of desserts, nibbling on a cake pop and soaking in the chill breeze, totally oblivious to Zion talking smack behind her back. No annoying people around–she was feeling so much lighter.
But then, she caught snippets of a conversation nearby
“Ugh, that uickly loser’s here too.” One scoffed.
The other couldn’t agree more, “How gross. Hope he doesn’t spread his germ
“Hey,” a young voice rang out. That’s my cousin you’re talking about
“Come on, Tyler, others muttered in disgust, “How can you even call him your cousin? He’s a write–off. Dude’s practically a ghost already.” “Alright, that’s enough, Tyler spoke up, “Let’s just chill out
e he w
was on good terms with his
__Janie’s expressions twisted. “Talking trash behind people’s backs Not cool. And that “Tyler–didn’t exactly seem like
She turned to avoid them, but as
at as luck would have it, she bumped into another duo–standing quietly y in the shadows. The encounter startled her.
“Mr. Alvarez!” One of them was furing, “I can’t stand them running their mouths about you like that. Please let me handle it The other replied, calm as ever. “Leave it be.”
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Chapter 4
Janie’s eyes flu kesdigs Wiss this the “sickly loser” they were trading?
She stepped into the light to get a good look at him, and his face had her doing a double take. The features looked like they were handcrafted by the suniveise itself–sharp, flawless, and straight–sip–top–tier. Put ilsem together, and he was downrigla stunning.
gamund in a wheelchair.
If something felt a linde off, it was his pale face and the fact he was rolling at
Janie blinked, her heart skipping a beat. Before she knew it, she was moving toward him–until the guy from earlier, still fuming, blocked her way. “Excuse me, muna,” he said stepping between her and the man in the wheelchair. “Misl keeping your distance?”
The man in the wheelchair glanced up, his eyes following her as she stepped into the shadowed corner where he sat. That snapped Janie back to reality, and she froze..
“Im sorry, I didn’t mean to she stamanered, unsure of what to say next. But then, something caught her attention, and she paused
she could sense the sick aura on him was overwhelming–Janie felt it clearly, as if a heavy, suffocating black mist clung to him, pressing in on t
e was exactly the type of person who thrived on
He gave of an odd vibe. On top of that, his illness was clearly a challenge to treat, but Janie was
She hesitated for a moment before speaking up. “Excuse me, sir,” she said politely. “I hope you don’t mind me asking, but may see your hand, please! I can sense some odd aura around you”
The man who had blocked her path earlier looked genuinely surprised.
What with the
the “aura” thing! He doubted. The girl in front of them didn’t seem threatening, but she was definitely a bit strange Despite has doubts, be looked over at the man next to him, the one he referred to as “Mr. Alvarez waiting for him to make the call.
And to his surprise. Mr. Alvarez nodded. “Please, miss” He looked at Janic, curiosity sparking in his dark eyes. “Go ahead.” Since Mi
Alvarez had no objections, he didn’t bother stopping her. He stepped aside and gave janie a quick nod. “Appreciate the help, miss “No need to thank me,” Jane smiled and replied politely, “Just giving it a shot. I should be the one thanking you for not turning me away. I’m Janie, by the way—how should I address you two, gentlemen“”
“Spencer,” the man on the wheelchair responded gently, “Spencer Alvarez.”
The other hesitated before answering, “Tm Noe- Noah” He stumbled
bled slightly, as if struggling with the pronunciation.
“Glad to meet you two“Jamie nodded, crouching beside Spencer without hesitation. As her fingers pressed against his palm to draw on his aura, h
row furrowed deeper and deeper.
and healthy, dressed in fine
No way, has body’s a mess. How could he be so fragile, so broken! She thought strangely. He should’ve been strong a dothri, not wrak and sickly, the subject of ridicule. He deserved admiration and respect, a life full of vitality and ease
At the very least, he shouldn’t be stuck with a wheelchair, diminished and suffering
Her heart clendard again as Spencer broke into a violent cough, a pang of something unexplainable. Sadness! Anger? Whatever it was, it felt perumal — lär she had a stake in las pain..
The feeling caught janar completely off guard. They had only just met, hadn’t they? But she’d never felt anything this intense–almost to t where she wanted to take on his pain for him.
the point
How could this be? Thought jante, puzzlingly.
Were they somehow comed! There’s no way it’s love at first sight, right? But there was no time for her to dive deeper in her own mind. She pulled our her phone and started typing
Given the time. Han feat your illness” She claimed calmly, “Would you mind if I write you a list? I jot down the foods and herbs you should be
Spencer jussed, a flicker of tenderness crossing his expression. And…a bit of sadness too. Was she feeling sorry for him!
That feeling was totally foreign to him. He’d never felt anything like it before. His heart pumped faster, then smiled saltly, “Really? T’in glad to. “That
would be ameudür.
He sat in lis wheelchair, qurily and patiently waiting for Janie, and this whole vibe threw Noah off. It was strange–Mr. Alvarez really believed this girl, thought Noah. He was completely stunned. This wasn’t anything like Spencer Alvarez.
He glanced at him, thoughts running wild, but he had faith in Mr. Alvarez, Spencer Alvarez was always right, and he knew that all he ha
had to do was
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Chapter 4
to stand by him.
They waited until Janie finally finished typing. “Excuse me, Mr. Noah,” she said, turning to him and holding up her phone, “Could you take a picture of the list? Sorry if it’s a bit long”
Noah, still in shock, instinctively pulled out his phone. “Oh, right.”
Spencer let out a soft chuckle. “How about exchanging our WhatsApp ID? We’ll be relying on Miss Janie a lot from now on
Janie paused of that feeling of being trusted. She couldn’t help but give him a smile in return. “Sure.”
“Then I’ll send you a friend request” Noah quickly responded, “Is it alright if I call you Miss Janie, or would you prefer to go by your last name?”
Just call me Janie‘ I’d rather keep my last name private.” Janie said, and seeing Noah starting to get uncomfortable, she quickly added, “Sorry about the mix–up, I didn’t mean to confuse you”
Noah let out a breath of relict. “No worries. I’ll add you right away” It was the first time he’d added an outsider as a contact, and he was the hang of it
As for Janie’s last name, Spencer and Noah didn’t press. If she preferred not to share, that was her business. No need to pry.
