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 b 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–gush and quickly recovered herself, worried she’d offended her, “And look at that! Both of you together? What a knockout dur
Xena was rocking a custom white gown with flawless makeup, expertly hiding her flaws, looking so sweet and bubbly–the classic spoiled little princess.
“What a super star!” Smiling at Janie, her words sugary as ever, “Once people find out you’re my sis, they’re going to be mad jealous. Bet dudes’ll be lining up around the block to shoot their shot!”
Right on the cue, Ryan and Zion walked in, just to stop in their tracks and completely floored by Janie.
Janie wasn’t just pretty–she was breathtaking. Her features were sharp and striking, and in that delicate lilac gown with sof makeup? She looked untouchable, like royalty. With that kind of beauty that turned heads–flawless skin, sparkling eyes. 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, Janiel” He showered Janie with praise without holding back, “You’re a total knockout–drop–dead gorgeo 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, she 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 cliques, 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 sickly loser’s here too.” One scoffed.
The other couldn’t agree more. “How gross. Hope he doesn’t spread his germ to us.”
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Chapter 4
about?
“Hey, a young voice rang out, “That’s my cousin you’re talking awa
“Come on, Tyler, others muttered in disgust. “How can you even call him your contestades graviraty ghout already”
“Alright, that’s enough Tyler spoke up. Let’s just chill out
a
Not And
Janie’s expression twisted. Talking trash behind people’s backs for cock Bod that Tyler–didel’s exactly seem like he was ons good terms with his cousin.
She turned to avoid them, but as luck would have it, the bumped into another do–ching pretty in the shadows. The
encounter startled her.
“Mr. Alvarez!” One of them was fuming, “I can’t stand them running their mouths about you like the Keeles me handle
The other replied, calm as ever, “Leave it be”
Janie’s eyes flicked up. Was this the “sickly loser” they were trashing?
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 universe itself–sharp, flawless, and straight–up top–tier. Put them together, and he was de stunning
If something felt a little off, it was his pale face and the fact he was rolling around in a wheelchair.
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, miss,” he said, stepping between her and the man in the wheelchair. “Mind 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.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…” she stammered, 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 the air around them.
He gave off an odd vibe. On top of that, his illness was clearly a challenge to treat, but Janie was exactly the type of person who thrived on a challenge.
She hesitated for a moment before speaking up. “Excuse me, sir,” she said politely. “I hope you don’t mind me asking, but may I see your hand, please? I can sense some odd aura around you.”
The man who had blocked her path earlier looked genuinely surprised.
What’s with the “aura” thing! He doubted. The girl in front of them didn’t seem threatening, but she was definitely a bit strange.
Despite his doubts, he 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 Janie, curiosity sparking in his dark eyes, “Go ahead.”
Since Mr. 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.” Janie smiled and replied politely, “Just giving it a shot. I should be the one thanking you for no!
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10:15 Mon, / Apr
Chapter 4
tan, turning me away. I’m Janie, by the way how studd 1 address you run, gentemen
“Spencer,” the man on the wheel fait responded gently, Spencer Alex
The other hesitated before adering. Tim Not Noth He stumbled dightly, as if eggling with the pronumristinn
“Glad to mert you two Janje nodded, crouching bedde Spencer without hesitation. As Bee fingers pressed against his patens to draw on his murs, her bow furrowed deeper and deeper
No way, his boily’s a mess. How could he be in fragile, en broken she thought strangely He should heen strong and healthy, dressed in fine clothes, not weak and sickly, the cheet of ridicule. He deserved admiration and respect, a life fall of
vitality and ease
At the very least, he shouldn’t be stuck with a wheelchair, diminished and suffering
Her heart clenched again as Spencer broke into a violent cough, a pang of something unexplainable Sadness Angers Whatever it was, it felt personal–like she had a stake in his pain.
The feeling caught Janie completely off guard. They had only just met, hadn’t they? But she’d never felt anything this intense–almost to the point where she wanted to take on his pain for him.
How could this be? Thought Janie, puzzlingly.
Were they somehow connected? 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 out her phone and started typing.
“Given the time, I can treat your illness.” She claimed calmly, “Would you mind if I write you a list? I’ll jot down the fools and herbs you should be taking.”
Spencer paused, 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 softly. “Really? I’m glad to. That would be awesome.”
He sat in his wheelchair, quietly 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 had to do was 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 relief. “No worries. I’ll add you right away. It was the first time he’d added an outsider as a and he was still getting the hang of it.
a contact,
As for Janie’s last name, Spencer and Noah didn’t press. If she preferred not to share, that was her business. No need
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