“Estela.”

That got my attention. He rarely spoke my complete name.

I look at his serious face as he cupped my hand and captured my eyes.

Thump!

My heart slammed hard against my chest.

“Yes?”

I didn’t hide the expectation and anticipation in my voice.

Zhander was hesitant as he averted his gaze.

Thump!

Is this it?

Never would I thought he would confess to me inside his car.

Zhander seemed to have found his courage when he held my eyes in his.

“I . . .”

Thump!

“Yes?” I urged.

“You see . . .”

“Zhander, what is it?”

I was getting impatient with each second, and my voice conveyed it all.

“Estela . . . , I seemed to be . . .”

. . .

“. . . serious with Leanna.”

. . .

. . .

What?

“I was waiting for the right time to tell you since you’re Cain’s little sister, and you’re also like a little sister to me. I wanted you to know that I’ll continue to pursue her despite her relationship with your brother, and despite that you’ll protest.”

. . .

. . .

“Stop the car.”

Zhander was taken aback.

“What?”

“STOP THE CAR!”

I shouted, which made Zhander stunned.

The car stopped, and I stepped out with haste.

It was like the day couldn’t get any worse when it drizzled.

Great!

“Estela! What are you doing? Get back in the car!”

Zhander grabbed my hand, and I was forced to face him.

Something in me cracked. It was that thin line which held my suppressed emotions, all my desires, and pent-up frustrations –– burst out in violent motion. I shook my hand away from his grasp.

Zhander was surprised since this was the first time I acted this way towards him.

“Estela, I know you’re angry at me––”

“No! You don’t know anything, Zhander!”

Zhander motioned to grab my hand again, but I recoiled.

“Este––”

“What am I to you?!”

He was speechless for a moment. Unsure of what I meant.

“W-what . . . ? You’re like a sister to me.”

“Bullshit!”

I pointed at myself, not minding we incited some audience in our scene.

“I’m. Not. Your. Sister.”

Zhander frowned, and I sensed him getting angry as well.

“Estela,” he warned, “let’s get back in the car.” His tone was hard as the expression on his face.

I didn’t back off.

No.

The long years of enduring were not enough to be conveyed in a mere minute of conversation.

“What am I to you?!”

. . .

. . .

“Answer me!”

“What do you want me to say?!” Zhander snapped back.

. . .

. . .

What do I want him to say?

“Do you love me? As a woman? As Estela Fay?”

My voice was soft and low, and I could barely hear it.

. . .

. . .

Zhander didn’t answer. He just stared at me with wide eyes. I knew he probably got the whole picture by now.

“Estela . . . I . . . You . . .”

I smiled bitterly at myself.

I extended my hand for a taxi. Zhander didn’t stop me as he was utterly rooted to his spot, unsure of what to do nor say.

“My exhausted heart can’t wait for you any longer, so make your move before my heart moves on.”

I opened the car, and the cab drove off, leaving him behind, confused under the rain.