Leanna

[Estela's POV]

[Limit Break]

"Little Stela, is Leanna also staying at that hotel?"

I slumped on the car seat. My energy was drained from me that I couldn't even manage an eye roll.

"Yes."

"Is she doing well?"

"Yes."

"Is she still with your brother?"

"Very much so."

. . .

. . .

"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.

----

[Leanna's POV]

[Danger!]

Present Time.

 

---- Edward Walsh and Reynold Barks found half-dead on a shore in east Connecticut. Their state remains to be determined as their family didn't disclose any information as of yet, saying the recovery of their sons takes priority. Continued on page ----

---- Rowan Aaron saw entering a gay bar together with a beautiful transgender woman. The woman said that Rowan is an avid customer at the bar.

It seems like the notorious player is a notorious gay. Juicy details on page ----

---- Hawthorne Jones's twelve-year-old granddaughter was brutally raped by unknown men after the girl was kidnapped on Friday and was found in an abandoned building just yesterday. Continued on page ----

I move the muscles in my eyelids, wiping my eyeballs clean, making sure that the pictures and the news were real.

---- Holley Goldwood and Nixon Mandeville ENGAGED! Shocking news on page ----

What happened while I was enjoying myself in Vegas?

We just got home in my unit in New Haven, and the Monday morning news shocked me awake.

It was okay if it was just one of the people who crossed me, but these were the people who attacked and spread rumors about me these past few weeks. And only a matter of three days I was not in New Haven, this happened?

This is not a coincidence.

I glanced at the cold, indifferent man in front of me and found him already staring at me.

Danger!

My brain screamed, but my heart retorted otherwise.

My mind quieted down, afraid that Cain could hear her warnings when he stood behind me. He covered my hands with his on the table as he bent his body, lips grazing my ear.

"What's wrong?" he asked in complete innocence.

I swallowed hard.

"C-Cain . . . d-did you . . . did this?"

That was a stupid question. I already knew the answer, but some parts of me wanted to confirm as I couldn't believe this man, who was nothing but loving to me, could be this cruel.

"What if I did . . . ?" he whispered, gently biting my ear.

I gasped, couldn't move nor say anything.

"Are you afraid?" he murmured between bites.

Am I?

I bit my lips, holding the moans that threatened to escape when he put more strength in biting my earlobe.

Unconsciously, I nodded.

Cain abruptly released my ear as his gripped on my hands tightened. His fingers digging into my palms, and I groaned in pain.

"It's too late, Leanna. I won't ever let you go."

I could see him with his overbearing face, looking down at me with constricted pupils, exerting his dominance.

And oddly . . .

Oddly . . .

I was excited. Thrilled even!

Ahh . . . I really am an M.

I look over at his handsome face just inches above mine.

"I'm more afraid of losing you," I whispered.

. . .

. . .

The suspense, thrilling, horror atmosphere disappeared, replaced by warm pink sunshine, sprouting tropical flowers and trees, melodious chirping birds accompanied by rhythmic strumming guitars in the background.

Cain shot me a loving smile before he kissed me.