“Brother, why did you take so long?” Mariely asked, frowning slightly.

Nathan only ruffled her hair. “I have a lot of work, Sis. I picked you up just to make sure you’re okay. After this, I’ll head back to the office. I’ll be working overtime.”

“Oh…” She hesitated. “Am I bothering you?”

“I could’ve just commuted,” she added softly.

Nathan looked at her and immediately noticed the worry on her face.

“You can’t commute,” he replied firmly. Then he sighed and softened his tone. “It’s fine, El. I can manage my time.”

She nodded and didn’t argue.

“Ely,” he sighed again, “I’m sorry. Things are hectic right now. We have a client to take care of.”

“It’s okay,” she smiled. “Thank you for the ride, Brother. I’ll take care of myself.”

They were almost home. After dropping her off, Nathan would head straight back to work—but the man he had spoken to earlier lingered in his thoughts.

That bastard.

He parked by the gate.

“El, please tell Mom I won’t be home tonight,” he said.

“Yes, Brother. Drive safely,” Mariely replied, waving as he drove off.

******

“Ely, where’s your brother?” her mother asked as soon as Mariely closed the gate.

“He’s busy at work, Mom. He said he’ll be working overtime because they have a client,” she replied.

“I see. Go rest for now. We’ll eat later,” her mother said.

“Okay,” Mariely sighed and headed to her room.

Tomorrow’s Friday, she thought, stretching her arms. Another busy day.

She still had answer sheets to check and a lesson to prepare—but rest came first.

Don’t think about it for now.

Exhaustion pulled her into a short nap.

A gentle knock woke her.

“Ely, it’s time to eat,” her father said.

She followed him to the table. Nathan still hadn’t come home, so the three of them ate quietly.

“You look tired,” her father said. “You should rest.”

“It’s just schoolwork, Dad,” she replied with a small smile.

“Still,” her mother added, “don’t overwork yourself.”

“Yes, Mom.”

After dinner, her mother insisted she return to her room. She had to wake up early the next day, after all.

Morning came—and Nathan still hadn’t returned.

No choice now. I’ll have to commute.

“Mom, I’m heading out,” she called.

Her parents nodded. She stepped outside and waited for a jeep—until a car horn sounded.

“El, hop in!”

She turned, confused.

“Nadia?” she asked once she recognized her brother’s fiancée.

“Come on. Nathan asked me to drive you,” Nadia smiled.

Mariely hesitated, not wanting to impose, but Nadia insisted.

“Thank you,” she said as she got in. “Are you heading to work too?”

“Yes. Your brother’s busy again?”

“He didn’t come home last night,” Mariely nodded.

“That man works too hard,” Nadia sighed. “I keep telling him to slow down.”

Mariely laughed. “You two should go on a date. I bet you miss that.”

*****

Nadia’s cheeks flushed. “You’re unbelievable.”

“I’m not a child anymore,” Mariely teased.

Nadia laughed but her gaze lingered on Mariely.

It’s my fault, she thought. I shouldn’t have left her alone back then.

I wish that man had never crossed her path.

“Nadia?” Mariely called.

“Oh—yes,” she said quickly, stopping in front of the school gate.

“Thank you,” Mariely smiled sincerely.

“Your brother said he might pick you up later,” Nadia added.

Mariely nodded. “Bye. Take care.”

“You too.”

Nadia watched her walk inside—then a familiar voice came from the car beside hers.

“So you’re the one who drove her today.”

Nadia stiffened.

“What do you want?” she asked coldly.

“I don’t get why you all hate me,” Frank said smugly. “Is this about the past? I bet she doesn’t even remember.”

“Are you really that stupid?” Nadia replied flatly.

He laughed. “Whatever. I’m heading out.”

As he drove away, Nadia clenched her fists.

Why are you after her again?
You won’t stop until you ruin her.

She forced herself to breathe.

It was too early in the morning for her blood to boil.

With a deep breath, Nadia drove toward the hospital.