“You’ve been asking me to pick you up late these past few days, haven’t you?” Frank said as he drove his mother away from the school.

“We’re busy preparing for the upcoming events,” Becca replied as she settled into the seat. “I’m not the only one staying late—many teachers are.”

Frank said nothing.

As they passed the school gate, he noticed a woman standing alone by the roadside. His brows furrowed.

“Let’s go,” Becca said quickly—but Frank slowed the car anyway and stopped.

“Miss Celestial,” Becca called gently. “Is your brother picking you up tonight?”

Mariely hesitated, glancing between her phone and the dark road.

“Come with us,” Becca offered. “It’s getting late.”

Mariely nodded. Frank opened the back door. She climbed in quietly, and they drove off.

In the rearview mirror, Frank saw her checking her phone—then answering a call. Her brother, he assumed.

Traffic was light. They reached her house quickly.

Nathan was already waiting by the gate.

“Thank you, Ma’am Becca,” Mariely said politely.

Nathan’s gaze flicked briefly to Frank—cold, unreadable—but he said nothing.

“See you tomorrow, Celestial,” Becca smiled.

“Thank you for bringing my sister home,” Nathan said stiffly.

“It’s nothing,” Becca replied. “We’ll head home now.”

Frank nodded once and drove off.

“Whatever,” Frank muttered when they got home.

“I’m exhausted,” he groaned, stretching.

“Go to your room and rest,” Becca called out. “I can hear you.”

“Yes, Mom. Good night.”

*****

The next morning, Nathan drove Mariely to school. Both looked like they hadn’t slept well.

“When will this school event end?” Nathan asked. “I’ll pick you up again.”

“Huh?” Mariely blinked, half-asleep.

“What time?”

“Maybe five… or six. I’ll call you. I don’t want you waiting too long.”

“You silly girl,” he said lightly. “Waiting isn’t a problem.”

She hugged him before getting out. Nathan watched her meet Veron and shake her head before driving off.

I’m overthinking again, he told himself. At least she wasn’t alone last night.

But his unease returned when he received her message later that day:

Might not be done till 6:30 p.m.

Nathan left the office early.

By the time he arrived, students were already streaming out. The event must be ending.

He stepped out of his car.

“Oh. You’re here.”

Nathan turned.

Frank stood a few feet away, smoking.

“You’re still cold as ever,” Frank said with a dry laugh. “Still mad about the past?”

“Mariely doesn’t remember any of that,” Nathan replied flatly.

Frank chuckled. “That’s because you made her believe it was just an accident.”

“You ruined her,” Nathan said quietly. “I did what I had to do to protect my sister.”

“Ruined?” Frank smirked. “She wanted me. Maybe she just forgot how she felt back then.”

Nathan’s jaw tightened. “She was too young. You took advantage of her.”

“Wanna bet?” Frank leaned closer. “I bet she still feels something. All I have to do is shake her heart.”

“I’m not gambling with my sister’s heart,” Nathan said coldly. “And if you ever touch her again—not even once—I’ll ruin you.”

Frank laughed.

“You’re late again,” he added cryptically.

Nathan narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean?”

Before Frank could answer—

“Brother!”

Mariely ran toward them—and froze when she saw Frank.

“You should ask your sister what really happened,” Frank said lightly. “What if there’s something you don’t know?”

Mariely’s eyes darted between them.

“Let’s go, El,” Nathan said firmly.

Frank turned to her. “Come on, Miss Celestial. Tell your brother the truth.”

Her hands trembled.

“What are you talking about?” she asked softly.

Frank leaned in, grinning. “Don’t play dumb. Three times—”

The kick landed before he could finish.

“—Oof!”

Frank doubled over, clutching himself in pain.

Nathan blinked—unsure whether to laugh or be horrified.

Mariely was already in the car.

Nathan followed and drove off without a word.

People nearby stared.

Inside the car, silence hung thick.

Three times?

Nathan’s grip tightened on the wheel.

He glanced at his sister beside him—quiet, guarded, shaking.

Whatever the truth was, it was buried deep.

And Nathan knew one thing for sure:

He wouldn’t be able to ignore it anymore.