"What abou—"

"If you had called me over to ask me a series of examination questions, then I'm sorry to burst your bubble but I have more important things to do than to sit here and answer them," she interrupted and slight guilt sprung up in her chest when she saw him flinch at her harsh words but she couldn't help it. She needed her point to be passed across to him immaculately, even if it meant suppressing whatever guilt or regret she felt. It was for his own good.

"Carol, I'm really trying here. Do you have to be so difficult?" he muttered, clearly exasperated. He had finally bitten the bait.

"Oh! I'm being difficult? I am? Wow, I didn't know that. Thanks for stating the obvious. I wonder who I inherited it from," she deadpanned.

He rolled his eyes and ran his hand through his hair. "Is this about that therapy talk we had? Is that why you've been ignoring me?"

She shrugged and crossed her arms and legs before leaning back into the chair, letting her eyes drill holes into his.

"Carol, I've told you. I don't need this counselling thing you want me to go for. I'm perfectly fine. You can't assume that the way you handle things is the same way I do mine. Just because you needed to visit a therapist, because you needed someone to talk to, to pour it all out to, doesn't mean I need to do the same.

I'm a man, Carol. I should be able to sort out my own problems without having to be counselled about it. You know me, sis. I've been in charge of things for years now. I can handle it," he narrated.

"You see that's the problem I have with you. You're always 'taking charge' of things. You're always putting me first before yourself. I really appreciate it but it sickens me!" She exploded in frustration. He needed to see beyond his own perspective.

"Carol, I'm your older brother. It's my job to do that. Besides, I promised her I wouldn't let anything happen to you," he tried to make her understand.

"I'm no longer a kid, Jordan. I'm not that little girl who used to hide in a corner while you took charge of the raging storm before us. I'm not that girl you used to carry on your shoulders just to jump over a hurdle. I'm not the girl that used to be bullied at school, that used to be looked at like a freak and then you'd have to leave your friends to play with me, even when they insulted and mocked you.

I'm a grown woman, Jordan. I know very well my right from wrong. I know what I want and what's best for me. I can take perfect care of myself. It's time you let me take charge of my life," she was on her feet now, flailing her arms, trying to make her point known to him.

He only stared at her, impassive. The only movement that was made was the bobbing of his Adam's apple.

"It's high time you stopped feeling guilty, Jordan. It's all in the past now. Leave it all alone. That's what it all is — the past," she said softly as she looked him in the eyes.

"I promised her, Carol," he reiterated, his face holding no emotion.

She let out a harsh breath as she balled her fists. She hated it whenever she couldn't read his expression. He was pushing her out again. He was reassembling his walls, making them even stronger and more effective but she wouldn't let him. She would prove to him that she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself.

"I'm a married woman, Jordan. Leave it to Leonardo. It's mine and his responsibility now," her words came out sharp and brusque as her jaw clenched and unclenched.

Immediately, his eyes narrowed dangerously and his stance became tense. Both his hands clenched into fists, making his left bandaged palm sting painfully. His jaw clenched ominously as his eyes warned her to repeat what she had just said.

"What are you saying, Carol?" he asked with an edge to his voice as he tried to keep his anger at bay.

She noticed his rigid figure and how his eyes dared her to reiterate but she wouldn't let him scare her. In return, she held her chin high and replied,

"You heard what I said. Leonardo and I will handle our own lives from now on. We do not need someone to keep watch over us anymore like a guardian ang—"

"I never said I was protecting Fernandez. I don't care about his well-being. He can handle himself and if what you're implying is that I relinquish my most prioritized responsibility of protecting you to Fernandez, then don't even think about it.

There's no way I would put something as priceless as your life in the hands of that scum. It's a dream that can never come true. If that's what you're trying to bargain with me, you should just give up. This isn't up for debate," he concluded as he gauged her reaction.

She seethed. She was livid at how easily and quickly he wanted to dismiss the topic. She could feel the anger pulsing through her veins.

"What the fuck do you mean by that?!" she shouted.

"Lang—"

"He's my husband, Jordan. No matter what differences you both have, you would respect him. Leonardo is changing, Jordan. You can't blame him for anything in this matter. We were both forced into this marriage and we're trying to make it work!

Leo has been treating me well these past few days. He has been there for me everytime I needed him. He's making an effort, Jordan and I really appreciate that he's trying to make things work out between us, so do not criticise him without getting to know him first!" she chastised, pointing her index finger in his face.

"Besides, this is my life, Jordan! Mine! I should have a say in the happenings in my own life, don't you think? I just want to relieve you of all the burdens you bear on your shoulders. I worry about you a lot, J," Tears welled up in her eyes as she felt her anger slowly dissipate.

"You have no idea how hard it is for me to go to bed at night thinking if maybe, just maybe you could be in grave danger trying to fight for me, trying to protect me while I lay in bed, oblivious to my surroundings. It kills me, J," she sniffled, the tears streaming down her cheeks as she couldn't contain them.

Jordan's face softened as he took in his sister's concerned face. He couldn't begin to imagine how worried she must have been of him. He carefully stood up and walked to her, pulling her into his arms.

She buried her face in his chest and continued sniffling, trying to push back her tears.

"I'm sorry, J. It's just that I can't help but feel like a burden. If anything were to happen to you because of me, I would kill myself. I want to help in whatever possible way I can, J and this seems like the only way to help. I know we didn't have the best childhood and I know very well how traumatising it can get. I mean, it almost drove me crazy but I was able to recuperate and it's all because I opened up to someone.

I just want you to give it a try, that's all. It would put me at ease to know that at least, I've helped in some way," he remained quiet as he considered her words.

The last thing he wanted was for his sister to be hurt. If someone were to dare hurt a strand of hair on her, he would see to it that the person doesn't see the daylight of the next day and he didn't want to be the one to hurt her. He made a promise already and he swore on his life to keep her safe and happy at all times.

She lifted her head to look into his eyes. Her tear-stricken face and bloodshot eyes stared at him pleadingly.

"Please?" she whispered, successfully destroying his resolve.

He sighed and rolled his eyes. He couldn't say no to her big blue eyes.
"Fine. I'll give it a shot and regarding the 'protecting you' part. I would only ease the security around you and reduce your guards, nothing else. That's all you can get out of me."

She pouted and pushed against his chest. "Fine. At least it's something," she gave him a huge smile as he kissed her forehead and walked back to his seat, pulling her along.

They sat back in their chairs, the gloomy mood already lifted.

"Now tell me, how have you really been?" he asked curiously and he was happy when he saw the joyful glint in her eyes.

Her lips stretched into a grin as she began telling him about her week and he was relieved that at least, Fernandez would live to see another week if he continued to make his sister happy.

He continued to stare at her, feeding off of each letter of her narration as he observed her. His sister had fallen hard in love with Leonardo and as much as he was happy that she finally found love, he could only hope that it lasted.

Between the both of them, one of them deserved happiness, freedom, peace and love. And that person could never be him.