Esther’s eyes sharpened instantly, a reflex she couldn’t control. To her, Gaara had already crossed a line he had no right to step over. He was just an acquaintance nothing more and yet he dared to prod into matters that weren’t his business. Whether she drove herself to campus or not was none of his concern. Worse, his persistence threatened to stir memories she had buried deep, wounds she had fought so hard to lock away. Esther despised anyone who tried to peel back those scars, to remind her of the heartbreak that had once crushed her spirit.
“Frankly, I’m flattered by your concern wherever it’s suddenly coming from but I honestly don’t see how you’d gain anything from my answer,” she said coolly, her voice clipped, though the tightness in her chest betrayed how much effort it cost her
