LPR 10.2

Estelle tried to remain calm amidst the waves of trembling and fear that washed over her. She tried to keep telling herself positive things to stay in control. Everything is fine, Estelle. Maybe it's just a coincidence that you and this car are on the same route. But....

No. The comforting words Estelle told herself were immediately contradicted by her own rational mind. Estelle's common sense questioned another critical point. Can you explain the strange behavior of the driver of this car, who seems to be keeping his distance from your car?

Estelle clearly remembered that their shared route wasn't the only oddity. In fact, that car was always behind hers, separated by a few other vehicles. Not too close, but still in a range that made her uncomfortable. Every time she turned, the car followed stiffly, as if the driver didn't want her to realize she was being followed.

Moreover, the most damning evidence for Estelle's suspicion was the fact that the car had no intention of passing her, even though the road ahead was clear since she had changed her route. As a result, her suspicions grew. She was convinced that something was wrong and tried to think of reasons that could explain her curiosity: Why is this driver following me?

Unfortunately, not a single clue crossed Estelle's mind, prompting her to try a little maneuver. She gradually slowed the car down, pretending to check something on the dashboard. At the same time, she glanced at the rearview mirror with subtle movements.

Estelle's suspicion was confirmed. The car behind her also slowed down and didn't pass her.

Now Estelle couldn't hold out any longer. Her fear had turned to terror. As a result, her whole body shook even more, making her muscles and joints stiff. She quickly pulled over to the side of the road.

Estelle resisted the urge to look in the rearview mirror again. She reminded herself not to be conspicuous. She couldn't let the driver know that she knew she was being followed. To maintain the charade, she continued to rummage through the dashboard and pulled out several items. Oh, God. What am I going to do now?

Estelle's thoughts quickly turned to her cell phone. She immediately reached into her bag and hastily pulled out her phone.

The phone slipped out of her hand. Estelle frantically picked it up. She tried to stay strong, but her eyes started to get warm. She wanted to cry and at the same time there was a knock on her car window.

"Oh, God!"

The phone slipped out of Estelle's hand, as if knocked loose by the intense jolt of her startled heart.

"Estelle!"

Estelle turned. "Wade?"

Outside, Wade was tapping on the car window with a worried expression on his face. "Estelle, are you okay?"

This question brought Estelle back to her senses. She quickly opened the door, letting the outside wind blow in, brushing her cheeks and sweeping away all her tension and fear.

"Wade."

Wade's eyes widened as he reached out with both hands. Reflexively, he immediately caught Estelle's limp body. "Estelle, what's wrong with you?" he asked, crouching down to get a better look at her condition. Then he touched Estelle's forehead. "Are you sick?"

Estelle didn't answer, concentrating instead on taking in as much oxygen as she could. She was panting like an athlete who had just finished a long-distance race. Her body was still shaking and she squeezed Wade's hand. "I... I..."

Estelle's tongue felt heavy and she couldn't say anything. This only added to her misery. She closed her eyes tightly, trying to regain control, and suddenly a flash of memory hit her.

Her grip on Wade's hand loosened. She was stunned. Then she realized something. Wade had helped her before. He had saved her from the attack of the unknown werewolves.

Estelle opened her eyes and found a genuine look of concern in Wade's eyes. "C-Can you take me home, Wade? I don't feel well. I-I feel a little dizzy."

"Of course," Wade replied quickly. Then he helped Estelle into the passenger seat and made sure she fastened her seat belt. "Just wait a minute. I'll talk to Rocky first."

Estelle only nodded once and Wade hurried back to his car. He knocked on the car door, and a moment later the window rolled down.

"You can go straight to the office, Rocky. I'm taking Estelle home first. She's not feeling well."

Rocky was taken aback. "Sir, you're not a hundred percent either. So—”

Wade ignored Rocky's frustrated protests. He quickly returned to Estelle's car, got in and sat behind the wheel. He glanced at Estelle's condition before he spoke. "I'm taking you home right now."

Estelle only nodded once, and a moment later the car was moving. Wade drove steadily and carefully. He seemed to be afraid that Estelle would get even more dizzy, so he didn't say a word during the ride. He didn't want to disturb Estelle's rest.

On the other hand, Estelle felt the opposite. She was conflicted about the situation. She realized that both encounters with Wade had been unpleasant. Not only had she hurt and offended Wade, but now she was inconveniencing him.

Despite everything, Estelle couldn't imagine her current situation without Wade. Surely, she would still be on the side of the road in a miserable state, trapped in endless fear.

Estelle was curious about something. She looked in her rearview mirror and saw that the car that had been following her had disappeared. She assumed it was because of Wade. The pursuer didn't want to take the risk because Wade was with her.

This time, Estelle was truly relieved. Without realizing it, she closed her eyes and leaned back. Her breath was long, and with it came the realization in her mind that Wade had saved her again. In fact, Wade had saved her three times, and ironically, she had never thanked him.

She held her breath. The air seemed to be trapped in her chest. Estelle tried to fight her uneasiness, but finally gave in.

"Wade."

Wade turned immediately. "What's wrong? Is your dizziness getting worse? Should we go to the hospital? I—"

"Thank you."

Wade was momentarily stunned. It took him two seconds to process Estelle's words. Then he nodded stiffly. "Don't mention it. It's no big deal," he said and looked ahead again. He thought Estelle's condition had improved a bit. At least he didn't see her lips trembling anymore. His worry faded and his tension slowly eased. Then he asked Estelle with the curiosity he had been holding back since earlier: "May I ask why you're in this area? I mean, where are you going? This isn't the way to Montague Companies, Inc. or your home."

Estelle stuttered. "Oh, that." She hadn't expected Wade to ask that. Her mind felt empty and she decided to ask Wade a similar question. "What about you? Why are you here? Shouldn't you still be in the hospital?"

"Well, the doctor allowed me to go home, and just so you know," Wade said, looking at Estelle. "This is the way to my house."

Estelle couldn't speak anymore. She just nodded weakly and then became completely still. She turned her face to the outside and closed her eyes dramatically. In her heart she cursed herself as much as she could and hoped they would get home soon.

The trip ended about thirty minutes later. The car pulled into the Montague residence and stopped in the driveway.

Wade quickly unbuckled his seat belt and got out of the car. He almost ran against time so that Estelle wouldn't have time to open the door.

Estelle blinked as she found the door open just as her hand was about to grab the handle. She saw Wade open the car door and offer his hand to help her.

There was a little hesitation in Estelle's mind. But in the end, she accepted Wade's offer. She took Wade's hand and stepped out of the car.

Estelle's eyes widened as soon as her feet hit the ground. Her knees felt weak and her body seemed unable to stand upright. So, she squeezed Wade's fingers, acknowledging that Wade's help was really useful.

"Be careful," Wade said.

Estelle nodded. Then they both entered the house, unaware that someone had taken several pictures of them.

*