Dangerous Solace

ESTHER ROSALES smiled proudly as she received the plaque and certificate. She was awarded as one of the best patissiers in Asia together with her colleagues that she met in this international competition for pastry chefs.

"Congratulations!"

Esther smiled. "Thank you."

After receiving her award, she went back to her seat and took a picture of it. Then she sends it to her fiancé. For some reason, Nate didn't come. She understood because she knew that Nate had a lot of things to do in his company. She felt disappointed because this event was once in a lifetime. She wanted it to become memorable, to cherish it.

"Hi, Esther." Amarie, just like her, a pastry chef, greeted her with a hug.

"Congratulations," Esther greeted.

Amarie flipped her hair. "Congratulations to you too."

Esther smiled. "Thank you."

"So, what's your plan right now?" Amarie asked as she took a cupcake from the buffet table.

Esther sighed and shrugged. "Since the competition has ended. I have to go back and work or do business."

"Call me. I'll visit you."

Esther chuckled. "Forget it. Your husband wouldn't allow you to do that until you give birth."

Amarie pouted as she caressed her three-month-old belly. "Yeah, my husband was protective." She said with a shrug in her voice.

"Hey, I heard that tone, Honey." From behind, Amarie's husband, Peter, appeared. And he hugged Amarie from behind. Amarie's husband was one of the sponsors of this event.

"Done meeting with your co-sponsors?" Amarie asked her husband.

Peter smiled. "Yeah." He kissed his wife's lips.

Esther looked away. Though she had a fiancé, she never allowed Nate to touch her or even kiss her. She wanted to be pure before the wedding. With this kind of intimacy, she was embarrassed to watch someone kissing.

"Miss Esther Rosales, right?"

Esther looked at Peter. "Yes, it's me."

Peter lifted his hand. He was holding a blue paper bag with a chef's apron design. "Someone wants to give you this."

"Who is it?" Esther asked as she took the paper bag from Peter.

Peter shakes his head. "He doesn't want to tell his name. He just expressed his greetings to you as you were awarded one of the best pastry chefs in Asia." He had a mysterious smile on his lips.

Esther was confused. Who could it be? "Thank you."

Peter nodded his head. "You should thank him instead. This is his number." He handed a piece of paper to Esther.

Esther looked at the number. It was a code number from her country. So, that means the person who gave her the gift was from the Philippines. She put the paper in her pocket. Then she bid goodbye to Amarie and Peter. After the ceremony, and bid goodbye to her teachers, classmates, and colleagues, she went home.

She has already packed her clothes. She planned to go home after the awarding ceremony. For some reason, she's not excited about going home. Nate promised her that after she made a name for herself, they would get married. They are an arranged marriage by their parents. Nate had told her that they must fall in love. Yes, it did. She fell in love with Nate, but Nate isn't the kind of man who will support your dreams. She loved him because he was sweet, but later, that love faded.

Esther thought Nate could be the one who would lift her from the abyss of misery that she was experiencing from her family, but she was still disappointed when she learned the truth. The truth is... why does Nate agree to marry her? Nate didn't love her truly. He was using her to get something. For her, there's no love for Nate. Right now, she was just fulfilling her parents' wish, to marry the man they had chosen for her.

Esther remembered the gift she received. She sat on the edge of her bed and opened the paper bag. A smile crept to her lips when she saw it was a mug. There's also a congratulatory message. "Congratulations, Esther." She read the note.

She took out the mug and saw her last name written on the mug with the word 'Patissier' below her last name. Then a quote was written on the other side of the mug, 'A Symphony of flavors, crafted with love and precision'. At the bottom of the mug, she saw the initials written 'RZV'. Esther smiled because she already knew where the gift came from. It's from her sponsor who supports her studies in college and everything.

Without her sponsor who was willing to finance her studies, she wouldn't be able to go abroad and participate in such an event. She never met her sponsor, but her sponsor promised her that they would meet after she went back to their country.

After her studies in college, she was invited to Singapore by her teacher to study again for another two years ago, to work and make a name for herself. In Singapore, she learned a lot and was given the chance to participate in the international competition and finally made a name.

Now, she's going back.

Smiling, she put the mug inside her suitcase together with the awards she had received. She checked her bag to see if she was missing her travel documents. When she saw nothing was amiss, she closed her suitcase.

Then she wrote a "Thank You" letter to her benefactor. After Esther wrote the letter, she put it inside her bag, took her suitcase, and left, then went to the airport. She didn't tell Nate she was coming home because she wanted to surprise him.

Esther arrived at the airport earlier than her scheduled flight. She waited for her boarding schedule. She didn't realize that she had fallen asleep in the waiting area. She was awakened by the announcement of the boarding schedule. Esther was surprised when she saw a coat put on her. Where did this come from? Someone put it on her.

Esther readied her boarding pass and identification and waited for the regular boarding while wondering who might be the person who was putting the coat on her. She took the coat close to her nose and smelled it. A Calvin Klein fragrance entered her nostrils. Judging by the smell, the coat must belong to a man. But who?

For some reason, Esther didn't have the heart to leave the coat behind, so she took it with her when she got on the plane.

A MYSTERIOUS MAN was looking at Esther as she boarded the plane. "She really took the coat with her."

"Young Master, the private plane is ready."

"Good. Let's go."

The mysterious man glanced again at Esther before he went to the hangar of his private plane. "See you soon, Esther."

ESTHER ARRIVED IN THE PHILIPPINES four hours later. She was excited about going home to see her fiancé. The last time they saw each other was five months ago. She went back to visit Nate because her father had told her to.

Moreover, Nate had never taken the initiative to visit her. Nate had always told her that he was busy at the company. So, she took the initiative and tried her best to understand Nate, even though she was always disappointed. She only got along with Nate because of her parents.

Nate was sweet and a good man, maybe. But who knew if Nate was only good at coaxing women and not responsible enough? She wanted to love Nate again, but her heart didn't want to do it anymore. It's not beating for someone anymore. It was only a beating for her.

She was looking at her phone and trying to call Nate to pick her up when she bumped into someone. Esther immediately looked up and apologized. "I'm sorry."

The man smiled. "It's okay. Be careful next time, Miss."

Esther nodded, then she noticed the man was looking at the coat hanging on her right arm. There was a glint of amusement in the man's eyes, but she ignored it, bid farewell politely, and left.

Suddenly, her phone rang. It was Kyline, her best friend. Though they went to different schools when they were in college, they still communicated and remained best friends after all these years.

"Esther!!!"

Esther moved the phone away from her ear due to the loudness of Kyline's voice. She rolled her eyes. "Ky, I'm not deaf. I can hear you. No need to scream."

"Wahh! I miss you, Esther. Do you want to hang out?" Kyline asked excitedly.

Esther bit her lower lip. "Sorry, Ky. I have to meet Nate first."

Kyline sighed. "Fine. Later."

Esther smiled. "Alright. It's my treat."

"It should be. We haven't seen each other for almost five months. Anyway, I still have work to do. Bye-bye. See you.

"See you, Ky." And the call ended.

Esther felt guilty because she chose Nate over her best friend. But that should be done, right? After she and Nate got married, she would still choose her husband over anything else.

I will just treat Kyline next time to lessen my guilt. Esther said to herself.

Esther walked out of the airport and hailed a taxi. And goes to Nate's company. When she arrived at Nate's company, she hadn't even gotten out of the car when she saw a familiar figure of a man and a woman with him. Her eyes widened when she realized who the woman was clinging to Nate. It was her younger sister, Edelyn. She and Edelyn never get along for some reason. Edelyn was her younger sister and she was the eldest child.

Esther looked at her fiancé and her sister. They looked happy. She let out a bitter laugh and looked at the driver. "Let's go."

The driver nodded and drove the car.

Esther just went home. When she arrived at their house, she saw her parents in the living room.

"You're back? That's good. You and Nate must get married. His dowry is ten million. That money can help the company," her father, Edward, said. The first thing she heard as soon as she stepped inside the house. They didn't show that they missed her. Nothing. All her parents had in mind was the money they could get from the Aquino Family.

Esther tightened her grip on her suitcase handle. "I'm tired. I want to rest," she said in a tired voice, turned her back, and went to her room.

"Honey, call Nate's father and settle the marriage." Sophia, Esther's mother, urged her husband.

Edward immediately nodded and called the Aquino Family excitedly.

Esther could only sigh and went to her room. As soon as she closed the door, a tear fell from her eyes. Since she was a child, her parents have not cared about her. She doesn't know why. Her parents were so distant. She never felt the love of her parents. Their priority was always her younger sister, Edelyn.

Though she had already made a name for herself, her parents seemed not to care.

Yeah, who would care? She was known as the unloved child of the Rosales Family. Even if she died, no one would care. This is one of the reasons why she agreed to the arranged marriage, hoping that her parents would see her effort, but still nothing. She was like an insignificant person in their house.

Esther sighed. She lay down on her bed and closed her eyes. She immediately fell asleep, hoping that when she woke up, everything would get better. But she knew from the beginning that it was just her wishful thinking.

KYLINE AND ESTHER EMBRACED EACH OTHER TIGHTLY AS SOON AS THEY MET. Esther patted her best friend's back because she couldn't breathe with Kyline's tight hug. "Ky, have mercy on me. I can't breathe."

Kyline immediately let go of Esther. "Sorry, I just missed you."

Esther smiled. "I couldn't believe that the first thing you would do was hug me to death," she joked.

Kyline pouted. "I just missed you."

Esther lets out a small sigh and shakes her head. "I missed you too. Now, let's go and fill our stomachs. It's my treat."

Kyline's smile widened, hearing that it was Esther's treat. She hugged Esther's arm. "Let's go."

They went to a restaurant, ordered their food, and chatted. While eating, Kyline remembered something. "By the way, you and Nate, what's the score? Are you two getting married? Isn't that what he told you five months ago?"

Esther drank some water and then shook her head. "I don't know. When I went looking for him the other day, he was with my sister. And they're cuddling sweetly."

Kyline gaped. "Wait? Your sister? Edelyn?"

"Do I have another sister except her?" Esther asked.

"Nate was really a shameless bastard." Kyline slapped the table. Then she frowned. Kyline noticed that Esther didn't seem jealous, or she was hiding her real emotions again.

Esther frowned. "What do you mean?" she asked.

"You didn't know this because you're not here. I saw your fiancé and your sister last week. I thought they were just business partners, but then they suddenly kissed." Kyline's expression was funny because her eyes widened while telling Esther what she saw. "Good thing that you saw it. It's the best thing if you witness their betrayal rather than hear it from me," Kyline said, nodding her head at Esther, and she even thumbed up.

Esther continued eating. "I wanted to give him a chance. After all, he is my fiancé that my father had arranged for me."

Kyline gaped. She was pissed. "Shut it, Esther. This is your marriage. Not anyone. If I were you, just break up with him? If you two really get married, you will just suffer in the end."

Esther sighed. "Ky, even if I wanted to. It won't be as easy as killing an ant. You know my father. He was an influential man. He has many connections. You see, that's why he wanted me to marry Nate, because Nate would make him well-known. All he wanted was to make money for Edelyn."

"So, will he use you to get money for his young daughter?" Kyline raised her eyebrow. Esther was her close friend, and she knew the kind of environment Esther had with her family. Complicated. "That's ridiculous, Esther."

Sighing, Esther just shrugged.

"Argh! I wanted to pull my own hair because of you, Esther," Kyline said in frustration. "Or much better if I slapped you to wake you up. Trust me, you will only suffer. This is your marriage. It is you who will suffer, not me, not your parents, not anyone."

Esther smiled. She was lucky to have Kyline as her friend. Kyline was the only person who truly cared for her. Honestly, she wanted to cancel her engagement with Nate but was hesitant to tell her father because she was afraid. Her father couldn't tolerate it if someone disobeyed him. So, she could only swallow her pride.

After Esther and Kyline ate, Kyline went back to the company where she worked.

Meanwhile, Esther sends her "thank you" letter to her sponsor. She was hoping she could meet her sponsor and she could thank her personally.

Later, Esther received a text from her father. 'Go to Nate and serve him well. I'll talk to his father about the wedding.'

This marriage was just a loveless marriage in the future. After all, she was only fulfilling her parents' wish to marry the man they had chosen for her. Ever since she didn't have the freedom to do something of her own will, it was opposite to Edelyn because she could do everything she wanted. She envied her younger sister. But even so, she couldn't do anything but obey her parents.

Her parents don't love her, she's aware of that. Since she was in high school, to pay her tuition and earn a living, she has worked part-time. Fortunately, she got a scholarship, and the problem of her tuition was solved. Her parents didn't give her money, so she needed to find money on her own and her only option was to work. She entered college, and she was lucky to be selected as a scholar. But her sponsor remained mysterious until she graduated. They only communicated through chats and hand letters.

Esther went to Nate's company. She arrived at the top floor where Nate's office was. She was about to enter Nate's office when she heard that he was talking with someone.

"Nate, why don't you cancel your engagement with my stupid sister? I don't want to share you with her."

'Edelyn.' Esther thought.

"I can't cancel my engagement with her right now, Edelyn. My parents wouldn't give me company if I didn't marry her. You know that my parents like Edelyn so much. Let me marry her, then kick her out later. Then we can continue our relationship. Hmm," Nate said in his sweetest voice just to seduce Edelyn.

Esther peeked inside the office and saw Nate and her sister, kissing. She looked away when she saw Nate undressing Edelyn. She stepped back and walked towards Nate's secretary.

Nate said he loved her but that love was just a sham. It's not real. He only wanted to marry her because he wanted to get his family's company.

"Ma'am Esther?" The secretary seemed to be surprised to see Esther.

Esther smiled. "Gina, don't let anyone disturb Nate, okay? And don't tell him that I came here."

Gina nodded. "Yes, Ma'am."

Esther smiled again and left. Though she doesn't love Nate anymore, she still feels betrayed. In her opinion, though they are arranged, Nate should stay loyal given their relationship. Kyline was right. She would only suffer if she and Nate got married.

Esther remembered the days when Nate was suppressing her about things she wanted to do. She wanted to drink soda, but Nate didn't let her. He said that she could only gain weight. She must maintain her figure so as not to embarrass him to his friends. So, she's been very careful and avoids the foods she wants just for the sake of maintaining her figure.

'Don't eat sweets, you will gain weight.'

'Don't do this. It's ugly.'

'Don't provoke me. You didn't want to see me get mad.'

'Stay away from men in case you will flirt with them.'

At first, Esther isn't used to it, but when she gets used to it, she treats it as a normal kind that happens in a relationship. This treatment made her love for Nate to fade. Nate even slapped her before when she left abroad to study. But it was her dream so, even though Nate disagreed, she went abroad. She has the courage because she has a sponsor who has paid for her education.

She thought Nate would cancel their engagement, but Nate came to her and asked for forgiveness. Her father also told her to forgive Nate or else her father would abandon her. She forgives Nate like her father wants. So, their marriage wasn't canceled. When she was abroad, she felt her freedom, but now she's back in her own home, she felt her neck being strangled again. She felt that someone was controlling her again.

She had the feeling that Nate didn't know she was coming back. But it's okay, she doesn't want to see him anyway. She felt disgusted by him. The only thing she needed to do right now was to think of a way to cancel her engagement with Nate. But how? Her father was an influential man. She's certain her father wouldn't agree. How will she get away from him?

While thinking, Esther's phone suddenly beeped. She took out her phone from the bag and looked at the screen. A new message popped out, and it came from her sponsor. 'For my sister, of course, we can meet. Like what I have promised you before. Since you have graduated and even participated in a big event. Let's meet.'

Esther smiled widely. 'Thank you. Can we meet tomorrow?'

'Sure. I'm free, anyway.'

Esther immediately sends the address of the place where they can meet up. 'See you, sister.'

Meanwhile, Esther's sponsor was smiling like an idiot while reading Esther's thank-you letter and her text. "She really thought that I was a woman. What would be her reaction if she learned that I'm actually a man, and I'm not old?"

He was looking forward to it.

"Mr. Velasquez," his assistant knocked on his office. He gestured for his assistant to come in.

"Sir, these documents need your signature." The assistant opened the folder and handed the folder to his boss.

The boss immediately signed the documents and then gave them back to the assistant.

"Wait."

"Yes, Mr. Velasquez?"

"Tell my secretary to cancel all my appointments tomorrow. I have an important matter to handle."

Lester immediately remembered that Mr. Velasquez has a ten million contract signing tomorrow. "You have a contract signing tomorrow, Sir."

"How much?"

"Ten million."

The boss snorted. "Forget it. My personal matter tomorrow is more important than the ten million contract signing. But if they wanted to really invest in my company, then rescheduled the contract signing."

"Yes, Sir. I'll tell Kate."

After his assistant left his office, Russell leaned on his swivel chair. Tomorrow, he will finally meet Esther Rosales, hoping that he will stir her heart. He took a deep breath and smiled as soon as he received the address of the place sent by Esther.

"See you, Esther."

ESTHER WAS SURPRISED TO SEE NATE AT THEIR HOUSE EARLY IN THE MORNING. She clasped her hand behind her back before her hand will land on Nate's face. She smiled, but a fake one. "You're here." She said as she carefully placed the box that contained the Cinnamon Roll she made for her benefactor.

Nate smiled. "Why didn't you tell me that you were back? And I was busy in the company. I should have prepared a welcome party for you."

"Busy with my sister, alright?" she whispered, still smiling, a fake smile.

"Esther, I miss you," Nate said, affectionately, but Esther knew that he was just pretending. Then Nate tried to hug Esther, but she stepped back.

Esther's fake smile remained on her lips. She was disgusted by Nate, remembering that Nate was having sex with her sister. She grimaced at that thought.

"Anyway, for you, Esther," Nate handed a bouquet to Esther. Still smiling, pretending that he was happy to see Esther.

Esther accepted the bouquet. She actually wanted to throw it away. After all, she knew that Nate was only doing this because his parents told him to. Coincidentally, they are both the same. They were doing things that were told by their parents. They were both pretending even if they both wanted to kill each other.

"So, how are you?" Nate asked. "You have never changed." He smiled. "You were as beautiful as you were before. You really maintained your figures for me. I won't be embarrassed when I show you to my friends."

Ester wanted to vomit but didn't show it. She smiled at Nate. "Yeah, I'm back. About our marriage..."

"Don't worry, your parents and my parents are discussing it right now."

'I should think of a way to cancel the engagement.' Esther thought.

As Esther was thinking of breaking the engagement, and Nate was talking, Edelyn descended from the staircase and went immediately to Nate's side, hugging his arm. Nate pried Edelyn's arm but Edelyn didn't remove her hand from Nate's arm.

"Esther, I'm close to Nate. I hope you won't misunderstand us. There's nothing between me and Nate. We are just friends," Edelyn said in a sweet voice. "I hope you won't mind my closeness to him. I was comforting him while you were not here. It's not easy for him to be alone," Edelyn said in a sweet voice.

'Another pretentious person,' Esther thought again. 'So, she seduced Nate with her so-called sweet voice. She's not this sweet when she's talking to me, especially when Nate isn't around.'

"Y-yeah, don't misunderstand us, Esther. You are my fiancé but Edelyn was your sister. So, I have to-" Nate stuttered.

Esther raised her hand. "No need to explain. I won't misunderstand you."

Edelyn smiled. "Thank you, Esther," she said happily.

Esther was not hurt seeing Nate and Edelyn being close in front of her. She was actually hoping that her parents would see this part of her sister's life. Seducing someone's fiancé. But if she hadn't learned the truth about why Nate wanted to marry her, she would have caused commotion, but she's not stupid. She will deal with them slowly and let them take the course of their own medicine.

Esther looked at Nate and Edelyn. They were talking sweetly as if they were really a couple, and she became like thin air. Seeing them close together, Esther took a stolen shot of Nate and Edelyn. Then she took that opportunity to leave. "Since you were entertaining Nate, and I have an important matter to take care of, I should leave now." She waved her hand. "Bye-bye." Then she took the box with Cinnamon Roll with her.

"Esther, where are you going?" Nate was about to follow Esther but Edelyn stopped him and kissed him. Nate kissed back Edelyn.

"Nate, don't follow her," Edelyn said in a begging tone and started to undress in front of Nate. She likes Nate so much and would do everything to snatch him from her sister. "Don't you like this? We were alone. My parents were not home. Let's go to my room and have a quickie."

Nate grinned. "Sure." He immediately carried Edelyn in his arms, and then they went to her room. He's a man and he has his needs. Edelyn offered herself to him willingly. Why should he reject the good opportunity that came to him?

Esther grimaced, seeing Nate and Edelyn in their intimate position. She took pictures of them in case she might need them in the future. "I may need them in the future."

She wanted to catch Nate and Edelyn in the act, but she had important matters to do. She will let her sister and her fiancé enjoy their lives to the fullest first. Meeting her sponsor today is more important than catching those betrayers.

Esther hailed a cab and went to the meeting place.

She went inside the restaurant, and then she occupied the vacant table in the corner. She carefully placed the box in front of her. Waiting for her benefactor, she texted her where she was sitting. But later she realized that her benefactor knew her. Of course, her benefactor knew about her. It was just her who didn't know her benefactor.

Esther looked outside the restaurant. The restaurant's wall was glass so she could see outside. She saw a luxury car parked outside, then she saw the driver step out of the car.

"A handsome guy, huh," she said. Since she and Nate were arranged, she never looked at other men, afraid that Nate would cause trouble or hit her. In this relationship, she was being strangled. But she needed to find a way to get out of her father's control.

Esther was excited to meet her benefactor but nervous at the same time.

Esther stared at the handsome guy. The guy has a good body build that hides under the coat. But she knew that handsome guy had many women clinging to them. Take Nate, for example. He can't even stay loyal to his loveless relationship. Though there isn't love, they should respect each other. Nate has just proven that he is a jerk.

"Hi, Esther."

Esther's attention shifted when someone talked in front of her. She was surprised to see the handsome man who was outside earlier now standing in front of her. "Yes, sir?" She asked.

The man chuckled sexily and sat on the chair opposite to her.

Esther wanted to tell the man that the chair was occupied, but that might be impolite. So, she stood and planned to change to another table, but before she could leave, the man in front of her spoke.

"Russell Zayne Velasquez." Esther looked at the man questioningly. Then the man continued, seeing the confused expression on her face. "RZV."

Esther's eyes widened. "What did you say?"

"RZV." Russell continued. "The initial that your benefactor used, right?"

Esther gaped. But then she composed herself. "It's you. But she's a woman."

Russell shakes his head. "It's a 'he', Esther. And he was me."

Esther couldn't believe it but the man in front of her had said his initials and her name. She was overwhelmed. She always thought that her benefactor was a woman and it was not a man. And he doesn't look old. Probably twenty-eight to thirty years old.

Esther just sat down because she suddenly felt weak because of what she found out. She always calls her benefactor as sister. She didn't expect that she'd call her benefactor the wrong name. "I hope the ground will crack and just bury me."

Russell chuckled. "You're funny, Esther. It's not embarrassing at all. I find you adorable, actually."

Esther covered her face with her hand. "I'm sorry. I didn't know that you were a man, Sir. I thought you were a woman because you never corrected me before." That's right, her benefactor has never corrected her. So, all along she thought her benefactor was a woman. It turns out she was wrong. Imagine she'd been calling her benefactor 'sister' for almost eight years. That was embarrasing.

Russell smiled. "I just want you to focus on your studies. If I told you that I am a man, what would you think?"

Esther showed a lopsided smile. "By the way, I made this for you. Your favorite."

Russell immediately took the box and opened it. "The first time you sent me Cinnamon Rolls was when you were in first-year college. I remembered that you asked for my company's address. After leaving the Cinnamon Roll at the front desk, you left." He took one cinnamon roll and took a bite, savoring the delicious taste, then he let out a sigh and said, "Finally, after two years, I tasted it again."

"Many Cinnamon Rolls are being sold at the café and the coffee shop, Sir," Esther said.

"But your Cinnamon Roll has a unique taste," Russell said, smiling. "I like it."

Esther just smiled. She didn't know what to say. She could feel her face heating up. She wasn't used to being praised. She's feeling shy right at the moment.

Russell smiled. He finished the cinnamon he was eating and then called the waiter. The waiter immediately walked towards them and handed them the menu.

"What do you want to eat?" Russell asked.

"Anything," Esther said. She was a bit afraid to order because every time she and Nate ate outside before, Nate always ordered the food. Nate didn't let her order her own food. In the end, even if she dislikes the food, she will just endure eating it.

Russell smiled. "Esther, I don't know what you like. 'Anything' isn't on the menu. Come on. Order what you want. It's on me."

"No. I mean, let me treat you to this meal."

Russell shakes his head. "How could I let the woman pay for it? I'm the man. I should be the one who will pay for our food."

Esther sighed. "Let me pay, please," she begged. She even pressed her palms together, begging her benefactor to let her pay for the food.

"Fine." Russell finds Esther too cute, so he agreed. "Next time, I will pay. I won't let you."

They both ordered the food they liked and then the waiter left.

"So, what's your plan, right now?" Russell asked while waiting for their order.

"Hmm... work?"

"You're not sure?"

Esther sighed. "Sir, I'm sorry. But I'm not stable right now. Originally, I wanted to build my own café or coffee shop. But right now, I have a personal matter to settle on before I start my pastry chef journey."

Russell nodded. "If you want help, just tell me. I will help you."

Esther smiled and nodded. "Sir, actually, I wanted to thank you personally for helping me. Without you, I may not be able to achieve what I am right now."

"No need to thank me," Russell shakes his head. "I just helped you financially. If you are not enthusiastic about learning and working hard, even if I sponsored you, you won't be able to achieve your goals. This is mainly you, Esther. You are what you've become now because of your hard work and eagerness."

Esther smiled, feeling blessed in her life even though her family didn't support her. "I still wanted to thank you, Sir. To think that I can never repay you in this lifetime."

"Call me Russell. I know what you were thinking. Don't think about what I have done for you. But if you still want to compensate me, then call me by my name, not sir."

'That's simple?' Esther thought.

"Esther?"

Esther took a deep breath. "R-russell."

Russell smiled. "That's more like it."