Hope. It is, in my perspective, essential to human life. We would have been depressed and unmotivated if it hadn't been there, in my belief. It was how I felt for the past ten days: sad, uninspired, and gloomy. But last night's rain dropped on earth with drops of hope for me.

I felt light while ruminating about how exquisite the rain was and how chilly and soothing each droplet was. I felt as though I had someone who would care for me and that maybe, just maybe, I am not alone anymore.

Because he was here.

Right next to me, clutching my hands. It seemed as if years of longing had come to an end the instant our hands connected, and the way it calmed my heart is something I can't put into words. But it was also something that made me wonder all night why I had never felt anything like this with Luke.

I mean, I really liked him. So, why were these emotions so different from anything I'd ever felt for Luke?

I had no idea.

And I wasn't sure if these sentiments would ever be beneficial to me. Because, in the end, Sebastian only cared about me because I was his best friend's sister; but a small part of me, which held the majority of the hope, felt differently, that maybe. Maybe-

Nope. I'm not going to get my hopes up.

With that notion in mind, I exited my room. I haven't been to the office in ten days since I claimed in sick, and part of me is thankful that Luke is the CEO because he handled the issue effectively, dismissing my absence. Sebastian informed me that Luke would contact him every day to inquire about my well-being.

I don't assume I was in a position to meet him, therefore I'm glad he didn't come to see me. When Jen and Mave came to see me, I noticed Sebastian groaning every time the doorbell rang. It was amusing to watch it.

The sound of feminine giggling reverberating from the kitchen alerts me and the smile instantly disappears from my face.

Is there a female in the house?

And, no matter how hard I tried to escape it, it seared; anguish stabbed straight through my heart as I knew why she was here

Why?

Why am I devastated?

Why does it hurt?

Didn't I know, something like this was bound to happen?

So, what's the deal with my heartbreaking all over again?

Because a small part of me thought he'd changed. Thought that maybe...maybe there was still hope...hope for us.

But how could I have been so wrong? And, like with every other fucking time, I let down my guard, just to get stabbed again.

But, after all, it wasn't his fault, was it?

It was my fault that I had misinterpreted the simple things he did and make my heart flutter.

I began going ahead without much thought. After all, I needed to have my breakfast. But then a voice within me said, "No, you want to see who that bitch is."

But I choose to disregard that voice. Because it was incorrect.

Yep, it was.

As I approached the kitchen, the giggling became louder, and another melodic laughing reverberated throughout the apartment.

I'd never heard him laugh like that before.

Something within me exploded in flames. I felt like setting fire to something and forcing that female to leave. A whirlwind of possessiveness encircled my body.

Is this how jealously feels?

Lord, I already despise this emotion.

I strolled into the kitchen and without looking up I walked straight to the refrigerator.

Keep it cool.

Maintain your calm.

When I walked into the kitchen, the laughter had stopped, and I couldn't help but clench my jaws in fury.

What caused them to stop?

Was it because an invader, such as myself, intruded on their lovely time?

I kept staring blankly at the refrigerator.

Talk! I wanted to exclaim, however, I couldn't find anything in the fridge and kept staring aimlessly at the refrigerator.

''What are you looking for?" he inquired, clearly concerned.

''Ice-cream''

Shit!

It was water, you moron!

''Didn't you have an entire bowl of ice cream last night?" I could detect a smirk in his tone.

''So?'' I drew my arms across my chest, turned around, and asked. Mostly to see the girl with whom he was laughing.

But the second I saw the girl in front of me, all the snark I was going to fling at him seemed to vanish into thin air. She was dressed in an olive dress and carried a gold handbag; her lipstick and eyeliner made her seem bolder and more appealing. She's stunning, to say the least.

Someone snorted and cleared their throat.

Right, I might be gaping a little too much. But she's gorgeous!

It's no shock Sebastian is attracted to her. I turned my gaze to the mysterious ocean blue eyes, which had been looking at me with interest and mirth. I examined his appearance; he was dressed casually in a loose black t-shirt and black pants, and his hair was disheveled.

How can someone manage to appear that attractive without making much effort?

I rolled my eyes and returned my gaze to the model in front of me. When the realization set in, something within me sank: They are ideal for each other.

I raised my eyes as someone cleared their throat once again.

"My name is Cindy," she said, a soft smile tugging at her lips.

She sounded like an angel.

''My name is Arabella." I smiled, attempting to look confident, but miserably failed.

Just kill me!

''I had no idea you had a roommate, Seb," Cindy smirked, while he rolled his eyes.

"Indy, she is Jake's younger sister."

So they were on nickname terms, Indy and Seb.

And what exactly was it? Jake's younger sister, of course, that's what I'll always be for him.

''How lovely. It's no surprise that you two share numerous similarities." She grinned once more.

I don't want to be a bully towards her since she's so nice. And hence, I smiled and nodded.

"All right, let's go grab your lunch," Seb murmured as he looked at his watch.

So they had a set date. And if the gorgeous girl in front of me didn't dampen my spirits, the lunch plan certainly did;

"Arabella, why don't you join us?" In her beautiful voice, she invited.

Was she really going to let me accompany her on her date? Though the meal sounded appealing, I would prefer not to watch the pair making mushy eyes at each other, so I politely declined.

''No, thank you for inviting, but you guys can continue'' I answered with a smile.

"No, you can join," Seb replied as he looked at me.

Was he out of his mind?

"No, it's alright." I gave him a tight-lipped grin.

"If you think Indy will mind-"

"I have plans," I interjected.

''Plans?'' I nodded as he sounded bemused.

''What kind of plans do you have?" He inquired, his voice becoming colder, his gaze fixed on me.

"Plans that do not include you," I scowled.

It was excruciatingly frustrating; does he want us to quarrel in front of his girlfriend?

"Why type-" Cindy chimed in.

''Seb, we have to hurry because I have a flight to catch." "I'm sorry," she replied sheepishly.

"Yeah, right." Seb nodded and turned to face me.

''Call me if you need anything," he grumbled, and I nodded as he strode out of the kitchen with his fists clenched. Cindy approached me with a smile on her face. Her vanilla fragrance filled my nose as she drew me in for a hug.

''You are beautiful." She made me flush as she murmured in my ears.

She drew back and stared at me, her brown eyes penetrating mine, ''Do you know Genevieve Brown in any way?" I went completely stiff.

How does she know her?

''Indy, the elevator has arrived; hurry!" Sebastian yelled through the door.

''Never mind, I was just being deluded," she smiled, returning her gaze to mine. ''I hope we may meet again in the future, it was good meeting you," she softly concluded.

"It was wonderful meeting you as well," I said with a smile.

"Keep him on his toes, will you?" She tenderly chuckled, and I knew exactly who she was referring to, so I nodded. ''Always''

''Indy!''

''Coming! You scoundrel!" She yelled and grinned.

"Goodbye!"

"Goodbye!" I murmured and looked at her receding form until it vanished.

But my thoughts remained stuck at the notion of how she knew who she was.

Genevieve Brown, it's one of the unfinished chapters in my life, and I can't help but have any desire to reopen it.

And before I could return to my bed, the doorbell rang. Thinking Seb had forgotten something, I opened the door, only to be horrified and shocked.

''Luke?''