He turned to her, amused. "We'll make them fit," he replied, and opened the door for her.
A soft, genuine smile lit up Shanazer's face as she reached the car. She paused beside it, waiting for some sort of signal. The handsome guy—poised and quiet—noticed her hesitation and gently said, "Please, get in."
Shanazer opened the car door and stepped in with smooth confidence, her skirt brushing softly against the seat. Xander joined her. The car engine purred to life, low and steady, like a heartbeat under the silence. He reversed slowly, the security gate creaked open, and they rolled out onto the road.
Inside the car, cool air flowed from the vents, brushing over her skin. She glanced at the dashboard—clean, polished, hints of leather and pine. The silence between them was thick, but not uncomfortable. Since Shanazer was new in the area, she felt it best to let him lead.
Calmness can speak louder than words, she told herself, settling back and folding her hands neatly on her lap.
Xander, gripping the wheel, felt the weight of the silence pressing on his chest. It was nice—but it also made him nervous. He could sense her energy, her quiet curiosity. His mind wrestled with how to start. Suddenly, with a sharp breath and a soft voice, he said, "By the way... my name is Xander Blake."
That cracked the tension.
Shanazer turned slightly, her eyes warm. Finally, she thought. "Please call me Shanazer. Shanazer Anthens."
"Cute name," Xander replied, glancing sideways. That one small compliment lit her face. Heat rose in her cheeks—her blush spreading like watercolor on paper. He noticed it on her right cheek. A smile tugged at him, but he quickly turned back to the road.
He still peeked at her now and then through the rearview mirror—short, stolen glances, almost like reading a story through reflections.
"Thank you. Yours is cute too," Shanazer replied, her voice soft, sincere. "It's not common."
Xander smiled quietly. That rhythm between them was building—slow, gentle, natural.
"So, Shanazer," he said, keeping his tone casual, "where exactly are we going?"
"To Veena Electronics," she answered, her voice tinged with excitement.
Xander's dimples surfaced as his cheeks lifted slightly. He knew the place. That made him feel oddly proud. "Without doubt, I know that spot very well."
She gazed at him through the rear mirror, then absentmindedly tucked her hair back behind her ears, revealing her smooth neck. A gentle chill swept through the car, and for a moment, it felt like their thoughts were silently braided together.
"Shanazer," Xander asked, "Tell me something about yourself?"
She took a breath, felt the pressure of honesty rising. Big question, she thought. Still, she gave him a bright smile and began. "Well… I didn't come from much. I grew up in an orphanage, went to a community school. Later, I joined Horizon University. I'm studying Information Technology and Electronics Engineering. Got accepted at OxyamCorp Base One just yesterday."
She paused, sighed—a peaceful, proud breath that felt like release.
Xander blinked. Her story gripped him. "Wow. You've had quite the journey. I really admire that."
His words filled the space with warmth. Shanazer's heart softened. Pride flickered in her chest. It's not easy talking about yourself, she realized. But his tone made it easier.
"Yes. I wouldn't trade my past for anything."
Xander nodded, eyes forward. "OxyamCorp is massive. You'll fly, I'm sure of it. I'll be rooting for you."
Shanazer turned her head to look at him—curious, touched. He felt her gaze and twitched slightly, peeking back before quickly focusing on the road again.
Wanting to keep their connection alive, she asked, "How do you know I'll do well… when we just met today?"
Xander chuckled, his laugh light and rich, dancing across the quiet hum of the engine. "You've got a unique kind of energy," he said, eyes scanning the road. "For you to land a spot at OxyamCorp, you must've stood out—one of the best, I bet."
Shanazer turned slightly, surprised by his confidence in her. That comment shifted something inside her—like opening a curtain to let light in. She smiled, soft and harmonious. "If you say so… but enough about me. What about you, Mister Blake?"
He glanced at her, a playful grin stretching across his lips. "Call me Xander. 'Mister Blake' sounds like I'm forty and above." His voice lowered, thoughtful. "I studied accounting and business administration. Right now, I'm working under my father, but I want to branch out—start my own ventures, build something big. I want to make money… because money is power. And I hate feeling powerless."
Shanazer nodded slowly, absorbing the layers in his voice—ambition, vulnerability, purpose.
Xander continued, "But it's not just about business. I want to build an orphanage too. Do good things. Help people. Money gives you freedom—to move, to speak, to act."
Shanazer's breath caught. He just described my dream. Her admiration shifted higher, blooming like petals in warm sunlight. "Wow, Xander. I've always wanted to build an orphanage too. And yeah, money isn't everything—but it's something, especially if you want to change lives."
Xander felt her words land with sincerity. Nothing sugar-coated, no fluff. Just truth.
"I guess we've got a few things in common," he said quietly.
"We do," Shanazer replied with a smile, her voice mellow but full of meaning.
Their conversation flowed like water—natural, nourishing. By the time they reached Veena Electronics, the car felt lighter, as though their thoughts had carved out space for laughter and hope.
Inside the store, they browsed through wires, switches, and tools section. The shelves smelled of metal and plastic, the lights bright but comforting. They ticked off the items one by one, moving in quiet sync.
Near the counter, two elderly women watched them with warm smiles.
"That couple is heavenly matched," one whispered to her friend. "Look at the chemistry they possess."
"Young love," the friend replied. "It's the most beautiful thing one can experience."
Hearing those words, Shanazer's cheeks flamed red. Oh no. She felt exposed—like a spotlight had hit her inner thoughts. She wished the floor would open and rescue her, but the tiles remained silent.
Xander, cool as ever, kept his composure. He casually slid his Mastercard into the machine, the beep confirming payment. Receipt in hand, they walked toward the exit.
Then came another comment from a nearby couple.
"They're adorable," said the woman. "They remind me of us. That feeling—it's thrilling."
The man's eyes softened. "You're right, darling. They've refreshed my heart. I feel young again."
The murmurs floated behind them as they stepped outside, the sky tinting gold with early evening light.
But the moment turned suddenly.
Near the car, Cynthia leaned close to Cathy Williams, her voice sharp and sneering. "Cathy, look—isn't that the filthy Shanazer?"