Chapter 33
Back in the day, Estrella used to come around with a smile on her face, always seeking out his company. But this time, when Jason made the effort to visit her at the Dorvold family residence, she had dropped her usual antics.
Jason couldn’t accept the stark contrast. He felt played, as if Estrella treated him as some kind of fool, amusing herself with him when she was in good spirits and leaving him alone when she wasn’t.
Suddenly, Jason realized something. Although Estrella was always the one initiating things, control never really seemed to be in his hands. It was always hers. She called the shots, acting on a whim.
A laugh escaped Estrella as she said, “What? I was nice to you once and now I’ve got to be nice forever? What about my dignity?”
Jason’s anger got the best of him, and gripping the back of her neck, he yanked her toward him. “Being with me means you’ve got no dignity?”
at her neck stung, and Estrella looked up at him. “Jason, this isn’t fun anymor
The tug she said. Then she added, “Let go.”
It wasn’t like she ever had any dignity in his eyes anyway.
Jason’s grip didn’t loosen, and his eyes were ablaze with fury. After struggling in vain to break free, Estrella locked eyes with him and said, “Don’t forget, Jason, that it was your father who came to my family to arrange our marriage, and you were the one who agreed to it. Don’t act like I owe you anything.”
“If you feel…” She was cut off mid-sentence as Jason pulled her into his arms and silenced her with a kiss, which was furious and passionate. It seemed he didn’t want to hear what she was about to say.
When the angry kiss ended, Estrella’s lips were swollen. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand as Jason turned away, changed clothes, and left the room without a backward glance.
Left alone in the room, Estrella seethed with frustration. She couldn’t understand why it always seemed to be her fault, even when he spent the holidays with other women?
Exhausted, she slumped back into her chair. Then, as if on cue, the door flew open, and Autumn breezed in asking, “Estrella, I thought I heard something. Everything okay?”
Glancing around, she added, “Where’s Jason?”
Estrella quickly masked her feelings and said nonchalantly, “He stepped out for some
work stuff.”
Autumn moved further into the room. “Everyone’s so busy, even during the holidays.”
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They chatted for a bit, and Autumn eventually used, “But you know, Jason’s been better this year. At least he’s around for a meal”
Suppressing a yawn, Estrella replied, “Mom, it’s nearly midnight. You should head to bed.”
Autumn got up. “Alright, I’m off to rest. But dont be too hard on Jason. He’s busy with work.”
“I know,” Estrella responded.
After two years of marriage, she was used to it. by now.
, she’d have driven herself mad
Once Autumn left, Estrella closed the door and let out a long sigh. Over the next few days, she didn’t bother going back to Sandalwood Oasis, choosing Instead to spend time with her parents.
One afternoon, shortly after Estrella’s waking from a nap, Kristin called. “Estrella, you haven’t been home lately?”
While pouring a glass of water, Estrella replied, “Yeah, I’m at my parents’, spending some time with them.”
“That explains it,” Kristin said. “I just stopped by, and Marie mentioned you weren’t home.”
Before Estrella could respond, Kristin asked, “So, when are you planning to return to Sandalwood Oasis?”
“After dinner,” Estrella said.
Kristin didn’t need to explain, and Estrella knew this call was urging her to return. In fact, even if she hadn’t made the call, Estrella would have come back anyway, because Autumn had been nagging her these past few days.
Kristin seemed to relax with that answer, and after a brief chat, they ended the call.
True to her word, Estrella drove back after dinner.
“Ms. Estrella, welcome back!” greeted Marie.
“Yeah,” Estrella replied. Her tone was casual as she changed her shoes. The festively decorated house was still empty.
Marie, trying to lift the mood, whispered, “Mr. Jason has been home these past few days, even came back early today.”
Estrella remarked dryly, “That’s a surprise.” Kristin called to ask when she was coming back, just because Jason was home alone.
After chatting with Marie downstairs for a bit, Estrella went upstairs uninterestedly. In the past, she would have eagerly gone upstairs to tease Jason, but today, she had no interest at all.
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Her lack of enthusiasm for Jason’s presence didn’t go unnoticed by Marie, who murmured, “Ms. Estrella doesn’t seem too thrilled today”
A moment later, Estrella entered the bedroom to replace Jason emerging from the bathroom after a shower. This time, without her usual cheerful greeting, Jason felt an unpleasant twinge. They had their squabbles before, but Estrella never held a grudge. Things would go back to normal the next day.
Sitting quietly on the bed, Estrella didn’t say a word. She turned on her laptop and started working, ignoring Jason completely. Usually, it was Estrella who broke the silence, but now, with her staying quiet, Jason’s pride prevented him from speaking up.
As Estrella was reviewing case files, her phone suddenly rang. It was Korey. With a smile, she answered, “Hey, Korey.” Her voice was as confident and commanding as ever.
Jason, overhearing the familiar name, perked up and watched Estrella as she stood up and walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows, seemingly oblivious to his gaze.
On the other end of the line, Korey said, “Estrella, I’ve got a situation with some construction workers’ wages and contract payments. You up for it?”
“Absolutely! I’m pretty solid on labor law,” Estrella replied.
Estrella had a firm grasp of the legal disciplines she’d studied, but international law was her true passion and favorite field.
“Alright, I’ll give you the rundown,” Korey said, proceeding to outline the case for Estrella before instructing his secretary to send the relevant documents to her email.
The issue wasn’t directly related to Korey’s usual workload. Yesterday, as he was leaving the government building, his car had been blocked by a group of construction workers, who claimed they hadn’t been paid their wages and contract fees. Korey thought maybe Estrella could handle it through legal channels.
After Estrella’s hanging up with Korey, Jason finally broke his silence. His voice was tinged with a chilly undertone. “The mayor himself can’t replace a lawyer and has to reach out to you, Estrella?”
Couldn’t Korey’s secretary just make a call? Then the construction site boss would rush to settle the wages and payments without Estrella’s needing to step in?
Estrella chuckled, “What can I say? I guess I’m just the nearest lawyer to him.”
Jason was not convinced and set down the book he was holding. Before he could articulate his thoughts, Estrella cut in. “Jason, haven’t done anything to provoke you tonight. I haven’t even breathed loudly, so please, no picking fights.”
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