Chapter 44
Bryce’s expression instantly darkened. “It’s been these years. Is Jason that sentimental? If he really cared that much, couldn’t he spare some of that affection for you?”
A soft chuckle escaped Estrella’s lips. “Cut it out, Bryce. You’re actually getting worked up
over this.”
The more Estrella laughed, the more Bryce’s brow furrowed in annoyance. No need to spell it out – after returning from the cemetery, Jason must have given her the cold shoulder.
If his heart belonged to someone else, why did he agree to this marriage? To wed her and leave her alone, what was that all about?
His
gaze turned icy as he faced Estrella. “Listen, Estrella, get a grip. And how can you be sure th
those fortune-tellers are right if you haven’t tested them yourself? Are you really going to tie yourself to Jason for life?”
Bryce, talking seriously and sternly, got a reluctant promise from Estrella to consider leaving Jason. His mood lightened only after she conceded.
They resumed their meal and light conversation until Estrella, wiping her hands with a napkin, stood up from the sofa. “I should head back. You should get some rest too.”
Bryce got to his feet as well. “Why go back? Someone waiting for you? Or someone to warm your bed?”
“As Estrella turned to leave, she swiftly kicked Bryce’s backside. “You are bold today, huh?”
Unfazed, Bryce patted his bottom and casually said, “Go on. Get washed up and hit the sack.”
Reminded by Bryce, Estrella really did replace going back pointless. She stretched and headed to the bedroom.
Bryce, with his hands tucked in his pockets, watched Estrella let go of the idea of returning home, and his mood improved further.
At the same time, Jason had left Serene’s place and parked his car by the curbside.
“Jason, I understand without you saying a word. I won’t call the cops.”
“Jason, Serene saved both you and me. She’s an innocent victim in all this. If I can’t make it through this ordeal, she’s going to be my stand-in. You need to look after her.”
Jason, with his left arm resting on the car window, lit a cigarette with his right hand and took a deep drag, exhaling a perfect ring of smoke.
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Chapter 44
Memories surged, darkening his expression even further. He finished his cigarette in silence and finally started his car, heading towards Sandalwood Oasis.
When he arrived home, Marie came in from the backyard, surprised to see him. “Mr. Jason, you’re back!”
“Yeah,” Jason responded tersely as he moved upstairs. Marie called out again, “Sir.”
He paused and turned. Marie awkwardly informed him, “Ms. Estrella just stepped out.”
Then, as if to cover for Estrella, she added, “She seemed in a hurry. Must have been something urgent.”
At the mention of Estrella’s sudden departure, Jason’s face turned stormy. He pulled out his phone and dialed her number. His departure followed by her immediate exit wasn’t the first time.
Watching Jason ascend the stairs, Marie wiped her hands on her apron and sighed.
Back at Bryce’s place, Estrella’s phone, which she left on the sofa, began to ring. Bryce, with the beer in his hand, came over. He saw it was Jason calling, and his mood soured once again.
He tossed the half-finished beer into the trash and grabbed Estrella’s phone,
disconnecting the call without a second thought.
Jason couldn’t forget Holly and he also had Serene; he just needed them and that was enough. After hanging up, Bryce switched off her phone too.
On the other end, Jason’s face grew even darker when the call disconnected.
The next morning, Estrella woke up stretching and found Bryce in the kitchen. He was preparing breakfast. With his mouth full, Bryce mumbled, “Clean up and eat. I ordered us some takeout.”
Estrella yawned. “Let me know when you actually cook. Then we’ll talk.”
Bryce wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Even if I manage to cook, you wouldn’t eat!”
“Help me take my clothes to the dry cleaner if you’ve got nothing better to do,” Estrella
instructed.
“Consider it done,” Bryce assured her.
As they sat down to eat, Bryce didn’t bring up Jason’s call or the fact that he had turned off her phone. So, when Estrella finished work and saw Jason’s car parked outside the law firm, she was genuinely surprised.
Jason stared at her from inside his car, and Estrella approached with composure. “Working on a case?”
Jason looked up. His voice was cold. “Estrella, are you so eager to work on your own
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divorce?”
Estrella laughed. “Just preparing myself! Either have your kid or I take half your assets.”
Her indifference irked Jason. “Get in the car.”
Estrella leaned on his window. Her eyebrows raised playfully. “I only meet men in bed. You sure about this?”
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