Chapter 42
No sooner had Erin stepped out of Jason’s office than Estrella breezed in, clutching a sheaf of documents in her hand. With a smile, she pulled out the chair opposite Jason’s desk. “Heard you had someone rough up Erin last night.”
Jason looked up. “Isn’t that what you wanted to see?”
Estrella’s smile widened. “You know me so well, huh?”
As she sat down, she tossed a playful barb his way. “You’d make a perfect husband if you only liked me a bit more.”
Before Jason could respond, Estrella handed over the documents, getting back to business. “The legal department says you need to sign off on these.”
He took the papers, but Jason’s thoughts lingered on her earlier quip about his lack of affection. He skimmed the document briefly before scribbling his signature at the bottom, next to the “Party A” section.
Estrella collected the signed papers. “So cooperative! I should reward you with a surprise tonight.”
Jason was unmoved. “I’ll pass.” The only surprises Estrella offered were the kind you’d rather avoid.
“Oh, come on, we’re an old married couple now. No need for formalities!” she said with al chuckle, standing up.
Just then, Jason’s phone buzzed. He appeared busy with work, so Estrella whispered a goodbye. Her face was beaming with satisfaction as she left his office.
In the corridor, right after Estrella’s departure, Serene rounded the corner. Spotting Estrella, she approached with a smile. “Hey, Estrella.”
With a nonchalant “hmm,” Estrella acknowledged her. Serene glanced at the documents. “You were getting Jason to sign off on these, right?”
After her remark, she grabbed Estrella’s arm, whispering urgently, “I never touched anything in your room the other night. I just sat by your dresser all evening, and Jason, he also…”
Before Serene could finish, Estrella cut her off. “Serene, live your own life and don’t ruin it for yourself.”
If Serene hadn’t brought it up, Estrella would have almost forgotten. She was not sure if Serene was genuinely explaining or not.
Serene looked troubled, speaking softly, “I know. I just didn’t want you to get the wrong
idea.”
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12:48
Chapter 47
As if truly concerned about upsetting Estrella, Serene quickly raised the lunchbox she was holding “I made Jason some soup. You should have some too, Estrella!”
Serene’s deferential demeanor was met with a half-smile from Estrella. “Well, I can’t say no to that”
Then, Estrella took the whole thermos from Serene’s hands. Making soup early in the morning took more effort than she would ever bother with. No wonder Jason kept her around.
Serene hesitated, reminding Estrella, “You can’t finish all that soup by yourself. There’s also…”
Estrella assured her, “Don’t worry. I’ve got a big appetite.”
Serene looked troubled, but Estrella coldly added, “Serene, I’m not a man to fall for your damsel in distress act. Jason isn’t someone you should pine for. Keep your ambitions in check.”
Serene grew anxious. “Estrella, I’m just grateful to Jason. I…”
Estrella, uninterested in hearing more, simply walked away.
“Ms. Estrella,” Drew called out, stepping out of a nearby office.
Without a word, Estrella handed him the thermos. “Toss this for me. And if Jason eats any
of her food, Drew, you can forget about your own meals from now on.”
Drew felt a surge of anxiety but quickly reassured her, “Don’t worry, Ms. Estrella. I’ll -personally oversee his meals.”
Knowing it was best not to cross Estrella, Drew reminded Serene once more after Estrella had left, insisting that he would handle Jason’s dining arrangements.
Serene remained silent, watching Estrella and Drew leave before she turned to seek out Jason. She timidly knocked on the office door, and Jason, sensing something amiss, asked, “Ran into Estrella?”
“Yes,” Serene confirmed. “I made you some soup, but Estrella…”
She swallowed her words, noticing the look in Jason’s eyes. Changing the subject, she asked, “Are we still visiting the cemetery this afternoon?”
“Yes,”
“Then I’ll go get things ready.”
Out of nowhere, Jason warned, “Stay away from Estrella.”
Serene paused, and then softly agreed, “Okay.”
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12:48
Chapter 42
Jason returned to Sandalwood Oasis after 9 in the evening. Estrella had arrived earlier than him. Greeting him as usual, she said, “Back already?”
Jason hung his coat on the rack. “You threw out Serene’s soup today?”
Estrella’s smile didn’t waver. “Fancy y some soup? I’ll have Marie cook up a few pots for you. tomorrow. Whatever kind you want.”
At her indifference, Jason’s voice turned icy. “Estrella, stop bullying the easy targets.”
That comment amused Estrella, who abruptly halted her approach, crossing her arms over her chest. After a moment of staring at Jason, she quipped, “If I don’t bully her a bit, it’s almost like I’m not giving you the chance to protect her.”
Jason shot her a cold look, and Estrella’s laughter grew louder. She wanted to retort, but ended up just chuckling, “Scared I’ll go after her? Then let’s have a kid! You could move out and live with her if you want.”
even
The words came out with laughter, but there was an indescribable taste to them. She was stung by Jason’s scathing gaze.
Jason’s reply was dismissive. “Forget about the kid.”
Estrella’s smile slowly faded into a rigid mask. He had been questioning and warning her since the moment he walked in the door, but she had remained amiable, even cheerful. Now, she couldn’t muster a smile any longer.
The tension between them was palpable when Jason’s cellphone suddenly broke the silence. He averted his gaze to answer the call and Serene’s voice came through, “Jason, I left my bag in your car. Are you free right now? Can I come pick it up?”
Jason replied, “Give me half an hour. Meet me downstairs to get it.”
Hearing that Jason would bring her the bag, Serene perked up with delight. “Great, Jason, I’ll be waiting for you.”
After hanging up, Jason cast a cool glance at Estrella before leaving the bedroom they shared.
Alone in the room, Estrella let out a mocking laugh. He claimed he only owed Serene a favor, but she just couldn’t believe his words.
As the sound of the car starting up reached her ears, Estrella snapped back to reality and noticed a few petals on the carpet by the door. Curious, she approached and picked them up. They were yellow rose petals. Jason had visited the cemetery today, and Serene had accompanied him.
Estrella gazed at the two stray petals when suddenly her own phone, nestled in her
pocket, began to ring with an unknown number. Without any rush, Estrella answered, only
to be greeted by an explosive voice on the other end, “Estrella, help me!”
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