Chapter 67
Estrella turned to look at Jason and couldn’t help but laugh, “Well, aren’t you in the mood? Your wish is my command.”
But as soon as Jason finished his shower and stepped out of the bathroom, he found her back at the computer, poring over case files. She was still wearing her sultry nightgown, but her face showed no sign of desire.
Jason slowed his towel-drying and his expression darkened, “Playing lip service again, huh?” She had been teasing him at the bar earlier, only to lead him on.
Hearing his words, Estrella glanced over her shoulder, holding printed documents in hand, “I promise I’ll make it up to you tomorrow.”
Before Jason could respond, she continued, “This case is a bit complex. I won’t be able to sleep until I get a handle on it.”
Beneath her playful exterior, Estrella was a true workaholic.
Jason tossed the towel aside and ran a hand through his hair, his tone indifferent, “Estrella, you’re running low on credibility with me. Cut out the empty promises.”
Estrella set aside her work and stood up, wrapping her arms around his neck, “Are you upset?” He removed her hands without a word,
She hugged him again, “Come on, don’t be mad. Let me sort out my thoughts, and I’ll join you for a bit of fun. I’m just not in the mood right now.”
Again, Jason peeled her arms away, “I’m not as eager as you are. Go entertain yourself.”
Since Estrella didn’t have any such intentions, Jason didn’t have much interest either. After all, it was always Estrella who initiated things, spicing the mood between them.
After being pushed away again, Estrella called out with a feigned stern face, “Jason.”
Jason adjusted her slipping gown and spoke calmly, “Thought you had work to do. Get to
it.”
Seeing that Jason wasn’t really angry, Estrella pushed her luck, “You’re not doing anything anyway. Come help me sort out these case files.”
Not only did she not let him make love with her, but she also expected him to help her with the work in the middle of the night.
Still, Jason ended up helping her.
As Estrella sifted through the files, she explained, “It’s a murder case. The suspect is a boy who just turned 20 last month. His mother was bullied by her in-laws when he was seven. After speaking out for her side of family, his father and uncles beat his mother to death in
front of him.”
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11:30
“In the countryside, and with the whole family involved, the case just fizzled out back then. “The boy’s mother died, and the boy’s father remarried within six months. You can imagine his life after that – never a full stomach, but no shortage of beatings.
“At eleven, he ran away from home. I can’t even begin to imagine what he went through over those nine years. He’s not talkative, and before I officially took on the case, I visited him twice, spending a lot of effort to get him to speak.
“Two months ago, he returned to his hometown. He waited for the right moment and killed his father and uncles, without harming anyone else, not even his grandparents who egged on the beating.”
Estrella’s voice grew heavy with emotion. After a moment of silence, she continued slowly, “If his father and uncles had shown a little mercy back then, the boy wouldn’t have to live with hatred his entire life.”
She paused, then added, “Back then, in the countryside, drinking pesticide, hanging, and jumping into rivers were the exclusive ways women died. Despite the progress we’ve made, advocating for gender equality and justice, true fairness for women remains elusive.”
That was why she took on divorce and civil cases, no matter how trivial family disputes. seemed to others. She listened and did everything to solve them, because you never know what dangers lurk behind the things people take for granted.
It was rare for Estrella to be so earnestly reflective, especially on such a grave subject. Jason realized why she had previously accused him of being oblivious to the hardships of the world. The legal profession indeed exposed one to the dark underbelly of society and the failings of humanity.
Lifting his right hand, he massaged the back of her neck, and Estrella let out a long sigh, “No one should see only darkness in life, or live forever in the shadows of resentment.”
“I’m not seeking acquittal or a short sentence, just hoping to get him life imprisonment, with a chance for parole later on.” As Estrella finished, Jason’s grip on her neck tightened. slightly, a sign of his empathy with her heavy heart. She was indeed not in the mood for anything else tonight.
Estrella gently clasped Jason’s wrist, “The law isn’t perfect, but I hope for a bit more fairness in society.”
Estrella finished, and Jason leaned in to kiss her lightly, “You work on that. I’ll go warm you some milk.”
Her mood lifted at his gesture, and she teased, “Feeling sympathetic, huh? You’re such a sucker, Jason.”
He pinched her cheek playfully, “Focus on your work.”
2/3
11:30
With that, Jason got up to make her a warm milk, knowing her tease was meant to lighten the mood and spare him from sinking into sorrow.
When he returned with the milk, Estrella was so absorbed in her work, she didn’t notice until he called her name. Distractedly, she drank the milk.
Then, while Estrella worked, Jason sat beside her, looking over the case files. Time passed, and when Jason looked back at Estrella, she had succumbed to exhaustion, her head resting on the desk.
Carefully, he lifted her and carried her back to bed. In their own way, this was a
comfortable routine for them.
Next morning, as Jason woke and opened his eyes, he found Estrella already awake, lying on her side in bed, watching him. Her eyelids didn’t flutter, her eyes sparkled with light.
Seeing Jason stir from his slumber, Estrella’s feet crept covertly beneath the warm cocoon of their shared quilt, her toes playfully grazing his legs. “Was it you who swept me off my feet and into bed last night?” she teased with a whisper.
Jason, feigning a solemn tone, brushed her foot aside. “Nope, wasn’t me.”
Estrella, not one to back down easily, draped her left leg over him in a flirty gesture. “Why the two faces, Jason? Angel by day, devil by night?”
He quirked an eyebrow. “And just what devilish face are you referring to?”
With a sly grin, Estrella retorted, “You’re particularly susceptible to temptation after dark. She paused before playfully warning, “Just make sure you don’t go around falling for every girl who drops her panties.”
She’d been shedding layers for more than two years, and he’d never made a move. The very idea of him doing so with anyone else was even more unlikely.
Disgusted, he tossed aside Estrella’s leg, intent on getting up. But in a swift movement, Estrella flipped over him, her fingers intertwining with his, her voice dripping with seduction. “Seems like I’ve spotted your little tent, Jason. Should Lhelp you take care of it
now?”
A moment later, she added, “Whoa, you’re poking me there.”
11:301
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